Remember that carefree, responsibility-averse stage of life before adulthood truly sets in? That’s Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) in a nutshell. A law school graduate with a serious case of arrested development, Sonny spends his days lounging around his apartment with his buddies, indulging in childish pranks and a complete disregard for maturity. However, his world gets flipped upside down when his girlfriend, Layla (Kristy Swanson), leaves him for a more stable man, the dentist next door (David Spade). Desperate to win her back and prove he can be a grown-up, Sonny makes a wildly impulsive decision: adopt a kid.

Enter Julian, a precocious five-year-old with a mischievous streak and a suitcase full of emotional baggage. The problem? Sonny has absolutely no idea how to raise a child. His knowledge of childcare comes from outdated sitcoms and questionable advice from his equally immature friends. What follows is a hilarious and often heartwarming journey as Sonny stumbles through fatherhood, navigating school plays, temper tantrums, the intricacies of juice boxes, and the all-important art of the bedtime story (which, in Sonny’s case, usually involves elaborate tales of his “adventures” dodging parking enforcement officers).

While the premise might seem familiar – irresponsible man forced to grow up through unexpected parenthood – director Dennis Dugan injects enough heart and genuine laughs to keep the story afloat. The film doesn’t shy away from the challenges Sonny faces. From diaper duty disasters to the social worker’s sceptical visits, the film portrays the often messy and unpredictable reality of raising a child, even for those who stumble into the role. However, it also highlights the unexpected joys and the profound emotional connection that can form between a parent and child, even in the most unconventional circumstances.

Diehard Adam Sandler fans will likely find themselves right at home. The film is packed with his signature brand of goofy antics and silly voices, perfectly complemented by the antics of his long-time collaborators Rob Schneider (as the lovably goofy roommate) and Allen Covert (as the accident-prone friend). There’s a surprising amount of tenderness beneath the surface, though. Sonny’s bond with Julian develops organically, with genuine moments of connection that transcend the usual comedic territory. There’s a scene where Sonny, facing the possibility of losing Julian, pours his heart out about his own childhood abandonment issues. It’s a surprisingly touching moment that adds depth to his character and makes his journey of self-discovery all the more relatable.

Behind the scenes, there are some interesting tidbits for movie buffs. The adorable Julian is actually played by twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse, who were just five years old at the time of filming. Despite their young age, they managed to hold their own opposite Sandler’s comedic energy. Their natural charisma and genuine childlike innocence are a big part of the film’s charm. The film was also a surprise box office success, grossing over $230 million USD worldwide. This cemented Sandler’s status as a comedic powerhouse and helped launch the careers of the Sprouse brothers, who went on to star in several Disney Channel shows and have become successful young adult actors.

Looking at online reviews, opinions on “Big Daddy” are certainly mixed. While some viewers praise the film’s heart and Sandler’s comedic timing, others criticise the predictable plot and occasional reliance on crass gags. It’s true, the story doesn’t exactly break new ground. The film borrows from classic fish-out-of-water tropes, and the humour can veer into childish territory at times. However, there’s a certain charm to Sonny’s journey of self-discovery, and the genuine connection between him and Julian is undeniable. The film also avoids some of the pitfalls of conventional adoption narratives. It doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexities of the adoption process and the emotional baggage that both the child and the adoptive parent might bring to the table.

Final Verdict

“Big Daddy” isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a perfectly enjoyable comedy with enough heart to win you over. If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud good time with a surprisingly sweet centre, this film delivers. Just don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling or sophisticated humour. For a lighthearted and ultimately heartwarming watch, “Big Daddy” is a solid choice. It’s a film that reminds us that fatherhood (or parenthood in general) can come in many forms, and that sometimes the most unlikely people can discover the joys and challenges of raising a child, even if the path is paved with silly voices, questionable parenting choices, and a whole lot of Yoo-hoo.