Cheaper by the Dozen 2022

6.4 / 10   237 vote(s)
PG
Family Comedy

This remake of the beloved classic follows the raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business.

Release Date 2022-03-18
Runtime 1h 47m
Directors Gail Lerner, Mitchell Amundsen, Daniela Medeiros, Katrina Sainz
Producers Kenya Barris, Shawn Levy, Gabrielle Union, Donald J. Lee Jr., E. Brian Dobbins, Patrick Thomas O'Rourke
Writers Kenya Barris, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk, Frank B. Gilbreth Jr., Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Unfortunately... rather bad.

'Cheaper by the Dozen' undoubtedly has its heart in the right place but what a mess of an execution, they basically come up with as many messages as possible and cram them together - but there's one problem, they forgot the glue! It's just a sequence of points, as it culminates with a woeful, forced family drama.

The cast make it slightly more watchable than it would've otherwise been, I will say that - they aren't great, but are predominantly hindered by the lame dialogue and yawnful character development. Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union are a solid pairing, while Mykal-Michelle Harris and Leo A. Perry are the pick of the younger lot - I would've liked to have seen more of their characters, as those two definitely had the best comedic timing of the kids. Others I note: 'Talking Dead' favourite Ron Funches and 'White Chicks' alum Brittany Daniel.

The only hero from this 2022 flick? Larry Sims. That dude went ham on Union's hair - I've never noticed a character go through so many hairstyles before! Hope he got paid enough.

I feel a tiny bit bad for disliking something that tries to come out meaningful, but man this is a cringefest. If you want a film adaptation of the 1948 novel, I'd recommend the 2003 remake with Steve Martin.

r96sk