Themes: Fathers and Sons, Arrested Adolescence, Adoption
Main Cast: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Josh Mostel, Leslie Mann
Release Year: 1999
Country: US
Run Time: 95 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG13
Plot
Prospective parents everywhere, meet the world's least likely paternal role model: Adam Sandler! In Big Daddy, Sandler plays 30-year-old bachelor Sonny Koufax, a carefree slob who has never much taken to adult responsibilities; he works one day a week as a tollbooth collector, and spends the remainder of his time living off of a $200,000 reward he collected from an auto accident. All told, the life suits him just fine. However, as his old buddies start getting married and drifting away, Sonny realizes that if he doesn't do something soon, he could end up all alone for the rest of his life. When his most recent girlfriend, Vanessa (Kristy Swanson), indicates that she needs some time off because she's sick of being with a man who can't act like a grown-up, he decides that it's time to take drastic action to win her back. Conveniently enough, a little boy named Julian (Cole Sprouse and Dylan Sprouse) turns up on his doorstep, claiming that he's the biological son of Sonny's roommate and friend from law school, Kevin (Jon Stewart). The kid tells Sonny that he's from Buffalo, New York; Kevin has never been to Buffalo, New York, but no matter - Sonny foresees, in Julian, an opportunity to convince Vanessa that he can face adult responsibilities. He thus takes charge of the little boy over a long Columbus Day weekend, pretending to be Kevin. However, the plan doesn't work as expected, and the authorities hone in on a discovery of Sonny's real identity. Meanwhile, Sonny finds himself genuinely drawn to the tyke. Also supporting Sandler in Big Daddy are Joey Lauren Adams, Josh Mostel and Rob Schneider. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
Although laden with phlegm, urine, and vomit, Big Daddy also hurls a load of charm and a big heart at its audience. This Adam Sandler vehicle is a return to the goofy and apathetic style of Billy Madison with a touch of the adult sophistication of The Wedding Singer. The comedy contains a laundry list of standard Sandler-esque elements, including everything from bathroom gags to random/bizarre humor to a supporting role by Rob Schneider. Even with the heavy-handed sentimentality and the clichéd courtroom scene climax, this crass and often sloppy film surprisingly works. It will satisfy longtime Sandler fans with his adolescent humor and sudden outbursts of rage, while its mawkish plot will attract the mainstream viewers the comedian gained with The Wedding Singer. Steve Buscemi delivers some real zingers as a homeless nomad, while Peter Dante and Jonathan Loughran are perfect in their portrayal of an affectionate gay male couple. Despite its many flaws and sluggish pace, Big Daddy is indeed a satisfying comedy that isn't the typically juvenile Sandler yuckfest. Directed by Dennis Dugan, who also teamed up with Sandler in Happy Gilmore, this film contains sensitivity about an important subject. While the trademark goofy gags still exist, the filmmakers also address issues around adoption, success, and parenting. A far cry from Kramer vs. Kramer, the film is still refreshing as a movie that extols love and acceptance while simultaneously being as rude, crude, and lewd as possible. ~ Adam Goldberg, All Movie Guide
Rick Butler - Art Director, Allen Covert - Associate Producer, Michelle Holdsworth - Associate Producer, Roger Mussenden - Casting, Alex Siskin - Co-producer, Ellen Lutter - Costume Designer, Glen Trotiner - First Assistant Director, Dennis Dugan - Director, Jeff Gourson - Editor, Adam Sandler - Executive Producer, Joseph M. Caracciolo, Jr. - Executive Producer, Robert Simonds - Executive Producer, Teddy Castellucci - Composer (Music Score), Michael Dilbeck - Musical Direction/Supervision, Perry Andelin Blake - Production Designer, Tony Andelin Blake - Production Designer, Theo Van de Sande - Cinematographer, Jack Giarraputo - Producer, Sid Ganis - Producer, Out of the Blue - Producer, Les Bloom - Set Designer, Paul Massey - Sound/Sound Designer, Christopher Boyes - Sound/Sound Designer, Steve Franks - Screen Story, Adam Sandler - Screenwriter, Tim Herlihy - Screenwriter, Steve Franks - Screenwriter
