The Disney+ streaming library gained a new exclusive over the weekend with Cheaper by the Dozen.
Its the second time a remake has been made for this movie franchise. We watched it to see how the Disney+ version stacks up against the past entries.
First, Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union are great with their chemistry as parents. They deliver the charm necessary for having a happy household with so many kids. Even the child and teen actors help provide a solid tone for family amusement.
The first few minutes of the movie quickly brings viewers up to speed on the family’s history. It’s a bit cliché in the beginning of the film, but then it jumps into the concerns of each of the kid’s lives. Everyone ultimately has their own story in the movie. Exploring modern family concerns is a highlight of this version. But the uneven tone and pacing sometimes hinders the experience of watching the family adventures. The movie sometimes gets serious while being more slapstick in other scenes.
Also, the episodic, chapter-book quality of the storytelling would be a better fit for a series instead of a movie though. A lot of stories and concepts are presented to viewers. But it’s a bit too much at times. I wish there was more time to see the family get deeper into certain plot lines. A limited series would have allowed more time for the abundant side stories. Instead, it feels like the journey is too short for viewers to get engrossed in the subplot.
Related: Everything Coming to Disney+ in April 2022
The updates made to this Cheaper by the Dozen do help in explaining how such a large family exists and functions. Showing scenes of how they tackle daily tasks and work as a team illustrates the importance of family.
However, the movie has a few missteps compared to its predecessors. It was an enjoyable film for families who want to watch something to relax, but it didn’t create as many memorable scenes as prior movie versions. It felt more like “Cheaper by the Half Dozen” given the inconsistencies in storytelling. Even though the movie emphasizes the importance of family, they also dive into too many details that feel unrealistic to viewers.
If you enjoy light-hearted family films, then the remake is a pleasant story for those seeking something new to watch. But don’t expect anything groundbreaking from this sitcom level family film.
“Cheaper by the Dozen is directed by Gail Lerner with a screenplay by Kenya Barris & Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry based upon the novel by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Kenya Barris is producing, with Shawn Levy, Gabrielle Union, Brian Dobbins and Donald J. Lee, Jr. serving as executive producers. The movie stars Gabrielle Union, Zach Braff, Erika Christensen, Timon Kyle Durrett, Journee Brown, Kylie Rogers, Andre Robinson, Caylee Blosenski, Aryan Simhadri, Leo Abelo Perry, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Christian Cote, Sebastian Cote and Luke Prael.”
The new ”Cheaper by the Dozen” remake is streaming exclusively on Disney+.
Related: New Trailer and Poster Released for the ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ Remake Coming to Disney+
Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!
Photo Credit: Disney+
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
