In a nutshell, “Big Daddy” continues to be one of Adam Sandler’s top films, offering laughter galore and emotional depth for comedy enthusiasts. However, they can find comparable humor and loads of heart in the movie titled “Instant Family“. By this time, Sandler had already established himself as a comedy heavyweight, but the film’s box office success solidified his status as one of Tinseltown’s biggest stars while also revealing an untapped facet of his abilities. The side-splitting comedy sees Sandler portraying Sonny Koufax, a carefree character without any obligations who adopts a young boy named Julian (portrayed by the Sprouse twins, Cole and Dylan) to demonstrate his maturity and responsibility.
Sandler delights in experimenting with his signature man-child persona, honed from films such as “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison”. Yet, he introduces a level of sweetness to the character that may surprise fans accustomed to his earlier work. Although it deviates from the intensity of movies like “Punch Drunk Love” or “Uncut Gems”, it was one of Sandler’s earlier, more serious films that demonstrated his evolving acting abilities. With “Instant Family” gaining popularity on streaming platforms, viewers are rediscovering this 2018 comedy and recognizing similarities with Sandler’s 1999 blockbuster hit.
Instant Family Tells A Similar Story To Big Daddy
Both Comedies Explore The Ups And Downs Of Suddenly Becoming A Parent
Instant Family is another heartwarming comedy revolving around the theme of family. It features Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as Pete and Ellie Wagner, a pair who initially had no interest in parenthood, but find themselves considering adopting a child from the foster care system. They strike up a relationship with the charismatic yet headstrong teenager, Lizzy (portrayed by Isabela Merced from The Last of Us). However, Lizzy has two younger siblings, Juan (Gustavo Escobar) and Lita (Julianna Gamiz), and the Wagners decide to welcome all three into their household.
In a similar vein to Big Daddy, Instant Family derives numerous laughs from the unexpected nature of its family setup and the turmoil it brings into the protagonists’ lives. Unlike Pete and Ellie, Adam Sandler’s character Sonny initially appears less equipped for parenthood when he starts caring for Julian; however, the Wagners too are taken aback by the complexities that come with suddenly acquiring three children. Yet, both films share the depiction of this parenting journey’s transformation over time.
In both instances, it appears that Sonny and the Wagners make an impulsive choice to take on parenthood. The Wagners invest more time in contemplation and even attend foster care seminars, yet they remain unsure if this is the right path for them. However, their confidence grows when the children exhibit good behavior, leading them to believe they have innate parenting abilities. This mirrors Sonny’s hasty decision that he possesses the qualities needed to be a capable father after spending just a few days with Julian.
In “Big Daddy,” Sonny and the Wagners encounter the unyielding truths of parenthood as they struggle with Sonny’s challenging responsibilities towards Julian, such as frequent bedwetting, public tantrums, and general nuisance behavior. The Wagners find it tough to manage the children’s big personalities, particularly Lizzy, who yearns for the possibility of being reunited with their birth mother. Yet, when faced with the prospect of losing the kids, Sonny and the Wagners come to appreciate the rewarding aspects of their newly formed families and strive to demonstrate they are capable guardians for these children.
Instant Family Also Perfectly Blends Comedy With Heart
Mark Wahlberg And Rose Byrne Make For A Terrific Comedic Team
Among the things that set apart “Big Daddy” from comedies like Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison” is the sincere emotion at the heart of the humor. While you’ll still find the goofy, slapstick humor Sandler fans love, the bond between Sonny and Julian creates some genuinely heartwarming scenes. Balancing tones like this can be tricky, and many films have stumbled in their attempts. Yet, “Instant Family” manages to pull it off beautifully, offering both touching moments and genuine laughs.
This type of tale might have been perceived as more heartwarming than humorous, but “Instant Family” does not shy away from portraying the struggles faced by foster children. The pinnacle moment where Lizzy understands that her biological mother isn’t prepared to take them back is quite emotional. Furthermore, there are sweet instances showing Pete and Ellie connecting with their new children, gradually forming a genuine family. Yet, “Instant Family” skillfully manages to inject humor even in the most serious situations.
Pete and Ellie work exceptionally well together in delivering comedy, with much of their humor stemming from their initial foray into parenthood. Unlike other films that might portray them as flawless parents, Instant Family instead focuses on their imperfections, finding humor in the raw honesty they exhibit as they tackle parenting challenges. The movie’s funniest moment occurs when they visit Lizzy’s school to deal with her older admirer, resulting in a side-splitting scene.
The success of the comedy in “Instant Family” can be largely attributed to its talented cast. Mark Wahlberg, known for his comedic roles in films like “The Other Guys” and “Ted”, demonstrates his comic prowess yet again in this movie. On the other hand, Rose Byrne is often underestimated in her comedic abilities, having delivered numerous side-splitting performances in movies such as “Bridesmaids”, “Spy”, “Neighbors”, and many more. Additionally, Margot Martindale impressively steals several scenes with her portrayal of Pete’s boisterous yet loving mother, who assertively integrates herself into the family dynamic.
Instant Family Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Mark Wahlberg | Pete Wagner |
| Rose Byrne | Ellie Wagner |
| Isabela Merced | Lizzie Wagner |
| Gustavo Escobar | Juan Wagner |
| Julianna Gamiz | Lita Wagner |
| Octavia Spencer | Karen |
| Tig Notaro | Sharon |
| Margo Martindale | Sandy Wagner |
| Julie Hagerty | Jan |
The film “Instant Family” may strike more emotional chords compared to the funnier “Big Daddy“, yet it’s a movie that will undoubtedly make viewers shed tears while also causing laughter. This unique blend of emotions is one reason behind both films’ widespread appeal and success among audiences.
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2025-05-21 17:56