Review of Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) by Rachel H — 23 Nov 2010

I enjoyed this movie as a kid but I find that I enjoy it more at my age now than back then. That could mostly be attributed to the fact that I burst out laughing every time they soak Ashton Kutcher's underwear in meat and the following reaction with the dog. That is by far the funniest part of the movie and I turn red-faced laughing every time.

This is by no means a perfect movie, but it's good family entertainment that will keep the kids happy. Adults, you might enjoy it too, but it's mostly for the kids. For those who don't know, it's about Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt and their twelve kids. Twelve? Twelve? That normally doesn't happen, that will make a great kids movie. This is pulled off much better than in Yours Mine and Ours, a movie I will be reviewing sometime this week.

It has good actors in it too, Steve Martin is always hilarious and this movie is no different. Bonnie Hunt is pretty funny too, but she takes a backseat to Steve and the kids. Speaking of the kids, they are pretty good actors too, well, most of them. Some of the younger ones are bad, but Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, and Piper Perabo as well as the other older kids whose names escape me did well and made up for the younger ones.

All in all, a pretty good family movie, but it brings absolutely nothing new to the genre. Good actors and good characters manage to outshine the pointless gags. And let's not forget the meat-soaking scene. Makes me laugh every time. Anyway, it's a pretty good family film that might actually maintain a little fanbase and not be forgotten.

Review of the sequel coming tomorrow!