What is Cheaper by the Dozen?
Cheaper by the Dozen is a 2003 American family comedy film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, Kevin Schmidt, Alyson Stoner, and Ashton Kutcher. The film is based on the 1948 novel of the same name by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.
The film tells the story of the Baker family, a large Catholic family with 12 children. Tom Baker (Steve Martin) is a college football coach and Kate Baker (Bonnie Hunt) is a writer. The Bakers live in a large house in the Chicago suburbs and are constantly struggling to make ends meet. When Tom is offered a job coaching at a college in California, the Bakers decide to sell their house and move to the West Coast.
Cheaper by the Dozen was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $190 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, heart, and relatable characters. Cheaper by the Dozen has since become a classic family film and has been adapted into a television series and a stage musical.
Main article topics:
- The Baker family
- The film's production
- The film's reception
- The film's cultural impact
Cheaper by the Dozen
Cheaper by the Dozen is a 2003 American family comedy film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, Kevin Schmidt, Alyson Stoner, and Ashton Kutcher. The film is based on the 1948 novel of the same name by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.
- Family: The Baker family is a large, Catholic family with 12 children.
- Comedy: The film is a comedy about the Bakers' everyday lives.
- Heartwarming: The film is heartwarming and shows the importance of family.
- Relatable: The film is relatable to families of all sizes.
- Successful: The film was a critical and commercial success.
- Classic: Cheaper by the Dozen has become a classic family film.
- Impactful: The film has had a positive impact on families.
The seven key aspects above explore various dimensions of Cheaper by the Dozen, including its genre, tone, themes, and impact. The film is a well-made and entertaining family comedy that has resonated with audiences of all ages. Cheaper by the Dozen is a reminder of the importance of family and the power of laughter.
Family
The Baker family is the central focus of the film Cheaper by the Dozen. The film follows the family as they navigate the challenges of raising 12 children in a small house on a tight budget. Despite the challenges, the Bakers are a close-knit family who love and support each other. The film explores the importance of family and the power of love.
The Baker family is a realistic portrayal of a large family. The children are all different ages and have different personalities, and the parents are struggling to make ends meet. However, the family is always there for each other, and they always find a way to laugh through the tough times. The film shows that family is not about the number of children you have, but about the love and support you share.
The Baker family is a relatable family. Many families can relate to the challenges of raising children, and the film shows that it is possible to overcome these challenges with love and support. The film also shows that family is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
The Baker family is a reminder of the importance of family. The film shows that family is the most important thing in life, and that it is worth fighting for. The film also shows that family is not just about blood, but about the people who love and support you.
Comedy
Cheaper by the Dozen is a comedy film that follows the everyday lives of the Baker family, a large Catholic family with 12 children. The film's humor is derived from the family's chaotic and often unpredictable life. The Bakers are constantly getting into comical situations, and they always find a way to laugh at themselves.
- Family dynamics: The Bakers are a close-knit family, but they also have their share of sibling rivalry and parental mishaps. The film's comedy often comes from the family's interactions with each other.
- Physical comedy: The film also features a lot of physical comedy, such as pratfalls and slapstick. The Bakers are always getting into accidents, and they always find a way to make each other laugh.
- Heartwarming moments: Despite the film's comedic tone, it also has some heartwarming moments. The Bakers are a loving family, and they always support each other, no matter what.
- Relatable humor: The film's humor is relatable to families of all sizes. The Bakers are a normal family, and they face the same challenges as any other family. The film's comedy is often drawn from the everyday experiences of family life.
Cheaper by the Dozen is a funny and heartwarming film that celebrates the joys and challenges of family life. The film's comedy is derived from the family's everyday experiences, and it is relatable to families of all sizes.
Heartwarming
Cheaper by the Dozen is a heartwarming film that shows the importance of family. The film follows the Baker family, a large Catholic family with 12 children, as they navigate the challenges of everyday life. Despite the challenges, the Bakers are a close-knit family who love and support each other. The film shows that family is not about the number of children you have, but about the love and support you share.
- Family bonds: The Bakers are a close-knit family who love and support each other. The film shows the importance of family bonds and how they can help people through difficult times.
- Love and acceptance: The Bakers accept each other for who they are, even when they are different. The film shows the importance of love and acceptance in families.
- Sacrifice: The Bakers are willing to sacrifice for each other. The film shows the importance of sacrifice in families and how it can strengthen family bonds.
- Forgiveness: The Bakers forgive each other for their mistakes. The film shows the importance of forgiveness in families and how it can help families heal.
Cheaper by the Dozen is a heartwarming film that celebrates the joys and challenges of family life. The film shows that family is the most important thing in life, and that it is worth fighting for.
Relatable
Cheaper by the Dozen is a relatable film to families of all sizes because it portrays the everyday experiences of a large family. The film follows the Baker family, a Catholic family with 12 children, as they navigate the challenges of everyday life. The Bakers face the same challenges as any other family, such as financial difficulties, sibling rivalry, and parental stress. However, the Bakers also show that family is the most important thing in life, and that it is worth fighting for.
- Family dynamics: The Bakers are a close-knit family who love and support each other. The film shows the importance of family dynamics and how they can help people through difficult times.
- Financial difficulties: The Bakers are a working-class family who struggle to make ends meet. The film shows the importance of financial planning and how it can help families overcome financial difficulties.
- Sibling rivalry: The Bakers have 12 children, and there is often sibling rivalry. The film shows the importance of sibling relationships and how they can help children learn how to resolve conflict.
- Parental stress: The Bakers are parents of 12 children, and they often experience parental stress. The film shows the importance of parental support and how it can help parents cope with stress.
Cheaper by the Dozen is a relatable film to families of all sizes because it shows that family is the most important thing in life. The film also shows that families are not perfect, and that they all face challenges. However, the Bakers show that it is possible to overcome these challenges with love and support.
Successful
The film Cheaper by the Dozen was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $190 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, heart, and relatable characters. Cheaper by the Dozen has since become a classic family film and has been adapted into a television series and a stage musical.
There are several reasons why Cheaper by the Dozen was so successful.
The film's humor is universal. The film's humor is not based on pop culture references or inside jokes. Instead, the film's humor is based on the everyday experiences of a large family. This makes the film relatable to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.The film's heart is genuine. The film's characters are well-developed and relatable. The audience can easily identify with the Bakers' struggles and triumphs. This makes the film emotionally engaging and heartwarming.The film's characters are relatable. The Bakers are a normal family. They face the same challenges as any other family. This makes the film relatable to audiences of all sizes.Cheaper by the Dozen is a successful film because it is a well-made and entertaining family comedy. The film's humor, heart, and relatable characters have made it a classic family film.
The success of Cheaper by the Dozen shows that there is a market for family-friendly comedies. Films that are well-made and entertaining can be successful, even if they do not have a big budget or a star-studded cast.
Classic
The enduring appeal of "Cheaper by the Dozen" can be attributed to several key factors that have solidified its status as a classic family film.
- Nostalgia and Cultural Impact: The film has become synonymous with the early 2000s family comedy genre, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity among audiences. Its relatable themes and humorous portrayal of family dynamics have resonated with generations of viewers.
- Timeless Themes and Characters: The film explores universal themes of family, love, and overcoming challenges, which transcend cultural and generational boundaries. The Baker family, with its diverse personalities and dynamics, represents a relatable and endearing ensemble that audiences can connect with.
- Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success: The film's critical and commercial success upon its release solidified its place in popular culture. Its positive reception by both critics and audiences cemented its reputation as a well-crafted and entertaining family film.
- Cultural Legacy and Adaptations: The film's enduring popularity has led to adaptations in various forms, including a television series, a stage musical, and a sequel. These adaptations have further expanded the reach and accessibility of the story, ensuring its continued relevance in the entertainment landscape.
In conclusion, "Cheaper by the Dozen" has become a classic family film due to its nostalgic appeal, timeless themes, critical and commercial success, and cultural legacy. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, providing entertainment, laughter, and a heartwarming portrayal of family life.
Impactful
The 2003 family comedy film "Cheaper by the Dozen" has not only entertained audiences but also had a positive impact on families, fostering stronger bonds and promoting wholesome values.
- Promoting Family Values: The film emphasizes the importance of family unity, love, and support. Through the Bakers' journey, viewers witness the power of a strong family bond that overcomes challenges and celebrates life's joys together.
- Fostering Communication: "Cheaper by the Dozen" encourages open communication and understanding within families. The Baker parents prioritize listening to their children's perspectives and resolving conflicts through dialogue, setting a positive example for families to embrace effective communication.
- Encouraging Family Activities: The film showcases the significance of spending quality time together as a family. The Bakers engage in various activities, such as family dinners, game nights, and outings, highlighting the importance of creating shared memories and fostering a sense of togetherness.
- Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: The Baker family represents a diverse and inclusive household, embracing different personalities, abilities, and backgrounds. This portrayal promotes acceptance, tolerance, and empathy within families, encouraging viewers to embrace and appreciate the unique qualities of each family member.
In conclusion, "Cheaper by the Dozen" has had a positive impact on families due to its promotion of family values, fostering of communication, encouragement of family activities, and celebration of diversity and inclusion. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of strong family bonds and provides valuable insights into nurturing healthy and fulfilling family relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Cheaper by the Dozen"
This section addresses common concerns or misconceptions regarding the 2003 family comedy film "Cheaper by the Dozen".
Question 1: Is "Cheaper by the Dozen" based on a true story?
Yes, the film is loosely based on the real-life Gilbreth family, whose experiences were documented in the 1948 book of the same name by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.
Question 2: How many children are in the Baker family?
In the film, the Baker family has 12 children: Nora, Charlie, Lorraine, Hank, Sarah, Jake, Mark, Kate, Jessica, Nigel, Kyle, and Lily.
Question 3: What is the main theme of "Cheaper by the Dozen"?
The film explores the joys and challenges of raising a large family, emphasizing the importance of love, support, and open communication.
Question 4: Was there a sequel to "Cheaper by the Dozen"?
Yes, a sequel titled "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" was released in 2005, continuing the story of the Baker family as they navigate new adventures and challenges.
Question 5: Who directed "Cheaper by the Dozen"?
The film was directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on other family comedies such as "Night at the Museum" and "The Pink Panther".
Question 6: What is the critical reception of "Cheaper by the Dozen"?
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its humor and family-friendly appeal, while others criticized its formulaic plot and lack of originality.
Summary: "Cheaper by the Dozen" is a heartwarming and humorous film that celebrates the joys and challenges of family life. While it may not be a critical masterpiece, it remains a popular and beloved family film that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Transition to the next article section: Explore the enduring appeal and cultural impact of "Cheaper by the Dozen" in the next section.
Conclusion
The exploration of "Cheaper by the Dozen" reveals its enduring appeal as a family-oriented film that resonates with audiences across generations. Its relatable portrayal of family dynamics, emphasis on love and support, and humorous approach to everyday challenges have made it a beloved classic.
The film's success underscores the importance of heartwarming and wholesome entertainment that celebrates the joys and complexities of family life. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family bonds and the significance of cherishing the moments spent together.
