# Cheaper by the Dozen

> 2003 film by Shawn Levy

**Wikidata**: [Q822930](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q822930)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheaper_by_the_Dozen_(2003_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cheaper-by-the-dozen

## Summary
*Cheaper by the Dozen* is a 2003 American family comedy film directed by Shawn Levy, starring Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, and Tom Welling. The movie follows the chaotic lives of a large, dysfunctional family as they navigate holidays, school, and personal relationships, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: December 25, 2003 (limited), March 25, 2004 (wide)
- **Director**: Shawn Levy
- **Starring**: Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, John Cleese, Paul Dooley, and Jamie Lee Curtis
- **Genre**: Family comedy
- **Production Company**: New Line Cinema
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 113 minutes
- **Box Office**: $220 million worldwide
- **IMDb Rating**: 4.6/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes**: 24% (audience score)
- **Metacritic**: 46/100
- **Wikidata ID**: Q911127
- **Instance of**: Film
- **Followed by**: *Cheaper by the Dozen 2* (2005)
- **Sitelink Count**: 35 (Wikipedia language editions)

## FAQs
**Who directed *Cheaper by the Dozen*?**
The film was directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on *Home Alone* and *Night at the Museum*.

**What is the main premise of the movie?**
The film follows a large, dysfunctional family as they navigate holidays, school, and personal relationships, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

**Who are the main actors in the film?**
The cast includes Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, John Cleese, Paul Dooley, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

**How was the film received critically?**
The film received mixed reviews, with a 24% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 46/100 on Metacritic.

**What is the runtime of the film?**
The movie has a runtime of 113 minutes.

**Was there a sequel to the film?**
Yes, *Cheaper by the Dozen 2* was released in 2005, directed by Adam Shankman.

## Why It Matters
*Cheaper by the Dozen* holds significance as a family comedy that blends humor with heartfelt moments, offering a relatable portrayal of a large, dysfunctional family navigating life’s challenges. The film’s success contributed to the resurgence of family comedies in the early 2000s, providing a nostalgic and entertaining escape for audiences. Its cast, including Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, brought star power to the project, ensuring broad appeal. The movie’s box office performance and cultural impact demonstrate its role in shaping modern family entertainment. Additionally, the film’s legacy is continued by its sequel, *Cheaper by the Dozen 2*, which further cemented its place in comedy history.

## Notable For
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed $220 million worldwide, making it a commercial hit.
- **Cultural Impact**: Revived interest in family comedies in the early 2000s.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Featured notable actors like Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, and Tom Welling.
- **Legacy**: Inspired a sequel, *Cheaper by the Dozen 2*, released in 2005.
- **Genre Blending**: Combined humor with heartfelt moments, offering a unique take on family dynamics.
- **Directorial Debut**: Shawn Levy’s directorial debut, showcasing his talent behind the camera.

## Body

### Production and Release
*Cheaper by the Dozen* was directed by Shawn Levy and produced by New Line Cinema. The film was released on December 25, 2003, in a limited theatrical run, and later on March 25, 2004, in a wide release. The movie had a runtime of 113 minutes and was rated PG for thematic elements and some language.

### Cast and Characters
The film featured a star-studded cast, including Steve Martin as the patriarch of the family, Bonnie Hunt as his wife, and Tom Welling as their eldest son. Other notable actors included Hilary Duff, John Cleese, Paul Dooley, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The ensemble cast brought a mix of comedic talent and dramatic depth to the film.

### Plot and Themes
The film follows the lives of a large, dysfunctional family as they navigate holidays, school, and personal relationships. The story blends humor with heartfelt moments, offering a relatable portrayal of family dynamics. The film’s themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of family life resonated with audiences.

### Critical Reception
*Cheaper by the Dozen* received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 24% audience score, indicating mixed reception. Metacritic gave the film a 46/100, further reflecting its divisive critical reception. Despite the mixed reviews, the film’s box office performance was strong, grossing $220 million worldwide.

### Legacy and Sequels
The film’s success led to a sequel, *Cheaper by the Dozen 2*, released in 2005. Directed by Adam Shankman, the sequel continued the story of the dysfunctional family, further cementing the film’s place in comedy history. The sequel’s release demonstrated the enduring appeal of the original film and its characters.

### Cultural Impact
*Cheaper by the Dozen* contributed to the resurgence of family comedies in the early 2000s. The film’s blend of humor and heartfelt moments provided a nostalgic and entertaining escape for audiences. Its cultural impact is evident in its box office success and the continued interest in its sequel.

### Related Works
The film is part of a franchise that includes *Cheaper by the Dozen 2*. The original film’s success paved the way for the sequel, ensuring the franchise’s continued relevance in the comedy genre. The franchise’s legacy is a testament to the film’s enduring appeal and its impact on modern family entertainment.

### Technical Details
The film’s technical details include a runtime of 113 minutes, a PG rating, and a production company of New Line Cinema. The film’s technical specifications reflect its status as a mainstream family comedy. The film’s production values and technical execution contributed to its overall success and cultural impact.

### Awards and Recognition
While the film did not receive major awards, its box office performance and critical reception ensured its recognition in the comedy genre. The film’s legacy is further solidified by its continued relevance in discussions of family comedies and its impact on modern entertainment.

## References

1. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/falszywa-dwunastka)
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349205/)
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5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/cheaper-by-the-dozen)
7. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349205/fullcredits)
8. The Movie Database
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