Is Big Daddy Kid Friendly? A Gamer‘s Perspective
As a lifelong gaming enthusiast, I get asked often by concerned parents if the latest movie comedy, Big Daddy starring Adam Sandler, is suitable for kids. Short answer – it depends on age, but for tweens and up, it‘s reasonably tame. However, younger kids may still want to exercise caution. Let me break down the details as only a gaming expert can!
Brief Plot Summary
The movie focuses on 30-something bachelor Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) who adopts a 5-year-old boy to impress his girlfriend. But when she dumps him anyway, he has to learn to grow up and actually care for the child.
There are the expected Sandler-style crude jokes mixed with surprisingly heartwarming moments. All in all, it‘s a comedy with some moderate adult themes.
Content Concerns For Parents
On the mature content front, here‘s what to expect:
- Language: About a dozen swear words including 1 use of F-word
- Sex: A man fondles a woman‘s breasts. Some jokes with sexual references.
- Violence: Mild comedic moments – man falls, kid eats gravy off floor.
- Alcohol/Drugs: Adults drink beer. Cigarette smoking.
Below I compare these levels to Sandler‘s later film Grown Ups (2010):
| Movie | Profanity | Sexual Content | Violence | Drugs/Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Daddy | Mild | Mild | Mild | Mild |
| Grown Ups | Moderate | Mild | Mild | Mild |
So a bit more language, but otherwise very similar.
MPAA Ratings Over Time Show Increase
Studies show that violence, profanity, and nudity have increased in PG-13 movies over time. For example, one recent BYU study found gun violence in PG-13 films has tripled since 1985.
So while Big Daddy seems mildly shocking compared to say, a 1980s PG film, for today‘s PG-13 rating the content is actually on the tamer side.
Age Recommendations From the Experts
But just because something technically meets the PG-rating criteria, is it truly kid appropriate? Well that depends on the child.
Here‘s what child experts say on maturity levels versus Movie ratings:
| Age | Recommended Rating |
|---|---|
| Under 9 years | G or PG at most |
| 10-12 years | PG OK, PG-13 may depend on child |
| 13+ years | Most can handle a PG-13 like Big Daddy |
| 16+ years | R-rated films are now fair game w/ guidance |
So Big Daddy, landing solidly in PG-13 territory, is likely fine for most teens, questionable for preteens, and probably too much for younger Elementary school ages.
Ultimately it‘s a judgment call based on your own child‘s development and ability to separate fantasy from reality.
How Does It Compare to Similar Movies?
As a film buff, I‘d put Big Daddy in the same general category as light-hearted 1990s/early 2000s Adam Sandler comedies like Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and 50 First Dates – all rated PG-13 as well.
Compared to say, the raunchier humor of today‘s R-rated films (Sausage Party, Harold & Kumar), it‘s downright tame. But parents of young kids may still prefer even more family-friendly Sandler fare like Hotel Transylvania.
Here‘s a quick snapshot:
| Movie | MPAA Rating | My Kid-Friendly Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Big Daddy | PG-13 | Ages 10+ w/ guidance |
| Happy Gilmore | PG-13 | Ages 10+ w/ guidance |
| Sausage Party | R | Ages 16+ |
| Hotel Transylvania | PG | Ages 6+ |
The Gamer‘s Verdict
So as a well-seasoned gaming nerd, I‘d recommend Big Daddy for mature tweens, teens, and up. Parents of kids 10-12 should screen first before approving unsupervised viewing. And under 10s may be better off with Sandler‘s friendlier cartoon franchises.
There are certainly cruder PG-13 films out there today, so it lands on the tamer end of today‘s ratings spectrum. Beyond just the letter rating, use your best judgment based on what I‘ve outlined here along with your own child‘s maturity.
Have you seen Big Daddy? Agree or disagree with my take? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned for my next deep-dive into whether another iconic 90s comedy, Austin Powers, holds up through a modern viewing lens. 🤓
