This fresh, modern take on CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN undertakes themes of inclusivity, diversity, and racism while keeping family at its heart. It’s sure to be an instant family-friendly classic. Read our full CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN review. CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN is now streaming on Disney+.
Journee Brown as Deja, Leo Abelo Perry as Luca, Kylie Rogers as Ella, Gabrielle Union as Zoey Baker, Zach Braff as Paul Baker, Sebastian Cote as Bronx, Andre Robinson as DJ, Aryan Simhadri as Haresh, and Mykal-Michelle Harris as Luna in 20th Century Studios’ CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. Photo by Merrick Morton. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN Review
This modern take on the timeless story, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, is a heartfelt and humorous look at what it means to be a family, especially a family in this modern world. It’s a beautiful example of how to be loving, supportive, and present for those in your life, even when the idea of “family” may not be the one you originally planned for.
In this day and age, the idea of a nuclear family is not the one you see most often. Families are more often than not some version of a blended family, multigenerational family, multiracial family, a co-parenting family, you name it. So it’s wonderful to see films like CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN leaning into the type of families that kids are most likely to see themselves in.
Hyperbole
While CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN takes so many elements to the extreme, it’s entertaining to see the hyperbole of families trying to have it all and parents trying to achieve it all. As a parent of 4 in a household of 2 working parents, we clock in at “cheaper by the half dozen” and are in utter chaos most days, so while this is fiction, the story the original movie is based on is not.
It’s human nature to find entertainment in the extremes, especially in the instance of extreme quantities of children in a home. While there are extremes, the movie still focuses on heart and family values, while doing so in a humorous modern story.
Representation
This modern take is a fantastic look at inclusivity, diversity, and multiculturalism, and even touches on themes of racism, socioeconomic divides, sexual identity, depression, and disabilities. The Baker family is comprised of extremely diverse family composition, including bi-racial children, adopted children, children under temporary custody, one disabled child, and multicultural home.
Watch CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN Trailer
Sebastian Cote as Bronx, Andre Robinson as DJ, Luke Prael as Seth, Aryan Simhadri as Haresh, Gabrielle Union as Zoey Baker, Zach Braff as Paul Baker, Journee Brown as Deja, Kylie Rogers as Ella, Caylee Blosenski as Harley, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Luna, and Christian Cote as Bailey in 20th Century Studios’ CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Merrick Morton. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
About CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN
The Disney+ Original movie CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, which is a fresh take on the 2003 hit family comedy starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff, will premiere March 18, 2022, exclusively on Disney+. Check out the trailer for a glimpse at the funny and heartwarming story of the raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business.
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.
Rating: PG, for thematic elements, suggestive material, and language
Runtime: 107 minutes
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN is available on Disney+ March 18.
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