Directed by: Shawn Levy
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Written by Livvy O’Brien
65/100
“Cheaper by the Dozen” is a charmingly chaotic portrait of the Baker family. With twelve kids ranging from a 22-year-old to a 5-year-old, life is already a beautifully managed mess for parents Tom and Kate (played by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt). Tom lands his dream job coaching his old high school’s football team, prompting a move from their home in Midland, Indiana, to a sprawling house in Evanston, Illinois. Just as they’re settling in, Kate’s parenting memoir takes off, requiring her to leave on a book tour. This leaves Tom alone to juggle his demanding new career with the Herculean task of managing a dozen rebellious kids. While the film doesn’t pretend to be a cinematic masterpiece, its appeal lies in its genuine warmth and comforting familiarity. It’s the perfect movie to return to when you need an uncomplicated, heartwarming escape.
The star of the film might just be the Baker house itself, a space that feels so authentically cluttered and lived-in. The walls are a curated gallery of the children’s paintings and artwork and the windows bear the faint smudges of little hands. There are no matching dish sets, instead, the cabinets are a collection of mismatched cups and plates, a practical solution for a family that is clumsy and prone to breakage. Games and toys are scattered around, looking as if a child was just called away for dinner, intending to return any minute. Sticky notes are plastered on every surface to act as the family’s central nervous system, ensuring reminders and news actually reach all thirteen other members. Bikes and scooters litter the front porch, the living room couch cushions are permanently dented and blankets are casually thrown about. This is a home built for durability and function, not for show. The attention to detail is so impressive, with visible wear and tear on furniture and toys, some faded with age and others brand new. It’s a cluttered, colourful and a wonderfully lively space that truly looks like 14 distinct personalities live there.
As the story unfolds, Tom struggles in secret, not wanting to burden Kate and cut her tour short, while the children grow increasingly homesick and restless. The tension culminates when Kate returns, leading to a cathartic airing of grievances. Tom realises his priorities and steps down from his demanding job, choosing a role that allows him to be more present for his family.
Ultimately, “Cheaper by the Dozen” is a film that earns its comfort. It’s a nostalgic, funny and deeply affectionate look at family life in all its messy glory.
“Cheaper by the Dozen” Trailer
You can follow Livvy O’Brien on Letterboxd.