Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)
Come along with the Bakers’ dozen this Labor Day as they all try to enjoy one last holiday at their lake cabin before the oldest, Piper Perabo, has a baby, and Hilary Duff leaves for college. However, once there, parents Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt find themselves neighbors with old rival Eugene Levy, his new wife Carmen Electra, and brood of children. Steve and Gene start up an endless competition over the weekend while trying to keep their kids apart, even though there are two budding romances crossing enemy territory.
Yes, the Cheaper by the Dozen movies are a little silly, but the older you get, the more likely you’ll be to need a Kleenex by the time the credits roll. This one is one of the most truly family friendly movies ever, though, with elements for everyone in the audience. Little ones will laugh themselves silly over the giant rat in the cabin who steals things. Tweens will identify with tomboy Alyson Stoner’s first foray into romance, as she goes on her first date with a young Taylor Lautner. Teenagers will only be interested in Tom Welling’s romance with Jaime King, and parents will enjoy the movie more than anyone. Steve and Bonnie, with their naturally adorable chemistry, truly pull the family together and make it hard to say goodbye when the time comes. When Alyson is insecure about her first date, she asks both parents for advice. Bonnie empowers her, and Steve tries to play it casual, but both have tears in their eyes as they realize their little girl is growing up.
Just as the first one had a soundtrack to keep the teens happy, this one includes “Under Pressure” when they train for the main competition with the Gene’s kids, and “Express Yourself” to perfectly represent the family’s charm. I considered it a plus that Ashton Kutcher was replaced by the awesomely preppy Jonathan Bennett, whose character was credited as being so straight-laced, he ironed his jeans. Seriously, folks, if you passed on these movies thinking they were too silly, give them a chance. They were both far better than I’d expected.
More Steve Martin movies here!
Yes, the Cheaper by the Dozen movies are a little silly, but the older you get, the more likely you’ll be to need a Kleenex by the time the credits roll. This one is one of the most truly family friendly movies ever, though, with elements for everyone in the audience. Little ones will laugh themselves silly over the giant rat in the cabin who steals things. Tweens will identify with tomboy Alyson Stoner’s first foray into romance, as she goes on her first date with a young Taylor Lautner. Teenagers will only be interested in Tom Welling’s romance with Jaime King, and parents will enjoy the movie more than anyone. Steve and Bonnie, with their naturally adorable chemistry, truly pull the family together and make it hard to say goodbye when the time comes. When Alyson is insecure about her first date, she asks both parents for advice. Bonnie empowers her, and Steve tries to play it casual, but both have tears in their eyes as they realize their little girl is growing up.
Just as the first one had a soundtrack to keep the teens happy, this one includes “Under Pressure” when they train for the main competition with the Gene’s kids, and “Express Yourself” to perfectly represent the family’s charm. I considered it a plus that Ashton Kutcher was replaced by the awesomely preppy Jonathan Bennett, whose character was credited as being so straight-laced, he ironed his jeans. Seriously, folks, if you passed on these movies thinking they were too silly, give them a chance. They were both far better than I’d expected.
More Steve Martin movies here!