Alright, buckle up, butter your popcorn, and get ready for a wild ride down memory lane! Remember those simpler times when family comedies ruled the box office? Well, I do, and that's why I decided to revisit a classic: Cheaper by the Dozen 2 . Was it as funny as I remembered? Did it hold up to the test of time? Let's find out in this Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Movie Review: More Big Family Fun where we'll dive into the chaos, the heart, and maybe even shed a tear or two (spoiler alert: it involves a sentimental dad moment).
This movie brought back a tidal wave of nostalgia. Seeing the Baker family back on screen, navigating the complexities of a rapidly growing brood while facing off against a rival family, really highlighted the enduring appeal of family-centric comedies. It’s not just about the laughs (though there are plenty), but about the relatable struggles and triumphs of raising a big family and clinging to those precious moments before the kids fly the nest. Plus, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt? Comedy gold, pure and simple.
My main goal in revisiting Cheaper by the Dozen 2 was simple: to see if the movie still resonated with me as an adult. Did the humor still land? Were the characters still endearing? And perhaps most importantly, did it offer any new insights or perspectives that I might have missed as a kid? As a kid, all I saw was the slapstick and the sheer pandemonium of a huge family. Now, I was curious to see if it tackled any real issues or offered a deeper message about family dynamics.
Ultimately, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Movie Review: More Big Family Fun reveals a film that, while not perfect, still manages to deliver on its promise of heartwarming family entertainment. The humor might be a bit broad at times, but the genuine affection between the characters and the film’s overall message about cherishing family bonds make it a worthwhile watch. So, grab your family, settle in, and prepare for a dose of laughter and maybe even a few happy tears. And hey, if you're looking for a movie that celebrates the joys and challenges of big family life, you could do a lot worse than this.
The Baker Family Vacation (Gone Wrong?)
A Quick Recap of the Dozen
Before we get into the Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Movie Review: More Big Family Fun , let's refresh our memories. The Baker family, headed by Frank (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt), consists of twelve children. Yes, twelve ! The first movie centered on their move from a small town to the big city after Frank gets his dream job as a college football coach. Cheaper by the Dozen 2 picks up a few years later, with the older kids starting to grow up and move on, causing Frank to feel the pangs of an empty nest.
The Lake Winnetka Getaway
To recapture the "good old days," Frank decides to take the entire family to Lake Winnetka for one last summer vacation together. Little does he know, their idyllic retreat is about to be disrupted by the arrival of the Murtaughs, a competitive and wealthy family led by the overachieving Jimmy (Eugene Levy).
Baker vs. Murtaugh: The Ultimate Family Face-Off
The movie quickly devolves into a series of escalating competitions between the Bakers and the Murtaughs, fueled by Frank and Jimmy's long-standing rivalry. We see everything from water sports showdowns to talent show battles, each more absurd and hilarious than the last.
More Than Just Competition: Family Matters
While the rivalry provides plenty of comedic fodder, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 also delves into more serious themes. We see the older Baker kids struggling with their own identities and futures, while Frank grapples with the realization that his children are growing up and moving on. There's also a subplot involving Lorraine (Hilary Duff) and her relationship with Jimmy Murtaugh's son, which adds a touch of teenage romance to the mix.
What Worked (and What Didn't)
The Heart of the Movie: Family Bonds
At its core, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a celebration of family. Despite the chaos and the constant bickering, the Bakers genuinely love and support each other. The movie highlights the importance of these bonds, especially during times of transition and change. Even the rivalry with the Murtaughs ultimately serves to bring the Bakers closer together.
Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt: A Perfect Pairing
Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are perfectly cast as Frank and Kate Baker. They have a natural chemistry and comedic timing that elevates the entire movie. Martin's physical comedy is on full display, while Hunt brings a grounded and relatable warmth to her role as the matriarch of the family.
The Humor: Hit or Miss?
The humor in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is definitely broad and sometimes relies on slapstick. While some of the gags land perfectly, others feel a bit forced or predictable. However, even the weaker jokes are delivered with such enthusiasm and charm that it's hard not to crack a smile.
The Plot: Predictable but Comforting
Let's be honest: the plot of Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is fairly predictable. You know from the beginning that the Bakers and the Murtaughs will eventually find common ground and that Frank will ultimately learn to accept that his children are growing up. However, the predictability is part of the movie's charm. It's a comforting and familiar story that delivers exactly what you expect: a feel-good family comedy with a heartwarming message.
The Pacing: A Bit Rushed
One of the biggest weaknesses of Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is its pacing. With so many characters and storylines to juggle, the movie feels a bit rushed at times. Some of the subplots could have been developed further, and the ending feels a bit too abrupt.
Behind-the-Scenes Fun Facts
The Original Book
Did you know that Cheaper by the Dozen was originally a semi-autobiographical book written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey? The book tells the story of their childhood growing up in a family of twelve children with efficiency expert parents.
The Real-Life Inspiration
The Gilbreth family was a real-life family known for their pioneering work in the field of motion study and industrial efficiency. Their techniques were even used to improve surgical procedures!
From Book to Movie: Multiple Adaptations
Cheaper by the Dozen has been adapted into a movie several times. The first adaptation was a 1950 film starring Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy. The 2003 and 2005 films, starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, are more loosely based on the book and focus on a more modern family.
Filming Locations
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 was filmed in various locations in Canada, including Ontario and British Columbia. The picturesque lake scenes were filmed on Lake Rosseau in Ontario.
Hilary Duff's Singing Debut
Hilary Duff, who played Lorraine Baker, sang the song "Come Clean" for the movie's soundtrack. The song became a hit and helped launch her music career.
FAQ: All Your Burning Questions Answered!
Is Cheaper by the Dozen 2 a good movie?
That depends on what you're looking for! If you're in the mood for a lighthearted, feel-good family comedy with plenty of slapstick humor, then yes, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is definitely worth a watch. However, if you're expecting a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, you might be disappointed. As highlighted in this Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Movie Review: More Big Family Fun , it's a movie that prioritizes heart and humor over complexity and originality.
Is it necessary to watch the first Cheaper by the Dozen movie before watching the sequel?
While it's not strictly necessary, watching the first movie will definitely enhance your enjoyment of Cheaper by the Dozen 2 . It will give you a better understanding of the characters and their relationships, as well as the backstory of the Baker family.
Is Cheaper by the Dozen 2 appropriate for children?
Yes, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a family-friendly movie that is appropriate for children of all ages. There is no violence, profanity, or sexual content. However, some of the humor might be a bit too broad for younger children to fully appreciate.
Where can I watch Cheaper by the Dozen 2 ?
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is available to stream on various platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase the movie on digital platforms like iTunes and Google Play.
Will there be a Cheaper by the Dozen 3 ?
As of now, there are no plans for a Cheaper by the Dozen 3 . However, with the success of the Disney+ reboot of the original Cheaper by the Dozen , it's always possible that we could see another installment in the future.
What is the message of Cheaper by the Dozen 2 ?
The main message of Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is about the importance of family and cherishing the time you have together. The movie also explores themes of growing up, letting go, and accepting change. It's a reminder that even though families can be chaotic and challenging, they are also the most important things in our lives. This Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Movie Review: More Big Family Fun hopes it resonates with you as much as it did with me.
Final Thoughts
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it's a fun and heartwarming family comedy that delivers exactly what it promises. The movie is filled with plenty of laughs, memorable characters, and a message about the importance of family that will resonate with audiences of all ages. While the plot is predictable and the humor is sometimes broad, the genuine affection between the characters and the overall feel-good vibe make it a worthwhile watch. So, if you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining movie to watch with your family, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is definitely a solid choice. After this Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Movie Review: More Big Family Fun , I'm ready for a movie night!