Big Daddy

Big Daddy is a 1999 American comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan and written by Stephen Mazur. The movie follows Adam Sandler as Sonny Koufax, a 32-year-old attorney who graduated from Harvard Law School but has not passed the bar exam. Sonny is still living in his father's house, working at a law firm owned by his wealthy father, Mr. Koufax. Despite his lack of motivation, Sonny is quite charismatic and charming, with a knack for getting out of trouble. Sonny's personal life is equally underwhelming. He has been dating a single mother, Vanessa (played by Fairuza Balk), for a while but is not serious about committing to her or her four-year-old son. However, Sonny wants to present himself as a responsible adult to impress Vanessa, and he sees an opportunity when he agrees to adopt a five-year-old boy, Julian (played by Cole Sprouse and Dylan Sprouse), during a custody hearing on a whim. Sonny is convinced that he can return the child to his original parents after some time, but his plan is put to the test when Julian becomes an integral part of his life. Initially, Sonny struggles to connect with Julian, often finding himself exhausted by the child's constant energy and antics. Despite his best efforts, Sonny can't seem to get a handle on parenting and often relies on his friends and family for advice. Julian, who has been through a lot of trauma and instability in his life, is drawn to Sonny's carefree nature, and the two slowly develop a bond. As the days go by, Sonny's life becomes increasingly complicated. He has to balance his newfound responsibilities as a father with his work and social life. His boss, Mr. Mollin (played by Henry Winkler), is not pleased with Sonny's lack of progress in passing the bar exam, while Sonny's friends, including his cousin, Kevin (played by Rob Schneider), and his friend, Nick (played by Tim Herlihy), are often called upon to help with childcare duties. Despite the chaos that ensues, Sonny gradually learns to accept his new role as a father. He starts to take Julian to school and participates in parent-teacher conferences. Sonny also begins to confront his own flaws and insecurities as a result of his experiences as a foster father. As he navigates the challenges of parenthood, Sonny discovers a new sense of purpose and responsibility in his life. Julian's mother, Michelle (played by Kelly Preston), eventually appears on the scene, and Sonny must navigate the complexities of her relationship with Julian and her motives for seeking custody. In the process, Sonny's relationships with his friends and family are tested, and he is forced to confront the harsh realities of adoption and parenthood. In the climactic final scenes, Sonny must make a difficult decision about his relationship with Julian. He ultimately decides that he cannot give up the child and commits to becoming a full-time father. The movie concludes on a heartwarming note, with Sonny and Julian forming a strong bond, and Sonny finally emerging as a responsible and caring adult. Big Daddy was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $163 million worldwide. The movie received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Adam Sandler's performance as the lead character. Despite some criticisms about the film's formulaic plot and sentimental tone, Big Daddy remains a beloved comedy about the challenges and rewards of parenthood.