Cheaper By the Dozen
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Movie Reviews of Cheaper By the Dozen
Movie Review: An enjoyable movie
Summary: 5 Stars
I went into this film not knowing quite what to expect...would it just be mainly a vehicle to even more Hilary Duff publicity? What kind of family film would it be? As it turned out, I enjoyed "Cheaper by the Dozen" very much and found it to be very fun and upbeat. It's one of those movies where you feel almost exhausted during and after because of the chaos of a 14-person family that most of us can only imagine...but it is all in good fun, and the film is one that can generally target large families, the young at heart, and those who just want something simple, lively, and innocent to cheer them up. I really respect director Sean Levy's approach to the casting; Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are classic veterans who really know how to play the role of loving parent to a T, and getting a few familiar faces for the parts of the three oldest children (Piper Perabo, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling) helped attract interest. The younger children were very well casted and though most of them had no prior experience, it contributed to their ability to act like real children and keep the movie at its desired level of entertainment and realism regarding a large, chaotic family. I personally favored the performances of Liliana Mumy, the redhaired twin Jessica (whom you may remember from her debut role in the Santa Clause 2) and Alyson Stoner as smart-alecky Sarah, who has some of the best lines and the most natural on-screen expression. Both are very, very talented young kids, and I look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
All in all, "Cheaper by the Dozen" is just a lighthearted, enjoyable flick that does not seek to convey anything but entertainment. One might wonder why the older kids do not help out more or why the children seem to be controlling their parents at times, but the overall tone points to the general likability of the Baker clan and that basic essence of fun that makes the entire movie for those who are looking for that type of genre. There are also some sentimental parts that stress the idea of family unity and just might make you well up a bit! =) The DVD, too, is very good, with some enjoyable deleted scenes and two commentaries from Sean Levy and some of the Baker kids. The one with the kids is really very entertaining, as they sound exactly like normal kids their age: giggly, high personality, and constantly interrupting each other so they can each get their word in. I agree with another reviewer that it does wear a bit thin after a while, but it's something funny and enjoyable to listen to from time to time. It's also interesting to hear the viewpoints on these young actors, because Heaven knows kids are honest!! =)
Overall, then, this movie is what it is: clean, funny, and a genuine member of the "family film" category. If nothing else, it can lift your spirits and be a nice "escape" with characters you can appreciate and relate to; a storyline that works; and an ending concoction that kids and adults alike can take interest in.
Movie Review: One of Steve Martin & Ashton Kutcher's Best Performances
Summary: 5 Stars
It's not easy living in a house with eleven kids, a dog, and various slithery creatures that make their way into the kitchen at the worst possible times, and Tom Baker (Steve Martin) knows that better than anyone. For he is the father of twelve kids - eleven if you count that one of them has moved out. When Tom is offered a job to coach football at a College in Illinois, and announces that his family is moving, there are complaints all around. But, the money is better, so the Baker family moves to a middle-class neighborhood, where they don't exactly fit in. The teenagers of the family, Charlie (Tom Welling), and Lorraine (Hilary Duff) are constantly in verbal fights with the popular kids; while the younger kids, mainly Jake (Jacob Smith) and Sarah (Alyson Stoner), are in constant fist-fights. The family has pretty much turned into one filled with a bunch of whiners, except when older sister Nora (Piper Perabo), stops by for dinner with her self-obsessed, model/actor boyfriend, Hank (Ashton Kutcher), and the kids wreak havoc on him. When Tom's wife, Kate (Bonnie Hunt), publishes a book, she is immediately sent on the road to plug it's release. Hence, Tom is left to take care of the kids by himself, and problems galore ensue.
I have seen Steve Martin (THE MAN WITH TWO BRAINS and L.A. STORY) in various movies, but his role as the clueless, dim-witted, always smiling father in this film was utterly hilarious. Bonnie Hunt (WAITRESS and JERRY MAGUIRE) was fabulous as the mother - a role which she plays in almost every film she's in. Hilary Duff's (THE LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE and A CINDERELLA STORY) role was a little strange, as she seemed to be playing herself thrown into a family of small-town dwellers who don't like the city. but was good in her own right, as she has a cute, bubbly personality that lights up the screen. However, probably one of the best performances came from Ashton Kutcher (THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT and DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR?), as the self-absorbed, waif-like model, who watches his commercials on TV all day, and talks about nothing but himself. Throughout the movie, whenever he appeared on screen it was hard to contain your laughter. Overall, this was a fabulous family film that can be enjoyed by all, even if you don't have a large family.
Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper
Movie Review: With Twelve You Get Headache!
Summary: 5 Stars
After seeing "Cheaper By The Dozen", I wonder if this was a working title of this motion picture. Kate and Thomas Baker (Bonnie Hunt, Steve Martin) are middle class parents trying to juggle careers and restore sanity in the Baker household. The overall result is both dramatic and hilarious, which proves once again why Steve Martin is the master of his craft - wearing two hats as a standout comedic and dramatic actor. Martin was equally as successful as advertising executive Neal Page 16 years earlier in the touching motion picture "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", where he was dealing with a similar, yet different situational predicament with one Del Griffith ([the late, great] John Candy). But this time, Thomas Baker's worries are 12 times greater, which means 12 times the laughs, and, in some cases, 12 times the tears, as the Baker clan says goodbye to the rural community they'd been attatched to for several years, and hello to the big city. This move opens up new doors for Tom and Kate, as Tom receives an offer to coach football at a local high school for, of course, bigger bucks, and Kate has a book publishing deal looming on the horizon. Also, the Baker children, 12 strong, are also part of this package deal, and when you have this many kids, things are bound to get topsy-turvy, which is the case when Kate leaves for New York to promote her book, while Tom is "stuck" in Chicago looking after the kids and his career simultaneously. Of all the younger members of the Baker clan, Hilary Duff's performance stands out the most, and, at 15, her future is bound to get brighter and brighter with each new release. By contrast, Steve Martin, at 58, shows no sign of slowing down, or retiring, for that matter, as a running scene in "Cheaper By The Dozen" will attest to that fact. Bonnie Hunt shows her wares as a seasoned actress, and Ashton Kutcher turns in a good performance as well. All of the above qualities make "Cheaper By The Dozen" a movie worth seeing. If you weren't one of the lucky ones who caught the November 28th sneak preview, don't despair. It opens in theaters nationwide December 25th. Be sure and take your "dozen" to see these "dozen". You won't have to wait much longer!Movie Review: Wow
Summary: 5 Stars
I am amazed by this movie. I loved it. Not only was it heartfelt, funny, and exciting, but it was also very interesting. It could definatly keep my attention.
I loved how this movie portrayed the parents as such easygoing characters. The twins were hilarious. When watching this movie on DvD, i especially loved watching the movie with the kid's commentary. Also during the movie, i also gained a huge crush on Jake Smith...shhh. So now i watch the movie whenever i can. I also loved the way sarah had her " i do what i want, when i want" attitude. The twins(both sets) were hilarious(i call shotgun)Hilary Duff(Lorraine)played the perfect part as the drama/beauty queen. Tom is just a naturally great actor, and his role completely showed how highschool can really be. Piper as Nora was extremely loving and her heartfelt gestures to her family were very realistic..as someone who had 11 siblings would be. Henry(kevin) was really funny...really really funny and he was awesome on the kids commentary. I loved Mike(Blake) I thought he was incredibly cute and really funny, especially when he was hanging off the roof and screaming. And last but most definely not least is Forrest, who played mark. He was awesome...he made me cry. Wut can i say, im very emo. And that line was great when mark saw his family again." Yeah, i mean, without you we wouldn't be the 12 bakers anymore. We'd be like...11. I love that line. The only thing is that i rally wish you could have put in the deleted babysitter scene. i watched it and was doubled over laughing " I say we glue her to the crapper". Wicked awesome line. You also had really great music in the movie. Sum 41 and Simple Plan, wicked awesome bands. More music like that, maybe add some blink, or some fall out boy...or my chemical romance...well maybe not that cuz of the lyrics..ok so yeah...
By the way, I really shouldn't be writing on this review, since in 14, but i dont really care.. just want everyone to see it. Since it was mostly a kids movie anyway, maybe the kids of cbtd will see the review.
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Movie Review: WATCH IT A DOZEN TIMES
Summary: 5 Stars
Movie Title: Cheaper By The Dozen
Produced by: 20th Century Fox
Date Released: 25 December 2003
Length: 1hr. 57min.
Rating: PG
Do you love humorous movies that make you want to laugh out loud? Then, Cheaper by the Dozen is the right movie for you. There are lots of hilarious parts like when the dog kept biting the man's leg because the man smelt like meat. Mainly this movie is about two parents that have twelve kids and are moving to a new place because their dad is going to have a new job. The kids do not want to move though so there are many ups and downs throughout out the movie.
Cheaper by the Dozen can relate to someone that lives in a big family. It shows how you work out the problems and get along with each other. There are very famous actors in this film like Hilary Duff and Steve Martin. All of the characters make the movie great to watch with their energetic fun parts.
This movie is so good, because not only is it hilarious, but it has compassionate parts too. The family members show each other that they care for one another. These characters are fun and loving and filled with excitement.
The movie does have bad language and is pg. I would suggest this movie to older viewers. This is a family movie that parents would like too. Kids of eight and up should watch this movie because of the language.
I liked this movie and you will too. Like I said before Cheaper by the Dozen is not only funny but caring to. It makes you feel like you are a part of the family. You'll want to watch it a dozen times.