Big Daddy MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2 1/2

Adam Sandler plays Sonny Koufax, a father whos never quite grown up himself, in this comical look at first-time parenting. Although a law school graduate, along with his roommate Kevin (Jon Stewart) and friends, Sonny never took the bar exam. His life takes an unusual turn when Social Services leaves Kevins five-year-old child, Julian (Dylan and Cole Sprouse), in his doorway. But his roommate Kevin is out of town. To impress his girlfriend with his new responsibile life, Sonny pretends to be Kevin and takes Julian to raise. But Sonny learns just how responsible being a father can be. When Social Services learns Sonny is not Kevin and takes Julian away, Sonny has to prove hes a good father in court. Adam Sandler fans will no doubt flock to the theater, but they may be disappointed with this more subdued performance.

Sonny, far from the ideal father, teaches Julian foul language and that public urination is acceptableJulian wets his bed, public buildings, park trees and even Sonnys shirt. Sonny also allows him to eat a lot of junk food, causing Julian to throw up on the floor. He repeats these performances in school until the teacher talks to Sonny. Due to their surrogate relationship, Sonny allows Julian to make his own decisions about what to wear, eat and do. The restaurant Hooters, where Kevins fiancee worked, provides comedic material for jokes about female breasts, including frequently shown cleavage. Two homosexual characters are shown kissing and making comments about other mens anatomy. Alcohol and illegal drugs are also referenced. Particularly disturbing is Julian being allowed to imitate unacceptable behavior without consequences. Sandlers attempts to substitute as a loving father, while touching, cant redeem the overall poor example presented in BIG DADDY.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City CA 90232