Common Sense Media Review
Inferior adaptation of classic book has sexual references.
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Cheaper by the Dozen
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say this movie offers a mix of humor and family chaos, making it enjoyable for many kids; however, some parents express discomfort with the level of innuendo and inappropriate content, such as references to vasectomies and teenage relationships. While it can be entertaining and funny, some reviewers believe that certain themes and behaviors showcased, including disrespectful actions, may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger children.
- family chaos
- inappropriate content
- humor
- varying opinions
- family values
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 40 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fun and entertaining family film with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, although some parents express concern about its inappropriate content for younger viewers. While children enjoy the chaotic comedic elements and messages about family togetherness, some feel the film deviates significantly from the source material and contains unwanted adult themes.
- family dynamics
- humor elements
- inappropriate content
- positive messages
- entertaining chaos
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, football coach Tom Baker (Steve Martin) is offered his dream job at his alma mater just as his wife, Kate (Bonnie Hunt), hears that her book about their large family—which includes 12 kids—has been accepted for publication. The 11 children still living at home don't want to move, but Tom promises it will make them a stronger and happier family. When Kate has to go on tour to promote the book, Tom is quickly overwhelmed by the challenges of taking care of their chaotic household while coaching his equally demanding new team.
Is It Any Good?
This feels less like a movie and more like a product, with a script right off the assembly line and direction on automatic pilot. The filmmakers behind Cheaper by the Dozen don't seem too bothered about creating anything with imagination or sincerity for its intended teen and tween audience. The movie takes its title and family size from the popular book but little else, and it feels inferior in pretty much every aspect.
There are the predictable "aww" moments (death of a pet, reminder that the kids might fight, but they really love one another) and the predictable "ewww" moments (one child barfs and another slips and falls on it). The script is slack and lazy, incapable of a satisfying resolution for even the most reliable family-movie plot devices, like a mean kid at school or snobby, overprotective neighbors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the parents in Cheaper by the Dozen work together to make sure that they achieve a balance between work and personal life. What sacrifices and compromises do they both make?
How do you think the movie portrays gender roles? Do the parents take on traditional gender roles? Do any of the kids? How do outsiders react to the way the parents try to make their careers work? Why do you think they express the views that they do?
This movie was adapted from a book of the same name that was previously made into a movie in 1950 and more recently in 2022. Why is Hollywood fond of adaptations and remakes? What do you think it is about this story that appeals throughout the decades?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : April 6, 2004
- Cast : Bonnie Hunt , Hilary Duff , Steve Martin
- Director : Shawn Levy
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some thematic elements
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : March 28, 2026
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