A Disney+ Original movie,“Cheaper by the Dozen” is a fresh take on the 2003 hit family comedy, but this story addresses the real-world conversations about race and the African-American expericene in America.

With everything, you’d expect from a Disney movie, but elements that are not typically touched on from the mouse house’s family-friendly movies. “Cheaper by the Dozen”  follows the Bakers a blended family of 12 who navigates a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business (Bakers Dozen). Paul Baker (Zach Braff) and his wife Zoey Baker (Gabrielle Union) both come together in a Brady bunch-like way as Paul had three children from his previous marriage and add in two from Zoey’s. Were set at seven but then add-in two sets of twins, and Paul’s ex-wife Kate (Erika Christensen) as a second mom there’s our dozen.

Having nine children could take its toll on anyone financially but having a great breakfast restaurant can help keep things stable, however, when given the opportunity to provide a better life for his family by selling his sauce (that’s hot, sweet, or savory depending on what it’s combined with) Paul jumps at the chance. Now the Bakers are heading to Calabasas.

From Right to Left: Bottom; Caylee Blosenski, Gabrielle Union, Zach Braff  Middle; Mykal-Michelle Harris, Aryan Simhadri, Andre Robinson, Journee Brown, Leo Abelo Perry Top; Mykal-Michelle Harris, Kylie Rogers, Luke Prael and Christian Cote.

They’re are many occasions where race comes into play, due to Zoey being Black and Paul being White, for example when calabasas “finest” felt it was important to tell Zoey about the strict nieborhood noise policy. But his tone changed when speaking to Paul. Or when Zoey is mistaken to be a nany to here byrasical twins Bailey (Christian Cote) and Bronx (Sebastian Cote) by Anne (June Diane Raphael). DJ’s father Dom Clayton (Timon Kyle Durrett) spoke to Paul about how even though his managed to become sucessful he still gets pulled over everytime his in a new city due to being a black men in a nice car. The fear he feels when getting pulled over is nothing Paul has to worry about. Dom knows that once DJ is able to drive they’ll need to have  “the talk” ever Black men need to have with their son when getting pulled over by the police. This makes the conversation Zoey had with Paul about feeling uncomfortable and a sense of no belonging in the community hit that much harder.

The Bakers arriving to the pool.

They’re was even a moment when before meeting (Kar)Anne at the pool. Zoey wouldn’t let the twins Bailey and Bronx bring thier toy guns to the pool with them due to the fear of police office mistaking them for real ones that come lead to catastrophic results.

Well these moments of microaggressions, racist remarks, and the general black experice in America are highlighted throughout the film it was still suprising to see them addressed in a Disney film targeted towards kids and family. It shouldn’t be suprise due to the socail climate of the past two years.

Check out the trailer for a glimpse at the funny and heartwarming story of the raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business.