I’m one of the people that went into watching Cheaper by the Dozen expecting to hate it. Why do we need another version of the same movie remade again? Being a fan of the 1950s version of the film, so much that the 2003 version felt like an unneeded update – that’s what I was expecting this new version to end up listed as well.
But somewhere in the first half-hour of the movie, I found myself unwillingly hooked on this new version. We do have the basic blended family dynamic happening, but this time we see a more modern look at the family dynamic – divorced parents, adopted children, mixed races, and even cousins being brought into the mix. It deals with real-world issues like bullying, relocations, different family dynamics when it comes to race and relationships. These issues, hard to tackle in any form of media were put together in a light and almost relatable way that will make it easier to open discussions for families watching the film.
It seems like they poured the modern world and melting pot into the film. And with Zack Braff narrating, it will take many millennial viewers back to watching Scrubs the first time. I’m not sure what kind of magic they put into this film, but it quickly melted my hard cynical heart against it and found a way to make me laugh and even feel for the family. The movie did seem a bit too long at times, or to drag a little, but not enough to make you turn the film off.
Cheaper by the Dozen is now available on Disney+. The movie, while sharing names with the two other versions took the story in a completely different direction and brings it into the modern age. It’s a nice change to see the blended family dealing with modern issues and not just a complete fluff film while maintaining a family-friendly theme so kids can enjoy not only seeing themselves in this story but can enjoy it with their friends as well.
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About Cheaper By the Dozen
The Disney+ Original movie “Cheaper by the Dozen,” which is a fresh take on the 2003 hit family comedy starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff, will premiere March 18, 2022, exclusively on Disney+. Check out the trailer for a glimpse at the funny and heartwarming story of the raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business. “Cheaper by the Dozen” is directed by Gail Lerner with a screenplay by Kenya Barris & Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry based upon the novel by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Kenya Barris is producing, with Shawn Levy, Gabrielle Union, Brian Dobbins and Donald J. Lee, Jr. serving as executive producers. The movie stars Gabrielle Union, Zach Braff, Erika Christensen, Timon Kyle Durrett, Journee Brown, Kylie Rogers, Andre Robinson, Caylee Blosenski, Aryan Simhadri, Leo Abelo Perry, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Christian Cote, Sebastian Cote and Luke Prael.