Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is an exercise in shameless contrivance--even for the kiddies, though they might enjoy its familiar faces. If you hear laughter from grown-ups, there might've been a laugh track installed in the theater prior to the screening. Or someone's delirious.

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So as not to potentially utilize even one of its viewers' brain cells, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 needs minimal exposition before allowing physical hijinks to set in. After theyou guessed it12-strong Baker family worries of…

As if the 2003 original wasn't endurance test enough, the sequel further cheapens the talents of Steve Martin, reprising his role as a football coach trying to cope with his wife (Bonnie Hunt) and their brood of twelve. Even Hilary Duff, as an older daughter, looks embarrassed to be in this tripe. There's something pernicious about a toxic mix of sitcom and snickering sex jokes getting packaged and effectively sold as wholesome fun for the family.