Big Daddy Details

This “adoption-by-proxy” comedy is a perfect example of how a sparkling central performance can make even the most crudely sentimental fluff hilariously palatable. Thanks to slacker superstar Adam Sandler and his infectious goofball sweetness, this film works like a charm, even though the story springs few surprises (lazy loafer takes his flatmate's love-child under his wing; they bond; and the parental challenges change him sufficiently to win the hand of Miss Right, Joey Lauren Adams). Yes, it's contrived, mawkish and manipulative, but Happy Gilmore director Dennis Dugan's effortless handling of the tale and Sandler's confident puppy-dog demeanour ensure that it delivers huge laughs. Sandler haters beware, however: he alone gives Big Daddy its big heart.

Sandler's familiar persona of a dim but charming manchild wears ever thinner here, in a heavy-handed, predictable and sentimental comedy.