A box office success that critics largely dismissed as chaotic and unfunny
In short: Released in 2003, this family comedy became a commercial juggernaut despite earning poor marks from most professional reviewers. While critics found the film lacking in humor, audiences embraced the story of the twelve-child Baker family, ultimately propelling the production to a worldwide gross nearly five times its initial budget.
Directed by Shawn Levy, the 2003 version of Cheaper by the Dozen serves as a loose adaptation of the semi-autobiographical book by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Beyond sharing a title and a passing reference to the authors, the film bears little resemblance to the original source material or the 1950 adaptation. The narrative follows Tom and Kate Baker, played by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, as they navigate the logistical and emotional hurdles of raising twelve children after a career-driven move to Evanston, Illinois.
The film's production was marked by a distinct divide between critical reception and commercial performance. On Rotten Tomatoes, only 25% of 118 critics offered positive reviews, with the consensus suggesting that the film delivered chaos rather than genuine hilarity. Robert Koehler of Variety criticized the movie for its jarring tonal shifts between slapstick humor and sentimental melodrama. However, the film found favor with some, including Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper, who awarded it a positive rating on their television program, with Ebert describing the experience as lighthearted fun.
Financially, the project was a significant success for 20th Century Fox. Opening on Christmas Day in 2003, it secured the second position at the box office, trailing only the final installment of Peter Jackson's fantasy trilogy. By the end of its run, the film had accumulated over $190 million globally against a $40 million budget. This popularity led to a 2005 sequel and a subsequent remake on Disney+ in 2022, cementing the title's place in modern family entertainment despite its mixed critical legacy.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003 film)
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