GUEST EDITORIAL: Family Movie Night: "Cheaper by the Dozen"

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Family Movie Night: Cheaper by the Dozen

by Kevin Gardner

Cheaper by the Dozen is an entertaining and funny movie the whole family will enjoy. Parents can be sure to expect some adult humor weaved in throughout the show. Kids will enjoy the silly and sometimes outrageous actions and stunts pulled by the children in the movie. All in all, pop a bag of popcorn, grab some drinks and settle in for a family movie night because you have just found the next great movie everyone will love.

Plot

When Tom Baker accepts a new job to coach football at his alma mater, he uproots his wife, Kate, and their twelve children. The kids, all at various stages in their schooling, are cemented in their current hometown and do not even want to consider making a move. They will have to leave behind their friends and lives they are comfortable with. The move proves to be extra challenging, as the family searches for a home and tries to fit in in their new school. How exactly does a family with twelve children find a house easily? Sticking to a strict budget and using a mortgage qualification calculator were probably two helpful tricks for this extremely large family.

After the move, some of the children are picked on and others struggle to find their place. The struggle grows even more once Kate, the mom, lands a book deal and must go on a book tour. A series of events leading up to the filming of an interview with Oprah in the home. However, chaos ensues prior to the interview and the family does not seem to be anything like the loving, close-knit family Kate wrote about in her book. One of the children runs away, and the family pulls together to search for him.

Cast

A prime reason many are drawn to a certain movie is for the cast. Cheaper by the Dozen is no exception. The husband and wife duo of Tom and Kate Baker, played by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt will have parents relating and laughing throughout the show. Steve Martin is well known, especially for his comedic roles, so seeing him in the lineup assures you there will be giggles and good one-liners. Some critics wished there was more humor sprinkled throughout, as they have associated Steve Martin with comedy.

The children may recognize the youth characters, such as actress and singer Hilary Duff. Another Disney star, Alyson Stoner, is in the film. Ashton Kutcher and Tom Welling are other popular members. The movie is based on memoir, filled with the stories and lessons learned.

Family

One of the most drawing factors to Cheaper by the Dozen is the strong sense of family bond. This unusual family goes through many trials and tribulations, including a big move, that tests their bond, their patience and their sanity. There are ups and downs, which they survive as a whole. As the film progresses, there are tests to sibling bonds, marital bonds and family bonds. Watching the siblings grow and appreciate each other adds an extra layer of sweetness to this cute family film. The importance of the family bond is stressed throughout the movie but makes its most convincing argument at the end as the family desperately searches for young Mark. No family is perfect, but one that sticks together and has each other's backs is something to appreciate.

Change

Another emphasis of the movie is adaptation to change. Change is inevitable. A great lesson from the movie is that resisting a necessary change can result in more struggle for everyone involved. Most parents have the best interest of the entire family in mind when they make big decisions. Sometimes, kids cannot understand the thought process. Learning to accept change, embrace the new life and make the most of it is an important theme in Cheaper by the Dozen.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted and cute movie for your next family movie night, look no further. Cheaper by the Dozen will keep you giggling and cheering for the Baker family. Most importantly, the movie will promote strong values such as family bonds and acceptance of the change. Family members old and young are sure to enjoy this hit.