Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Synopsis:
The Baker family faces major upheaval when father Tom accepts a coaching position at Northwestern University, prompting the entire household to relocate to Chicago. With twelve children in tow, parents Tom and Kate must navigate the challenges of settling into their new life while balancing demanding careers—he's coaching football and she's pursuing her writing. The family's adjustment takes a turn when work obligations increasingly pull both parents away from home, leaving their large brood to fend for themselves. As the kids grow bored without proper supervision, their behavior becomes progressively more mischievous, testing the limits of the family's ability to stay connected. This comedy follows the chaotic household as they learn whether their family bonds can withstand the pressures of change and the complications that arise when a dozen children are left largely unsupervised.
Where To Watch: Cheaper by the Dozen
Parental Feedback
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) delivers a fast-paced family comedy that balances lighthearted humor with moments of genuine family chaos and emotional tension. Parents should expect slapstick situations, sibling rivalry, and the challenges of work-life balance as central themes throughout. The tone remains mostly upbeat and accessible, though the escalating mischief and family conflicts may resonate differently depending on your own household dynamics.
Why Kids Should Watch Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) offers several positive elements that make it appealing for family viewing.
The story showcases the importance of family unity and sticking together through major life changes. When the Baker family relocates to Chicago for Tom's coaching position at Northwestern University, children see how families navigate transitions and adapt to new environments.
The ensemble cast featuring twelve children provides representation of different ages and personalities, allowing young viewers to identify with various characters. The sibling dynamics, while chaotic, demonstrate how large families function and support one another.
The comedy style is accessible and physical, with humor that appeals to a wide age range without relying on complex jokes. Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt bring warmth to their roles as parents trying to balance career ambitions with family responsibilities.
The underlying message about prioritizing family over professional success offers a valuable lesson. As work demands pull Tom and Kate away from home, the story explores what happens when parents become too focused on their careers.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Parents may want to consider several aspects before viewing with younger or more sensitive children.
The increasingly mischievous behavior of the children when left unsupervised could be imitated by young viewers. The chaos and pranks escalate throughout the story, and some children might not understand that these actions have real consequences.
The theme of parental absence and children feeling neglected may be emotionally challenging for some families. Kids who have experienced similar situations with busy parents might find certain scenes uncomfortable or triggering.
The depiction of sibling conflict and rivalry, while realistic for large families, includes arguments and tension that could be intense for children from smaller or calmer households. The sheer volume of chaos and noise throughout may overwhelm more sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) earns approval as a generally wholesome family comedy that addresses real challenges of balancing work and family life, though parents should preview for younger or sensitive children.
What Parents Should Know About Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie ultimately reinforces family loyalty and the importance of parents being present, though much of the runtime focuses on chaotic and mischievous behavior before reaching that conclusion. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the story includes scenes where children feel abandoned or neglected when their parents prioritize work, which may resonate emotionally with some viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The escalating mischief does lead to consequences as the family situation deteriorates, demonstrating that actions affect the entire household. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The large family dynamic naturally requires cooperation and compromise, and the resolution emphasizes coming together and supporting one another. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message is that family should come first and that career success means little without maintaining strong family connections. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally view Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) as an entertaining family comedy that successfully portrays the challenges of raising a large family while managing career demands. Many appreciate the relatable themes of work-life balance and the realistic depiction of sibling dynamics, even when chaotic. The PG rating feels appropriate to most families, with the humor remaining largely innocent despite the escalating mischief. Some parents note that the movie works best for children old enough to understand that the unsupervised chaos shouldn't be replicated at home, while others appreciate the ultimate message about prioritizing family relationships over professional ambitions.
Official Cheaper by the Dozen Trailer
Why Kids Love Cheaper by the Dozen
Kids love watching the Baker household descend into total chaos when twelve children are left to their own devices. The movie delivers non-stop slapstick comedy as the kids crash into furniture, create messes in every room, and turn their Chicago home into a disaster zone that gets funnier by the minute.
The pranks and mishaps pile up as the Baker children team up to cause mayhem throughout the house. Cartoon-style chaos erupts when the kids run wild, with chasing scenes through hallways and rooms that showcase their mischievous energy. Every corner of their home becomes a playground for silly jokes and awkward situations that keep the laughs coming.
The sheer number of funny characters means something ridiculous happens every few minutes. From Sarah's antics to Jake's troublemaking, each Baker kid contributes to the household pandemonium. When Tom tries to wrangle all twelve children while coaching football, the collision of his two worlds creates perfectly timed comedic disasters.
The movie shines when the entire Baker crew works together, turning their teamwork into elaborate schemes. Their collective energy transforms ordinary family moments into spectacular crashes, spills, and laugh-out-loud mishaps that celebrate the beautiful chaos of having so many siblings under one roof.