Parents Television Council Reviews

PTC reviews aim to provide you with advance information about an entertainment offering so that you can be the final arbiter of what you and your family see.

Cheaper By the Dozen 2
By Ayla Montgomery

Release Date: December 21, 2005

MPAA Rating: PG for some crude humor and mild language.

Age Recommendation: 7+
Genre: Comedy/Family

Cheaper By the Dozen 2 is the second installment of the 2003 remake Cheaper By the Dozen. The film's stars Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt return as the heads of the Baker family which consist of their twelve loving and sometimes mischievous children. The plot of the sequel takes a slight departure from that of its predecessor. Instead of focusing on the mayhem which the children caused because they did not get along as in the previous film, the sequel focuses on a more cohesive family unit and their quest to defeat their vacation home neighbors, the Murtaughs.

The film begins with news that three members of the Baker clan will be relocating to other cities. Saddened by the news, concerned dad Tom Baker, played by Martin, decides to have a family gathering at their usual vacation spot, Lake Winnetka. While there, memories are sparked of an old family rivalry between their neighbors, the Murtaughs, which itself consists of eight children. After various comedic mishaps that occur between the families, Jimmy Murtaugh, played by Eugene Levy, insists that his family and the Bakers should compete to see whose children are better at the annual Labor Day Cup.

The fierce competitive natures of Tom and Jimmy peaks during the Labor Day Cup festival where the families finally meet to compete in outdoor activities such as egg tossing, three legged race, volleyball, and other activities. They are head to head until a tie breaker is needed to award a champion, and to finally settle the score of which family has better children.
 

Cheaper By the Dozen 2 has a few instances of foul language. In an act of sibling rivalry Hilary Duff's character Lorraine refers to her tom boy sister Sarah, played by Alyson Stoner as "butch". Another instance of foul language takes place at the end of the movie where pregnant daughter Nora, played by Piper Parabo uses the phrase "pissed off" after a heated discussion about the competition with Mr. Murtaugh. There are a few shots highlighting Carmen Electra's breasts as well as Bonnie Hunt's breasts. There is also a scene where the Baker's out of control dog humps Carmen Electra. There is very little physical violence in the film other than the various pranks and accidents that take place on account of the mischievous children.

Overall, Cheaper By the Dozen 2 is a great family film viewable by ages seven and up. It highlights the overwhelming importance of family togetherness while keeping viewers entertained with family friendly comedic performances.

Family Movie Reviews

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org

Have you seen this movie? Comment on this review, Click here!