Big Daddy

Main Plot

Big Daddy follows the story of a carefree and immature man named Sonny Koufax, who is content with his laid-back lifestyle in New York City. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he adopts a five-year-old boy named Julian, hoping to impress his girlfriend and prove he can be responsible. As Sonny navigates the challenges of parenthood, he learns about the joys and difficulties of raising a child. The duo embarks on various adventures, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments that challenge Sonny's carefree attitude. Throughout their time together, Sonny begins to confront his own immaturity and the responsibilities that come with being a parent, ultimately discovering the importance of family and commitment. The film blends comedy and sentimentality as it explores themes of love, growth, and the unconventional paths to finding fulfillment in life.

Characters

• Sonny Koufax, a law school graduate, adopts a young boy to impress his girlfriend but ends up learning about responsibility and fatherhood.
• Joey Lauren Adams plays Layla Maloney, a lawyer and Sonny's love interest, who helps him navigate the legal challenges of adopting Julian.
• Jon Stewart plays Kevin Gerrity, Sonny's best friend and the biological father of Julian. His character's role is pivotal in resolving the custody situation.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Big Daddy, the main conflict revolves around Sonny's struggle to prove himself as a responsible adult and a suitable guardian for the young boy, Julian, whom he has taken in. After a series of comedic and heartfelt moments, Sonny faces the reality of his situation when Julian's biological father, who has been absent, reappears and seeks custody of him. This forces Sonny to confront his own immaturity and the implications of his actions. In a pivotal scene, Sonny realizes that he genuinely cares for Julian and wants what is best for him, even if it means letting him go. He ultimately decides to step back, demonstrating his growth and maturity. The emotional climax occurs when Sonny attends the custody hearing, where he presents his case for why Julian should stay with him. However, he also acknowledges the importance of Julian having a stable family environment, which leads to a heartfelt resolution. The film concludes with Sonny's acceptance of his role in Julian's life, emphasizing themes of love, responsibility, and the unconventional nature of family. Sonny's journey reflects personal growth, and the ending reinforces the idea that true love sometimes means making difficult sacrifices for the well-being of others.