Dennis Dugan’s 1999 comedy Big Daddy was another notch on Sandler’s endearing comedic bedpost. Big Daddy pairs lovable loser Sonny Koufax with the adorable and tiny Sprouse twins. Koufax’s transformation from playmate to parent can thaw even the most cynical of hearts. Those close to me know what I consider to be my deepest darkest secret. It’s time that I come clean. In my eyes, Adam Sandler can do no wrong. You can use my love of the Sandman to discredit my film knowledge, or you can consider me the Sandler-sseur. I pick the latter.
Best Quote #1 – “Having a kid is great… as long as his eyes are closed and he’s not moving or speaking.”
The Moment I Fell in Love with Big Daddy
There is plenty to love in this movie. Whether it’s the cameos, a young strapping Jon Stewart, or Rob Schneider’s inability to read, I fell in love when Sandler suited up. Scuba suited up that is. To set the scene, Sonny goes into shock after Frankenstein’s teacher explains that his temporary son is the smelliest kid in class. This revelation helps Sonny realize that parenting is more than tripping rollerbladers and eating 30 packets of ketchup. As he tries to steer Frankenstein back into being the mild-mannered Julian, Sonny realizes he may need a little help from the Scuba Squad. This scene proves to Sonny that being a responsible parent and having fun can go hand in hand. He lectures Julian on the importance of bathing, studying, and being nice to the delivery man. After all, “ITS NOT HIS FAULT HE CAN’T READ.”
BEST QUOTE #2 – “I wipe my own ass!”
Most Rewatchable Moment
For the biggest hit in the nostalgia feels, you have to rewatch the disappointing saga of waking up “early” and missing McDonald’s breakfast. Sonny lectures Julian on the old days of not having McDonald’s breakfast and how lucky he is to live in a world where he will never go without. Sonny and Julian make it four seconds late…only to realize that they were 30 minutes and 4 seconds late. In some arbitrary move, the universe conspired against us, and Sonny, making McDonald’s breakfast unattainable. His meltdown in the restaurant is how we’ve all felt at some point…until their all-day breakfast menu, of course. Don’t worry Sonny, I’ve seen the future, and the future is breakfast.
BEST QUOTE #3 – “Dented cans are half-price. Microsoft went down 3 points. We gotta save some money.”
Best Moment in the Film
The trope I love most about 90s movies are the huge gut-wrenching declarations of love. This, although cheesy and predictable, ties the film together and gives the audience the payoff we deserve. Sonny is in court trying to win custody of Julian, and he tries to prove to the judge and ultimately his father that he is ready to care for the young boy. Astutely, Sonny tells his father there is no need to be scared, he cannot possibly fail at being a father since the love he has for Julian won’t allow him to do so. This heartwarming moment of cheese allows all the other men in the courtroom to call their fathers and declare their love. This is why I love the 90s. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous a premise, how many sexist Hooters jokes, or strange the side characters are, there is ALWAYS time for an emotional arc.
BEST QUOTE #4 – “Layla, if you don’t come over to Sonny’s apartment tonight, there’s a good chance that I’ll develop a stutter. P-p-p-please don’t do this to me!”
Movies of 1999 – Why You Should Watch It Again
Big Daddy came after quite a few Sandler classics. And though it is not as side-splittingly funny as Waterboy or Happy Gilmore, it still carries universal themes that resonate today. Sonny Koufax is seen as a lazy slob with no direction. All of his friends are making money, successful and moving on towards major life milestones. Sonny is caught in the same routine, and although financially stable, he can’t seem to fall into the same rhythm of growing up like everyone else. Although I do not believe that you need a child to have a greater purpose…Big Daddy reminds us that you have greater potential than your current situation. Rewatch this movie for a fun mix of romantic comedy and raunchy 90s humor. Rewatch Big Daddy for a big laugh.
What do you think of Big Daddy? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Check out “You Are Who You Choose To Be: The Films of 1999” series at Sunshine State Cineplex. Check out where to stream Big Daddy here.
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