Big Daddy

Big Daddy

Year: 1999

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Dennis Dugan

DramaComedy

Sonny Koufax, a man in his thirties who refuses to grow up, finds his life upended when his girlfriend leaves him. Desperate to prove his maturity and win her back, he impulsively adopts two young boys. Suddenly faced with the challenges of parenthood, Sonny must learn to embrace responsibility and confront his own arrested development as he navigates the joys and struggles of raising children.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Big Daddy (1999)

Trace every key event in Big Daddy (1999) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sonny's Laid-Back Lifestyle

Sonny Koufax, a 32-year-old bachelor, enjoys a carefree life in New York City. Despite having a law degree, he avoids adult responsibilities and lives off a settlement from a car accident.

New York City
2

Kevin's Proposal Plans

Sonny's roommate, Kevin Gerrity, is preparing to propose to his girlfriend Corinne. However, Sonny becomes increasingly irritated by the prospect, feeling the pressure of his friends settling down compared to his own stagnant life.

3

Vanessa's Decision

Sonny's girlfriend Vanessa decides to end their relationship due to Sonny's immature behavior. She seeks a more stable partner, leaving Sonny feeling abandoned and troubled about his life choices.

4

Julian's Arrival

Sonny's life takes an unexpected turn when he learns that Kevin has a son named Julian. Julian arrives at their apartment with a note explaining his mother's passing, leaving Sonny with an unanticipated responsibility.

Sonny's Apartment
5

Promising to Care for Julian

Sonny promises to look after Julian until Kevin returns, believing this will win back Vanessa. However, his inexperience as a caretaker becomes evident as he struggles to manage his new role.

6

Visit to the Social Worker

To seek guidance, Sonny takes Julian to meet their social worker, Arthur Brooks, pretending to be Kevin. During this visit, Sonny discovers that Julian must enter foster care due to the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death.

Social Services Office
7

Bonding with Julian

Despite initial challenges, Sonny begins to bond with Julian, discovering joy and purpose in this newfound father-son relationship. This connection starts to reshape Sonny's understanding of maturity and responsibility.

8

Connection with Layla

As Sonny grows fond of Julian, he also forms a bond with Layla, Corinne's sister. Their budding relationship adds complexity to Sonny's life as he begins to find love amid his struggles with parenting.

9

Threat from Social Services

Sonny faces the threat of Julian being taken away as social services discover his deception regarding his identity. This news prompts a frantic race against time for Sonny to prove his capability as a caretaker.

10

The Court Case

In a pivotal courtroom scene, Sonny and his friends rally to support him. With Layla and Corinne providing testimony, the case becomes a test of Sonny's readiness to embrace fatherhood.

Courtroom
11

Sonny Takes the Stand

Sonny courageously takes the stand to express his desire to raise Julian. His heartfelt testimony convinces his father, Lenny, of his growth and determination to be a responsible parent.

Courtroom
12

Kevin's Admission

In a surprising turn, Kevin admits to being Julian's biological father during the trial. The judge grants custody to Kevin pending DNA results, leaving Sonny's hopes hanging in the balance.

Courtroom
13

Sonny’s Continued Commitment

Despite the custody ruling, Sonny vows to remain a part of Julian's life. He establishes a regular schedule to see Julian, solidifying their bond even after the court's decision.

14

One Year Later

A year later, Sonny has transformed into a more responsible man, having moved on and started a family. He is now a lawyer, married to Layla, and celebrates his birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Hooters
15

An Unexpected Reunion

At his surprise birthday party at Hooters, Sonny encounters Julian again, rekindling their connection. The event is filled with nostalgia as he also spots Vanessa, further reflecting on how much his life has changed.

Hooters

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:04

Unlock the Full Story of Big Daddy

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Big Daddy Summary

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Big Daddy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Big Daddy

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Big Daddy

More About Big Daddy

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