Diksia.com - If you are looking for a fun and lighthearted movie to watch with your family, you might want to check out Cheaper by the Dozen 2. This movie is a sequel to the 2003 film Cheaper by the Dozen, which was based on a 1948 novel of the same name. The movie follows the adventures of the Baker family, who have 12 children, and their rivalry with the Murtaugh family, who have eight children. The movie is full of hilarious moments, heartwarming scenes, and some surprising twists that will keep you entertained.
The Plot
The movie begins with the Baker family preparing for the graduation of their eldest daughter, Lorraine, who is also going to work as an intern for a fashion magazine in New York. The father, Tom, who is a former football coach, feels that his family is drifting apart as his children grow up and move away. He decides to take them on one last family vacation to Lake Winnetka, a place where they used to spend their summers when they were younger.
However, things do not go as planned when they arrive at the lake. They find out that their old cabin is now owned by a man named Mike Romanow, who is friends with Tom’s old rival, Jimmy Murtaugh. Jimmy is a wealthy and successful businessman, who has a new wife, Sarina, and eight children of his own. Jimmy constantly brags about his achievements and his children’s accomplishments, and tries to make Tom feel inferior and insecure. He also challenges Tom to a series of competitions, such as water skiing, canoeing, and a talent show, to prove who is the better father and who has the better family.
Tom accepts the challenge, hoping to bond with his family and to show Jimmy who is the boss. However, he soon realizes that his family is not as enthusiastic as he is, and that they have their own problems and interests. For example, his son Charlie has a crush on Jimmy’s daughter Anne, his daughter Sarah has a rebellious streak and gets caught shoplifting, and his daughter Nora is pregnant and planning to move to Houston with her husband Bud. Tom also faces some difficulties with his wife Kate, who is a successful author and who feels that Tom is too competitive and controlling.
As the movie progresses, the rivalry between the two families escalates, leading to some hilarious and chaotic situations. However, the movie also shows the softer side of the characters, and how they learn to appreciate each other and to overcome their differences. The movie ends with a twist that reveals the true reason behind Jimmy’s behavior, and how the two families ultimately become friends.
The Cast
The movie features a star-studded cast of actors and actresses, who deliver great performances and have a good chemistry with each other. Steve Martin plays Tom Baker, the head of the Baker family, who is a loving but overbearing father, who tries to keep his family together and to win against his rival. Martin is known for his comedic roles in movies such as The Pink Panther, Father of the Bride, and The Jerk. He brings his trademark humor and charm to the role, and also shows his emotional side in some scenes.
Bonnie Hunt plays Kate Baker, the wife of Tom and the mother of the 12 children. She is a successful author and a supportive but independent woman, who tries to balance her career and her family. She also tries to calm down her husband and to help him see the bigger picture. Hunt is an actress, comedian, and writer, who has appeared in movies such as Jumanji, Beethoven, and Return to Me. She has a natural and warm presence on screen, and a good rapport with Martin.
Eugene Levy plays Jimmy Murtaugh, the rival of Tom and the father of the Murtaugh family. He is a wealthy and successful businessman, who has a new wife and eight children. He is arrogant and boastful, and likes to show off his achievements and his family. He also has a hidden motive for his rivalry with Tom, which is revealed at the end of the movie. Levy is a Canadian actor, comedian, and writer, who is best known for his roles in the American Pie series, Best in Show, and Schitt’s Creek. He is a master of playing quirky and funny characters, and he does not disappoint in this movie.
Carmen Electra plays Sarina Murtaugh, the new wife of Jimmy and the stepmother of the Murtaugh children. She is a beautiful and glamorous woman, who is much younger than Jimmy. She is also kind and friendly, and tries to get along with the Baker family. She also has a secret of her own, which is revealed at the end of the movie. Electra is an actress, model, and singer, who has appeared in movies such as Scary Movie, Starsky & Hutch, and Meet the Spartans. She is a stunning and charismatic actress, who adds some spice to the movie.
The movie also features a talented cast of young actors and actresses, who play the children of the Baker and Murtaugh families. Some of them are:
- Tom Welling as Charlie Baker, the eldest son of the Baker family, who has a crush on Anne Murtaugh.
- Piper Perabo as Nora Baker, the eldest daughter of the Baker family, who is pregnant and married to Bud McNulty.
- Hilary Duff as Lorraine Baker, the second daughter of the Baker family, who is graduating and going to work in New York.
- Kevin G. Schmidt as Henry Baker, the second son of the Baker family, who is interested in filmmaking.
- Alyson Stoner as Sarah Baker, the third daughter of the Baker family, who is rebellious and tomboyish.
- Jacob Smith as Jake Baker, the third son of the Baker family, who is athletic and adventurous.
- Liliana Mumy as Jessica Baker, the fourth daughter of the Baker family, who is smart and nerdy.
- Morgan York as Kim Baker, the fifth daughter of the Baker family, who is cute and bubbly.
- Forrest Landis as Mark Baker, the fourth son of the Baker family, who is shy and sensitive.
- Blake Woodruff as Mike Baker, the fifth son of the Baker family, who is mischievous and curious.
- Brent and Shane Kinsman as Nigel and Kyle Baker, the twin sons of the Baker family, who are energetic and noisy.
- Jaime King as Anne Murtaugh, the eldest daughter of the Murtaugh family, who is attractive and popular.
- Shawn Roberts as Calvin Murtaugh, the eldest son of the Murtaugh family, who is handsome and confident.
- Robbie Amell as Daniel Murtaugh, the second son of the Murtaugh family, who is athletic and competitive.
- Melanie Tonello as Becky Murtaugh, the second daughter of the Murtaugh family, who is sweet and friendly.
- Taylor Lautner as Eliot Murtaugh, the third son of the Murtaugh family, who is shy and nerdy.
- Madison Fitzpatrick as Robin Murtaugh, the third daughter of the Murtaugh family, who is artistic and creative.
- Alexander Conti as Kenneth Murtaugh, the fourth son of the Murtaugh family, who is clumsy and awkward.
The Review
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a family comedy that offers a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. The movie has a simple but engaging plot, that explores the themes of family, friendship, rivalry, and love. The movie also has some unexpected twists, that add some spice and depth to the story. The movie has a fast-paced and lively style, that keeps the audience entertained and interested. The movie also has a colorful and scenic setting, that creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
The movie’s biggest strength is its cast, who deliver great performances and have a good chemistry with each other. The movie showcases the talents and personalities of the actors and actresses, who bring their characters to life. The movie also features some memorable and funny scenes, such as the water skiing scene, the canoeing scene, the talent show scene, and the fireworks scene. The movie also has some touching and emotional scenes, such as the scene where Tom and Kate talk about their future, the scene where Tom and Jimmy reconcile, and the scene where the two families celebrate together.
The movie’s biggest weakness is its lack of originality and innovation. The movie is a sequel to a remake of a classic film, and it does not offer anything new or fresh to the genre. The movie also relies on some clichés and stereotypes, such as the overprotective father, the successful rival, the rebellious teenager, and the nerdy kid. The movie also has some unrealistic and exaggerated moments, such as the scene where the kids set off a huge explosion, the scene where the kids sneak into a party, and the scene where the kids perform a musical number.
Overall, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a fun and enjoyable movie, that is suitable for all ages and tastes. The movie is a good choice for a family night, or for a rainy day. The movie is not a masterpiece, or a groundbreaking film, but it is a decent and entertaining film, that will make you laugh and smile.
