Cheaper by the Dozen 2

Right now you can watch Cheaper by the Dozen 2 in Australia on Disney Plus and Stan, and in the US on Disney Plus — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Steve Martin sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Disney Plus.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Cheaper by the Dozen 2 from the crowd. The Baker family, while on vacation, find themselves in competition with a rival family of eight children. Steve Martin and Eugene Levy lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2005. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Cheaper by the Dozen 2 holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a strong candidate. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Steve Martin is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.