ambusched94

In some ways this is a better film than the first Cheaper By the Dozen (2003), and then in some ways it's the same yet not as good; less funny and less genuine conflict. The storyline focuses on specific siblings, mainly the same ones, and because there are soooo many kids in the family, it's harder for the film to flesh out character development for each one, so of course surface-level characterization. Steve Martin is great as the strung-out, loving father. The family rivalry with the Murtaugh family at the lake is entertaining. Solid light-hearted comedy film. Also, Hilary Duff's face is distracting here in a bad way, she looks so emaciated.

A moody coming-of-age film where a teen romance is the catalyst but not the defining end goal of a teen's changed outlook on life and her family relationships. Hilary Duff gives a refreshingly complex, dramatic performance in a darker teen role as a rebellious, self-destructive, caustic teenager fixated on suicidal ideation. This is, in my opinion, Duff's only performance where she isn't adhering to her usual acting shtick, giving her a chance to branch out from her previous limited acting range. A recommended indie drama if you're a fan of Hilary Duff or looking for a new film to view.