Cheaper by the Dozen

The vivid and joyful cinematic narrative, Cheaper by the Dozen, released in 2003 is an American family comedy-drama directed by Shawn Levy. It's a fun, heartwarming, and chaotic tale, flawlessly bringing together the talents of notable stars such as Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, and an ensemble cast of charismatic young actors.

The movie revolves around the life of the Bakers, a large family of 14 living in a rural area of Illinois. Steve Martin, playing the role of Tom Baker, is the jovial and loving father of twelve differently-skilled, mischief-loving children. Tom, a renowned football coach, and his wife Kate Baker, played by the talented Bonnie Hunt, who is a prolific children's book author, believe in life full of chaos, laughter, challenges, and most importantly, love. Their bustling lifestyle is a demonstration of a hectic and lively family where getting ready in the morning turns into a strategically planned operation.

Tom and Kate's overarching philosophy is that big families mean a bigger heart and insurmountably more joy, even if it requires a lot of work and patience. This idea is put to the test when Kate's book gets published, requiring her to go on a book tour for two weeks, leaving Tom to juggle his demanding job and the herculean task of managing their mischievous brood on his own.

In this period of upheaval, we follow Tom as he takes on the often hilarious trials of parenthood that range from the everyday chaos of mealtimes, sibling rivalries and managing the home, to getting to know all twelve of his independent and deeply individual children, each of whom has a distinct personality, cannot escape the consequences of their actions, and each present their own unique difficulties.

The comedic tone is complemented by the presence of Hilary Duff, who plays Lorraine, the fashion-obsessed eldest daughter who constantly finds herself at odds with the overwhelming mayhem of the household. Each of her siblings is equally, if not more, colourful and individually fleshed out - distinct personalities that lead to hilarious clashes and, ultimately, valuable lessons in love, patience, and family solidarity.

Amid all of this is a subplot involving Tom's rival football team, enhancing the comedic plotline whilst also adding in a sense of competition and urgency that only amplifies the challenges faced by the Baker family during Kate's absence. The movie brilliantly weaves comedy, heartwarming family moments, and the daily escapades of raising twelve children into a compelling narrative, holding audiences captive with its exuberant energy and lively characters.

Cheaper by the Dozen expertly showcases the classic dilemma of work versus family, as the family history begins to get rewritten before their eyes. We witness a family, who despite all their individuality and energy, cherishes unity and family values above all else. Even when there is tension, a sense of unmistakable love and bond prevails.

Aiming to reincarnate some of the charm from the original 1950 novel by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, as well as the 1950 film of the same name, Cheaper by the Dozen has a modern twist on an old classic and proves that no matter how sophisticated we become, we are never far away from our basic instincts and family values.

The movie is packed with comedy, full of warmth and emotion, teaching audiences the importance of unity, solidarity, and the unbreakable bond of family. At its core, Cheaper by the Dozen is about how through adversity and change, a family can maintain its cohesiveness, further reinforcing the old adage that "the family who plays together, stays together", thus providing not just entertainment, but also a strong message that resonates with all.

Cheaper by the Dozen offers a beautiful take on the celebration of life in a big family, showcasing not just the chaos and responsibilities, but the immense joy and love that come with it, which leaves you with a few laughs and a heart full of warmth. This is why the movie made quite an impression on the audience and remains a worthwhile watch for family movie nights, imbuing viewers with a refined sense of appreciation for their own families, despite any chaos that might ensue on a daily basis.