Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union star as Paul and Zoey Baker, the heads of a big blended family consisting of nine kids, two dogs, one cousin, and two co-parents. They live in a small home in Echo Park, where each day is a chaotic, yet fun adventure. Whether it is getting all nine kids to school on time or running the family business Baker's Breakfast, the Bakers are always busy. With expansion plans in the works, Paul moves the family to a bigger house in the upscale suburb of Calabasas. But the move affects the family in a way that makes Paul and Zoey question it. Navigating the right thing to do for their family while also dealing with the normal stresses that come from raising kids and co-parenting are daunting tasks for any parent, but Paul and Zoey are up for it. Even if there are a few missteps along the way. Cheaper by the Dozen 2022 is a fresh take on the 2003 version starring Steve Martin. It maintains the laugh-out-loud moments that having that many children under one roof practically guarantees while also delivering plenty of heart. With a multiracial family at its center it is honest about the issues of privilege and race with the bonus that many families will be able to see themselves in the Bakers. Which makes this remake quite refreshing to watch. At the end of the day, Cheaper by the Dozen is a delightful; family-friendly film that packs in humor and heart while opening doors to having conversations with your children about privilege, race, and inclusion. At times it can feel a bit like an extra long episode of one of Barris' shows but that doesn't detract from the fun or the honesty that permeates the entire runtime. But above all it is a wonderful example of what it means to be loving, supportive, and present for those in your life. Unlike in the past, this version of the Bakers is grounded in reality, allowing for the serious moments to carry more weight than if it relied entirely on slapstick with a few teaching moments thrown in. That's not to say Disney's version lacks the fun. It deftly weaves in the laugh-out-loud moments, with plenty of crazy antics to keep even the younger ones watching entertained. Union and Braff's chemistry is perfect.
Review of Cheaper by the Dozen
