You might not have realised at the time, but the Cheaper by the Dozen franchise was among the many properties inherited by Disney when the studio acquired 20th Century Fox. We’ve seen some of those put to better use than others over the past few years, but this latest take on the concept of two parents attempting to keep a massive family in line is both a refreshing change of pace for this series and quite possibly the best family film you’ll watch this year. While it may be destined for streaming - the movie premieres on Disney+ Friday, March 18 - this is a vast improvement over the two memorable, albeit not great, movies starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, and a remake with enough lofty ideas and timely themes that it’s quite easily among the very best family movies ever made by Disney.
The Baker family is made up of biological children, stepchildren, adopted children, and even those who just need a place to crash, and heading down that route results in a truly diverse family unit that’s wholly appropriate and relevant for 2022. When the dad, Paul, is offered the chance to expand the family business, his hopes of fame and riches (and ultimately what’s best) for his family makes an even more chaotic dynamic even crazier. With exes complicating matters and mom Zoey struggling to fit into their new community, there’s a surprising amount to unpack here, and all the adults featured are given the opportunity to bring their own unique perspectives and ideas to the table, something the movie benefits from greatly.
With a screenplay from Kenya Barris (black-ish) and Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry (The Game), Cheaper by the Dozen delves into racism, what it means to have an interracial family unit - for both parents and children - and how the perceptions of others can have a negative impact on that. The movie never becomes preachy or heavy-handed with the message it’s looking to deliver; instead, it’s a natural part of the story and this family’s lives. However, it succeeds in both educating and providing valuable insight into a world not all of us might be familiar with, and for younger viewers (and some older ones), that alone goes a long way in making this essential viewing. We’re not saying you’ll need to reach for a hanky by the time the credits roll, but there’s heaps of emotion here and it’s balanced nicely with lots of genuine belly laughs and a consistent level of comedy throughout that delivers the right amount of jokes for all ages. The fact director Gail Lerner (Happy Endings) is able to so easily make these disparate elements work is a credit to the filmmaker, though she’s blessed with one terrific cast.
Scrubs star Zach Braff plays Paul, and if you loved his work in that iconic series - or anywhere else for that matter - then you’ll be pleased to know he’s on top form here. The actor is clearly having a blast with his first family movie, and as legendary as Steve Martin may be, we’re gonna go ahead and say now that Braff shows him how a role like this should be done. Gabrielle Union matches him beat for beat as Zoey and avoids any potential cliches or all too familiar trappings to play a mom who is richly layered and complex…and pretty damn funny, to boot. Timon Kyle Durrett is also great, and the kids - while too many to mention - all bring something to the table, regardless of age and acting ability. Inevitably, some have larger roles than others, leaving us wishing we could have spent more time with the family members who end up feeling a little underserved or glossed over. However, that’s what sequels are for, and it would be no bad thing to continue following the Baker family in a new Disney+ franchise.
Inevitably with a family film like this one, you’ll encounter the odd familiar idea or joke that hits a bum note, but those are few and far between. Cheaper by the Dozen has to go down as one of this year’s earliest surprises, and if you’ve made the mistake of dismissing it up until this point, then make amends for that by ensuring you check it out on Disney+ this weekend. With legitimately funny jokes rather than the sort of humour that usually makes anyone over the age of 10 cringe and a strong message at its core guaranteed to resonate, this is one remake it’s hard to find fault with; mostly because it’s better than any of its predecessors and a truly great film in its own right.
Zach Braff steals the show alongside Gabrielle Union in Cheaper by the Dozen, a remake that’s in equal parts hilarious and heart-warming, all while delivering a powerful message alongside plenty of big laughs. It’s a near-perfect family film.