Common Sense Media Review
Brain-numbing sequel to a bad 2003 movie. Beware.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cheaper by the Dozen 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a fun family sequel that has its comedic moments, showcasing the rivalry between two families, but it contains some crude humor and inappropriate themes. While many viewers enjoyed its heartwarming messages about family and competition, others criticized it for sexist undertones and a lack of originality compared to the first film.
- fun family movie
- crude humor
- mixed messages
- heartwarming themes
- viewer enjoyment
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's summertime and Tom (Steve Martin) and his large brood head to the lake, where the college football coach engages in male competition with annoying childhood rival Jimmy Murtaugh (Eugene Levy). Self-conscious nerd Jimmy lords it over Tom that he's rich and married to trophy wife number three, Sarina (Carmen Electra). Tom soon turns as overbearing as Jimmy, ignoring longsuffering wife Kate (Bonnie Hunt) when she begs him not to set his kids to compete against Jimmy's brood. When they're not pressing their kids to compete against each other in various activities, the two dads hide out in the movie theater balcony, spying on a few of the kids involved in budding romances.
Is It Any Good?
Adam Shankman's sequel is unevenly paced and uninspired. Whereas dad Tom was sweet and bungling in the first film, here he's just manic and inept. While the dads arrange for any number of impromptu challenges, the children are relegated to providing reaction shots, even as they try to distance themselves from their fathers' shenanigans.
In one particularly ridiculous scene, Tom shows Jimmy the move where you yawn-n-stretch to put your arm around your date. They're mistaken for a gay couple by phobic fellow theatergoers ("Disgusting!"), leading to yet another spastic-dad joke. Dangling from the balcony during the ensuing mini-melee, Tom horrifies Sarah and demonstrates once again that he's a sensationally incompetent parent. It's no wonder that his kids are all outgrowing him.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the exaggerated competitiveness between the two fathers. How do the dads lose sight of their kids' interests? How do their wives and children see getting along as more fun than winning contests? How does the movie celebrate individuality in contrast to conformity?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 21, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : May 23, 2006
- Cast : Bonnie Hunt , Steve Martin , Tom Welling
- Director : Adam Shankman
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some crude humor and mild language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate