Disney is tackling Cheaper by the Dozen in a new way. The story, which has seen a few previous iterations of its family of 12, is now highlighting the complications that come along with blending a family together and the dynamic that is a challenge for families all over the world in the modern era.
The new remake has an all-star cast with Zach Braff playing Paul and Gabrielle Union playing Zoey, who are bringing their families together along with their exes, Kate (Erika Christensen) and Dom (Timon Kyle Durrett). It’s a modern take on a story we all know so well, and it’s a fantastic new entry into the world of Cheaper by the Dozen.
The power of Cheaper by the Dozen
Each generation sort of has their own version of the story. I grew up watching the Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt film that came out in 2003, but before that came the 1950s take on the story, adapted from the book of the same name, which the modern movies have little relation to. So, with the new Disney film, an entirely new generation will have a Cheaper by the Dozen to look up to. Starring Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union, the new film explores a blended family and how two parents navigate bringing their children together into a new relationship and dynamic.
What works so well about this new take on it is that the new Cheaper by the Dozen understands the outrageous comedy of the original (true) story while making it relatable for kids who are in blended families themselves. During the global press conference for the film, I asked about the film being a comfort film for new generations and how it felt being a part of it.
“Thank you, I hope so,” Zach Braff said. “Let’s make ten more, guys. I’ve never really been in a family movie other than playing Chicken Little so I love the idea of it being comfort food for families, something they watch over and over again. That would be amazing.” Timon Kyle Durrett also responded with a kind note about how just hearing the question made him emotional, clearly understanding the importance of this remake.
Erika Christensen talked a bit about her own kids loving the film: “I can attest that kids 3 to 5, mine love it. We put it on and we’re like, ‘Oh, they want to watch it with us? Amazing! This is so great’ And I think that they will absorb all the lessons that we have to give them without realizing that they’re even learning. The next generation just takes the world as they see it and that’s perfect. We’re evolving here.”
The cast seemed genuinely touched by the idea, but it is the truth. A movie like Cheaper by the Dozen will be one that families constantly watch together and turn to for comfort, and it is one that families will instantly love! Cheaper by the Dozen is available on Disney+ now!
(image: Disney)
