Good condition DVD of a popular recent Martin movie

The derivation of “Cheaper by the Dozen,” Steve Martin’s new picture out just in time for the holidays, is a film/theatre mash derived by the popular 1940s children’s book written by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, based in turn upon the true story of Gilbreth’s father, Frank, Sr. It has survived one prior film adaptation directed by Walter Lang in the 1950s, and both a play and musical version, neither of which achieved serious popular fame. Martin’s film will likely be the first experience many have with this prolific story; although it is in many ways a serious deviation from the original life experiences of Gilbreth’s family, it’s very funny, highly enjoyable family fare.

Martin plays the character of Frank Gilbreth, changed now to Tom Baker, and instead of the efficiency expert from prior versions, he is a football coach. He and his wife Mary (played spiritedly by Bonnie Hunt) spawn twelve children, and in order to work through the resulting insanity they move from the city and simplify their professional goals. Yet when Tom receives an offer to coach at Northeastern University in Chicago, the family is uprooted; following quickly on this new turn is the publication of Mary’s book (called, naturally, “Cheaper by the Dozen”) which sends her on a publication tour and away from the family for weeks. With twelve children and a football team to manage simultaneously, chaos soon erupts and the Baker family must find new ways to exist harmoniously.

It’s an old premise, an old plot, and it’s filled with old gags. Yet Martin’s proclivity towards family drama is infectious, and he and Hunt put forth capable performances – difficult given the flat-out pacing and slapstick, often crude, humor. But it helps to have talented child actors; strangely enough, after you view the film only about four of them will remain memorable. The two eldest, played by Piper Perabo and Tom Welling, are the most infectious (and developed) – plus they’re brightly attractive (especially the hunky Welling). Jacob Smith and Forrest Landis also turn in enchanting moments as two of the younger kids in the clan. And for those Ashton Kutcher fans in the house (he’s the boy-beautiful star from “Just Married” and “The Butterfly Effect”), he pulls out a hysterical performance as Perabo’s narcissistic boyfriend – alternatively worked-up about his designer clothing and the state of his complexion: he plays it so well it’s difficult to believe he’s in character, particularly when you watch the outtakes at the close of the film (which you should do).

This is not brilliant filmmaking. Shawn Levy brings the chaos of the family under control sufficiently to grab it on film and ensure pacing, but not tremendous style. And the comedy, while plentiful, is largely mundane. But Martin’s skills at elevating mundane humor right to the rafters has only gained momentum with “Bringing Down the House” and this film; he just makes funny movies, and although they may not be cheaper, they’re at least welcome by the dozen.