Big Daddy (1999)

40% of critics liked it
(92 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(978,103 ratings)

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… More 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, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Dennis Dugan
Written By: Steve Franks, Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy
Genres: Comedy, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Jun 25, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Mar 6, 2001
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
This light yet earnest drama starring Adam Sandler deals openly with one of the most insidious elements in popular filmmaking -- the male screenwriter's relationship with his own father.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Funny-sweet, understand, not bleccchh sweet.
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
Worst of all is the way Sandler wants to have it both ways: to muck around in gross-out humor one minute and then turn schmaltzy the next minute with some fraudulent business about how much he loves the kid.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
How's this for a novel complaint: Big Daddy just isn't stupid enough.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
There's no doubt Sandler is talented, but if he persists in believing that, like Elvis, his presence alone covers a multitude of omissions and inconsistencies, he will squander his gift and make a series of forgettable films in the process.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Big Daddy should be reported to the child welfare office.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Typical Adam Sandler -- charm mixed with crude humor.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
The heavy-handed sentimentality provokes a most violent gag reflex.
, Film4
Ending is predictably gooey but Sandler's edge staves off the sludge for long enough in an otherwise fresh and funny piece.
Garth Franklin, Dark Horizons
Those expecting another run of the mill Sandler film will either be pleasantly surprised or disgusted by this foray of his into new and different territory.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Another genial Sandler opus.
Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal International
However simplistic Big Daddy is, it is also easy viewing.
, Time Out
This lightweight, bubblegum caper synthesises robust, physical humour, self-deprecation and witty one liners. The main problem, as with most other dumb boy pictures, is that the supporting characters are underwritten.
Tom Meek, Film Threat
Things roll along quite charmingly, until the action hit the courtroom and gets bogged down in a boorish, maudlin custody case.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
An essentially mean-spirited comedy.
Jim Shelby, Palo Alto Weekly
Sandler continues to bring a sweetness, irreverence and unpredictability to the screen that make hits out of his films.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
Though there are several truly funny moments in Big Daddy, they're all included in the trailer, so if you've seen it, that's all you need.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Not so bad.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...you just might wind up with a new found respect for Sandler.
Kevin N. Laforest, Montreal Film Journal
Don't expect La Dolce Vita and you'll love Big Daddy.

Read all 22 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bathsheba M

I like Adam Sandler. I like that he uses other comics generously in his films. I like that he gets the girl and gets a job but doesn't get to keep his buddy's kid, but gets his own. Saw this on DVD. One particular moment stuck with me, and that was when he was (finally)… More
I like Adam Sandler. I like that he uses other comics generously in his films. I like that he gets the girl and gets a job but doesn't get to keep his buddy's kid, but gets his own. Saw this on DVD. One particular moment stuck with me, and that was when he was (finally) giving the kid a bath and the kid asked why he had to wear a bathing suit and Sandler said he "didn't know the rules" about that kind of thing which I thought was an interesting way to get around a potentially touchy (NPI) situation and also an interesting statement on his point of view--he's a guy who sees normal life as a set of rules which he doesn't like and which he is intent on either breaking or ignoring and in the end, with just a bit of compromise on his part, the world seems to bend to him. Entertaining and weirdly thought-provoking.
Eric A

It's so so, not bad but not good.
Brad W

Not that bad. Big Daddy is about Sonny Koufax, a man who is left with a sweet little boy and must learn to be his father. This movie, was sweet, kind, and funny, but also cheesy, dumb, and nothing new. The plot is basic, but when its not being cheesy, its a sweet hearted comedy.… More
Not that bad. Big Daddy is about Sonny Koufax, a man who is left with a sweet little boy and must learn to be his father. This movie, was sweet, kind, and funny, but also cheesy, dumb, and nothing new. The plot is basic, but when its not being cheesy, its a sweet hearted comedy. The young Cole and Dylan Sprouce are probably the cutest young actors ever, how there parents ever said no to them I will never know. Adam Sandler pissed me off in this, he was a bad actor and the writers made him turn a sweet kid into a loog spitter. Overall not bad, I mean ic its on tv ill watch it.
Bethany M

Adam Sandler classic!
Jeff "

As far as I'm concerned, Big Daddy is oneof Adam Sandler's last 'watchable" films. Big Daddy was funny and entertaining with all the usually tricks you'd expect from and Adam Sandler film. Along with Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy is the only Sandler film that I can… More
As far as I'm concerned, Big Daddy is oneof Adam Sandler's last 'watchable" films. Big Daddy was funny and entertaining with all the usually tricks you'd expect from and Adam Sandler film. Along with Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy is the only Sandler film that I can actually watch without being too irritated. Big Daddy is silly, but it's also fun. The film is mindless entertainment and it doesn't try to be anything great. The film is really laid back, but it does its job by delivering good laughs. The film is much better than Sandler's previous film, The Water Boy. I enjoyed Big Daddy and laughed quite a bit. Sandler gives a decent comedic performance as Sonny, and the rest of the cast are good too. However Rob Schneider is as usual, not funny, and he plainly sucks like every other film he's done. In every Sandler film, he always plays a character thats irrelevant and not funny. Big Daddy is an average comedy with good laughs and average acting. Theres nothing too special about this film, but its a fun time waster. Sandler will make you for over an hour, but then the film becomes predictable too quickly. But for what it is, Big Daddy is a fun film and one of the few films where Adam Sandler is funny. Recently he has lost his touch. Big Daddy however is a reminder of what he could do, bring on some silly humour thats entertaining and funny.
Marc L

Do we really need more proof that Adam Sandler is a genius? Big Daddy has it all for a comedy. Laughter, a good lesson, interesting characters and a cute story without being too cute. It's right up there with Happy Gilmore. Obviously, the laugs are what make this movie so… More
Do we really need more proof that Adam Sandler is a genius? Big Daddy has it all for a comedy. Laughter, a good lesson, interesting characters and a cute story without being too cute. It's right up there with Happy Gilmore. Obviously, the laugs are what make this movie so great. Sandler can be very funny when he's having trouble raising Julian...errrr "Frankenstein", especially in the early stages. He practically goes nuts. Once again, Sandler does a great job of picking a supporting cast. Stev Buscemi did a downright hillarious performance as the homeless guy, and Rob Shneider did a very good job too. There arguement at the law case gives a bit of a brighter premise. This movie has a lot of heart too, especially for a Sandler film. As the film goes on, Sunny begins to bond with Julian, and there are a few scenes that are actually really sweet. I almost cried at the ending (I won't spoil it for you) Even the acting is believeable, one of the big negatives in some Sandler films. Whether it was Sandler, Lauren Adams, or even Dylan and Cole Sprouse, they did a good job. Big Daddy easily ranks as one of my favorites all time.
erika b

Big Daddy is about 32 year old Sonny (Adam Sandler) that does not know how to be grown up. When his gf dumps him he adopts a kid to show his ex that he can be grown up. Over time he learns how to take care of a kid and will do nay thing in his power to keep the kid. Pros Good plot… More
Big Daddy is about 32 year old Sonny (Adam Sandler) that does not know how to be grown up. When his gf dumps him he adopts a kid to show his ex that he can be grown up. Over time he learns how to take care of a kid and will do nay thing in his power to keep the kid. Pros Good plot Good acting I really like the kid in the film. Kid was so funny Cons Adam Sandler did bad job acting. If u likes Adam Sandler you should give this a try.
Anthony L

I'm not much of an Adam Sandler fan to be honest but I don't hate him. This film is inoffensive enough with a wry sense of humour that I actually admired in places but overall, it's not particularly funny, original or memorable.
Unknown H

Steve Buscemi is at his best in this movie as far as cameos go and he has ALOT of them.
Richard C

nothing special but good. B-
Film C

i ahve to say this is one of the few movies of adam sandlers i actually really enjoyed!! its funny, sweet and a lovely storyline and its very entertainging movie to watch!!!
Conner R

While I do think that it's a lot better than most of Adam Sandler's other movies, it's just not enough to make it a good movie. The jokes get old and the father-son scenario only goes so far, there was too much of an effort put forward to making the movie touching and… More
While I do think that it's a lot better than most of Adam Sandler's other movies, it's just not enough to make it a good movie. The jokes get old and the father-son scenario only goes so far, there was too much of an effort put forward to making the movie touching and charming.
Lenny M

Another flixter deletion, a first Sandler dramedy attempt. Loses steam half way through the movie but good for the most part.
KJ P

One of sandlers funniest films yet!
Jason O

When I first saw the previews of "Big Daddy" I knew I had to see it because it looked like it was gonna be hilarious. When I finally saw it, it wasn't anything like I thought it was gonna be. For about the first 20 minutes of the movie, parts of it are funny.… More
When I first saw the previews of "Big Daddy" I knew I had to see it because it looked like it was gonna be hilarious. When I finally saw it, it wasn't anything like I thought it was gonna be. For about the first 20 minutes of the movie, parts of it are funny. Sonny's girlfriend (Kristy Swanson) goes out of town saying she needs time to think and tells Sonny (Adam Sandler) that he needs to think about the next stage of his life. A kid shows up at the door and Sonny decides to adopt him in order to show his girlfriend that he can be responsible. She dumps him anyway and he teaches the kid how to be the next Adam Sandler pretty much. Things get out of hand and he thinks about giving the kid up, but he finds out he likes the kid too much. "Big Daddy" is a pretty good movie, but it wasn't what I expected it to be. I thought it would be hilarious like some of Sandler's other movies such as "Happy Gilmore" or "The Waterboy," but really it's more of a showing of how an immature guy can become attached to a kid and start wanting responsibility. I also didn't think Adam Sandler did one of his better acting jobs in this movie. The court session part of the movie was sort of cheesy. But I recommend seeing this movie so you can find out what happens and if Sonny will get to keep the kid and what he will do about his girlfriend that dumped him. It's worth buying, but you might want to rent it or see it on TV first. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000. I know this is one of Adam Sandler's most loved movies, but I've never understood. I'm a Sandler fan (he has the same birthday, September 9th, as me, btw), but this has always been one of my lesser favorites of his. Overrated!!!
Coxxie M

egg Mc-muffin?
Chris W

Entertaining and funny, but overall, too uneven to be convincing.
Lorenzo v

"Nature called. Look who answered." 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… More
"Nature called. Look who answered." 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. Review It started out great. I enjoyed the characters, Adam Sandler was, as usual, comedically fine-tuned, and the supporting cast was quite good. I even enjoyed watching Sandler muck around a little with some dramatics. But despite the strong beginning and middle, the ending was much like a deflated balloon. It was almost as if the writer couldn't decide on an appropriate ending, was getting pressure from the producers to finish up, and everything was rushed. The court case was one of the worst I've ever seen; totally unrealistic -- what judge would stand for those shenanigans? The father/son patched-relationship was too much. But I cannot say this was a bad movie. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with a sense of humour and a bit of a soft heart. Just try not to expect the great storyline that grew quite nicely to end as well as it should have seemed to.
Sanjaya &

It's pretty funny movie from Sandler... The beginning didn't make me impress, I think the story will go like 'Billy Madison' way, but thanks it didn't... The chemistry between Sandler and Sprouse was great, I think it works for the people who watch it... And… More
It's pretty funny movie from Sandler... The beginning didn't make me impress, I think the story will go like 'Billy Madison' way, but thanks it didn't... The chemistry between Sandler and Sprouse was great, I think it works for the people who watch it... And some scenes were really funny... I think it's better for Adam playing in comedy like this, when he becomes the real adults, not becomes adults who is childish...
Martin S

It's just another comedy