Film Critic to the Culver City Observer and over 132 Publications Worldwide including: The Observer, Inc., John Schimmenti, Inc., CCN, Inc.,
Santa Monica Observer, Inc., Beacon-Times, Inc., Columbus-Register, Inc., and a Host of Others
Cheaper by the Dozen
by
debbie lynn elias
In contrast to the original story, director Shawn Levy and screenwriter Craig Titley, turn a squabbling and prankish but cohesively loving family into a three ring circus with vacuous blank-page characterizations, over-the-top antics, overall annoyance, pratfall free-for-alls and parents that either have the patience of Job or are under serious sedation. Gone are the days of kids jumping on beds - now we've got them swinging from chandeliers like monkeys and falling on their face. Pranks of putting a frog in your sister's pocket have now advanced to soaking underwear in hamburger and then sicking the dog on the wearer. Although obviously enthusiastically directed by Levy, these gimmicks won't pass muster with anyone over the age of 12. Despite this, however, you will find that for some inexplicable reason, you can't help but laugh at the goings-on that take place throughout.
Two of the biggest household names of the teen and pre-teen generation, Hilary Duff and Ashton Kutcher, are wasted here. Duff, who is a delight in her signature role as Lizzie Maguire, is clearly uncomfortable here as 15 year old Lorraine, coming across as nothing more than a whiney (but bubbly), mono-syllabic dolt thanks to the poor character development by Tiley. Okay, she does get to be the family's self-appointed fashion police, but beyond that, well..... Likewise, Kutcher, who plays boyfriend Hank to 22 year old Nora is nothing more than a cardboard cut-out, which could also be due in part to Piper Perabo's performance as Nora. Perabo, despite showing some prior potential, once again fails to make the cut as even being adequate.
Disappointingly, Steve Martin, who excels at playing harried father roles (and remakes) seems at a loss for comedic material and as a result, is relegated to grabbing laughs through physical comedy and eye-rolling rather than his well-honed wit. Also missing from his character is a sense of paternal command or control and the inherent humor found therein. On the other hand, Bonnie Hunt is a delight. With the timing of Jack Benny, she plays straight man to all those around her and as a result, is responsible for some of the funniest scenes in the film, not to mention giving some much needed balance to the reigning chaos.
Thankfully, for the most part, Levy doesn't allow the film to take itself too seriously which helps in overlooking its deficiencies. Although flawed and far-flung from the original film, "Cheaper" is still a sweetly saccharine alternative to some of the "heavier" films out there this holiday season, that does have some very funny family moments.
Thomas Baker: Steve Martin
Kate Baker: Bonnie Hunt
Lorraine: Hilary Duff
Hank: Ashton Kutcher
Nora: Piper Perabo
Directed by Shawn Levy. Written by Craig Titley based on the book by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. A 20th Century Fox Picture. Rated PG.