Buddy (2024 film)

Buddy is a 2024 American Christmas comedy film directed by Adam Sandler. Sandler also stars in the film as the titular character, Buddy, a gentle giant who accidentally escapes from the North Pole just days before Christmas.

The film follows Buddy's misadventures as he navigates New York City, encountering a wide array of colorful characters and struggling to understand modern human customs. He befriends a struggling single mother, played by Sarah Silverman, and her cynical young son, portrayed by newcomer Jacob Tremblay.

The plot centers on Buddy's quest to return to the North Pole before Christmas Eve, while also helping his new friends rediscover the magic of the holiday season. He faces numerous obstacles, including bewildered authorities, skeptical New Yorkers, and the constant threat of being discovered by the media.

The film also stars Kenan Thompson as a North Pole elf sent to retrieve Buddy, and Maya Rudolph as a determined news reporter hoping to expose Buddy to the world.

Buddy is rated PG and was released in theaters and streamed on Netflix in November 2024. It received mixed reviews, with critics praising the film's heart and Sandler's performance, but criticizing its predictable plot and reliance on slapstick humor.