By Aaryan Doshi – Staff Reporter

“Big Daddy” is a funny and heartfelt comedy movie starring Adam Sandler as Sonny Koufax, a lazy 32-year-old man who doesn’t want to grow up. He spends most of his time sleeping in, avoiding real work, and hanging out with his goofy friends. One day, his life suddenly changed when a 5-year-old boy named Julian was dropped off at his apartment. The child was supposed to be left with Sonny’s roommate, but Sonny decides to take care of him to impress his ex-girlfriend and prove that he’s responsible. As the story goes on, Sonny tries to be a parent in his own strange way, letting Julian do whatever he wants at first, but eventually learning what it means to really care for someone else. Their bond grows stronger throughout the movie, and it leads to both funny and emotional moments.

Big Daddy was released in the summer of 1999 and became one of the biggest hits of that year. It was directed by Dennis Dugan, who has worked with Adam Sandler on many movies like Happy Gilmore and Grown Ups. This movie came out during a time when Sandler was becoming very popular for his goofy comedy style, and Big Daddy helped show that he could also handle more serious roles with emotional moments. The character of Julian is played by real-life twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse, who were only six years old when the movie was made. Viewers might recognize them from Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. 

One of the strongest parts of “Big Daddy” is how funny many of the scenes are. There are lots of laugh-out-loud scenes, like when Sonny lets Julian choose his own name (“Frankenstein”), dress himself in wild costumes, or learn life lessons from TV instead of school. These moments are silly but fun to watch. At the same time, the movie shows a more serious side as Sonny begins to really care about Julian. He goes from being irresponsible and selfish to becoming someone who truly wants to be a good father figure. 

Adam Sandler’s performance is also a highlight. He’s known for being loud and goofy, but in this movie, he shows a more emotional side. Viewers can tell that he genuinely cares about Julian, and their bond feels real. The film also teaches some nice life lessons about growing up, taking responsibility, and how love can come from unexpected places.

Even though Big Daddy has a lot of great moments, it’s not perfect. Some of the humor might feel too immature or over-the-top, especially if viewers don’t like potty jokes or silly behavior. A few scenes might make some viewers roll their eyes instead of laugh. Also, the story is a bit predictable. People can probably guess how it will end after watching the first half. It follows a familiar formula of someone learning to grow up through an unexpected situation.

Another weak point is that some of the side characters aren’t developed very well. For example, Sonny’s friends and ex-girlfriend don’t have much depth, and they mostly serve as background or comic relief. While they add a few laughs, they don’t really make the story stronger. Still, the focus is mostly on Sonny and Julian, and their story is the heart of the movie.

Overall, Big Daddy is a fun and heartfelt movie that shows how someone can change for the better when they care about someone else. It’s a mix of comedy, emotion, and life lessons that make it enjoyable for teens and adults alike. Adam Sandler brings a great mix of humor and heart, and the chemistry between him and young Julian is what makes the movie so special. Even though it has a few flaws, like some immature jokes and a predictable plot, it’s still a very entertaining movie that leaves viewers smiling by the end. If viewers in the mood for a comedy with a little bit of heart, “Big Daddy” is definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars