Overview of ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’

Cheaper by the Dozen is a reimagining of the 2003 family comedy, with a new spin by Disney. It’s about a blended family of twelve navigating a hectic home life and family business. This version adds social justice themes.

Movie Premise and Adaptation

This 2022 version of Cheaper by the Dozen presents a modern take on the classic story, focusing on a blended family with twelve children. Unlike the previous adaptations, this version incorporates contemporary themes, such as social justice, into the narrative. The film explores the challenges and humorous situations that arise from managing a large family while also balancing a family business; It is not a direct retelling of the 2003 version starring Steve Martin, but rather a fresh interpretation with new characters and a different dynamic, highlighting the complexities of a modern, diverse family unit in today’s society.

Rating and Content Information

Cheaper by the Dozen (2022) is rated PG by the MPAA. The rating is for thematic elements, suggestive material, and language. It contains mild language and some thematic situations.

MPAA Rating and Justification

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has assigned a PG rating to Cheaper by the Dozen (2022). This rating indicates that some material may not be suitable for young children. The justification for the PG rating stems from several factors present within the film. These include thematic elements that explore family dynamics and challenges. Furthermore, there is the inclusion of some suggestive material and the use of mild language. These aspects collectively contribute to the PG rating, suggesting parental guidance is advised for younger viewers. The film contains content that may require discussion with children.

Thematic Elements and Content Concerns

Cheaper by the Dozen explores various thematic elements, including family dynamics, blended families, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. The movie also touches upon social justice issues, adding a contemporary layer to the narrative. Content concerns include suggestive material, such as a girl sneaking out to her boyfriend’s house. Additionally, some viewers might find the depiction of a family’s hectic lifestyle overwhelming, potentially leading to stress. The film also contains moments of mild language and some instances of bullying, which could be concerning for some audiences.

Sexual Content in the Movie

The movie includes kissing scenes, with at least one passionate encounter. There is also some suggestive material, such as a girl staying overnight at her boyfriend’s home.

Kissing Scenes and Romantic Encounters

The film features several kissing scenes throughout, indicating romantic relationships and affections between characters. There is mention of at least one passionate kissing scene, which could be more intense than typical quick kisses. The movie also hints at romantic involvements, like a girl spending the night at her boyfriend’s, suggesting a level of intimacy, though the specifics of the encounters are not explicitly detailed. These moments are woven into the narrative to depict the emotional connections between the characters and contribute to the overall romantic aspect of the storyline.

Suggestive Material and References

The film contains some suggestive material, including references to college girls being “free” with their bodies and a focus on a woman’s backside, which introduces adult themes. There is also an instance where a dog bites a man’s crotch, although it is portrayed comically and the man is fully clothed. This kind of content is considered suggestive due to its double entendre and implications, which might be considered inappropriate for younger viewers. These elements contribute to the movie’s PG rating for thematic material and are worth considering for family viewing.

Language and Profanity

The movie utilizes mild language, including words such as “damn,” “butt,” “stupid,” “suck,” “dumb,” and “jerk,” along with “oh my God.” There are some mild sexual references and name calling.

Mild Language and Obscenities

The language in Cheaper by the Dozen is generally mild, contributing to its PG rating. Viewers can expect to hear common, non-severe terms such as “damn,” “butt,” “stupid,” “suck,” “dumb,” and “jerk.” There are also instances of “oh my God” used as an exclamation. The film avoids strong profanities, instead opting for milder alternatives. While there are no heavy obscenities, parents should be aware that some name-calling occurs, and there are a couple of mild anatomical terms. One religious profanity is present but bleeped out. A few religious exclamations are also present. The mild nature of the language keeps it within the boundaries of a PG-rated film.

Violence and Bullying

The movie features some instances of physical aggression. A teen is knocked into a locker by a bully. The victim later retaliates by jumping on and hitting the bully. These scenes are brief.

Instances of Physical Aggression

In Cheaper by the Dozen, there are a few scenes involving physical altercations, primarily between teenagers. One notable instance includes a bullying scenario where a teen is forcefully knocked into a locker, showcasing an act of physical aggression and intimidation. Later in the film, the victim of this bullying retaliates, demonstrating a response to the initial aggression by jumping on and striking the bully. These moments of physical conflict, while present, are not a central focus of the narrative but rather serve as brief instances within the broader context of the film’s themes and storylines. They are limited in scope.

Family and Moral Themes

Cheaper by the Dozen emphasizes positive, redemptive, and moral points. It affirms love, forgiveness, and family values. Decency and morality triumph within the messy situations of the large family.

Positive and Redeeming Aspects

Cheaper by the Dozen showcases the importance of family bonds and the strength found in unity. The film promotes forgiveness and understanding amongst family members, highlighting the value of love. It presents a positive message about overcoming challenges together. The movie also emphasizes the importance of decency and morality, showcasing a triumph over difficult situations. Despite the chaos, the film portrays the family’s ability to navigate life’s hurdles with love and support. It also subtly affirms faith, presenting positive family values that are both heartwarming and inspiring for audiences of all ages.

Critical Reception

The movie received mixed reviews, with some finding it sweet and sentimental, while others viewed it as lazy and formulaic. Some critics felt the film tried to do too much.

Mixed Reviews and Criticisms

The 2022 version of Cheaper by the Dozen faced a mixed reception from critics, with opinions varying significantly. Some reviewers lauded the movie for its sweet and sentimental approach, finding it to be a heartwarming family film with endearing qualities. However, other critics expressed disappointment, labeling it as lazy, formulaic, and condescending to its audience. They felt the film attempted to cover too much ground, resulting in a somewhat messy and unfocused narrative. The movie’s attempt to blend humor with social justice themes was also a point of contention, with some finding it successful and others feeling it was a missed opportunity.

Historical Context

The story originated from a popular non-fiction book about the Gilbreth family. Frank Gilbreth, an efficiency expert, learned time-saving techniques while raising his large family, which inspired the book.

The Real Story Behind the Film

The Cheaper by the Dozen story is rooted in the real-life experiences of the Gilbreth family, a large clan led by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, both efficiency experts. Their methods of managing a large household while juggling careers became a popular subject. The book, co-authored by two of their children, detailed the humorous and challenging aspects of their family life. Frank’s approach to time management, initially applied in industrial settings, was adapted to raising their twelve children, providing a unique backdrop for the story’s various adaptations. This real-life family formed the base for all the film versions.

Parental Guidance and Suitability

The film is rated PG, suggesting parental guidance for children under 13. It contains thematic elements, mild language, and some suggestive material. It is considered suitable for older children and teens.

Age Recommendations

Given the PG rating, Cheaper by the Dozen is generally considered appropriate for children with parental guidance, particularly those under 13. The film’s themes, suggestive content, and language may not be suitable for very young viewers. However, older children and teenagers should be able to watch the movie without issues. The content, while present, is not overly explicit or graphic. Parents should be aware of the mild language, kissing scenes, and some suggestive material and use their discretion in determining if the movie is suitable for their child, and if they might need to discuss some aspects of the film.