‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Review: Adam Sandler’s Netflix Sequel Is Terrible — and Fans Will Love It

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As a gamer diving into the long-awaited sequel of “Happy Gilmore 2” on Netflix, you might think it’s wise to rewind and watch the 1996 original comedy first. But trust me, it’s not necessary. With numerous clips from the first movie, even those who haven’t seen the film can easily catch up. Plus, with many familiar faces reprising their roles, endless callbacks, and a wave of nostalgia washing over you every second, it feels less like a continuation and more like an ode to fans. So, if you’re streaming “Happy Gilmore 2” at home, don’t be surprised if some cast members knock on your door asking for money for autographed photos!

Indeed, 29 years have passed since the original movie, yet given its frequent appearances on television and streaming platforms, one might expect that the returning writers, Sandler and Tim Herlihy, wouldn’t feel compelled to offer so many references. However, Sandler has always shown an ability to deliver what his audience desires. Similar to the first film, the sequel (directed by Kyle Newacheck) is mindless, lacking in wit, and filled with crude humor. In other words, fans of Happy Gilmore will find it hilarious.

At the start of the tale, Happy finds himself in a dismal state, drowning in an alcohol-induced fog following an unfortunate golf mishap that took the life of his cherished wife Virginia. He’s lost everything – his home, his savings, and he’s reduced to working at a supermarket for minimal wages. This meager income is far from sufficient to cover his daughter Vienna’s costly tuition fees at a prestigious ballet academy in Paris (Adam Sandler continues his tradition of featuring friends and family by casting his own daughter Sunny in this role).

As a golf enthusiast reminiscing John Daly’s situation, I find myself empathizing with the character Happy. After all, when he finds himself homeless and living in a garage, it seems like the only option left is to return to his first love – golfing. However, his initial foray back onto the greens with unfamiliar faces (portrayed by Eric Andre and Margaret Qualley) ends up being an embarrassment. But eventually, after seeking help at a support group for alcoholics (led by the former retirement home orderly Hal, played by Ben Stiller, who surprisingly maintains his serious demeanor).

Inspired by seasoned golf pros gracing the screen – with appearances from numerous big-name players that could warrant broadcast on ESPN instead of Netflix – Happy, who continues to struggle with anger management problems, makes his comeback in the golf circuit. However, unlike his initial rivalry with Shooter McGavin depicted in the first film, this time he faces a fresh group known as Maxi Golf, an eccentric idea blending show business elements and golfers who have undergone surgeries to boost their swings. (The CEO of this enterprise is portrayed by Benny Safdie, who, together with his brother Josh, directed the film Uncut Gems, proving Sandler’s true acting capabilities. Regrettably, in this production, the skilled actor/filmmaker is relegated to a recurring joke about his character’s atrocious oral hygiene.)

Discussing Shooter McGavin, it’s reassuring to see that Christopher McDonald portrays him once again. You might have thought otherwise, but there’s no mistaking it. After spending time in a mental institution since the last movie’s events, Shooter eventually teams up with Happy, albeit not before they engage in a fight within a cemetery adorned with tombstones of characters who are now deceased (including Bob Barker, whose brawl with Sandler in the first film is still legendary).

In this movie, Chubbs Peterson, played by Carl Weathers, was initially planned to reappear, but unfortunately, the actor passed away last year. Instead, we have Slim Peterson (portrayed by Lavell Crawford), who like his late father, sports a prosthetic hand that occasionally loses grip.

As I immerse myself in this cinematic journey, it seems virtually every moment is a nod or wink to the original, leaving me with a sense of recycled creativity that feels overly self-indulgent. It’s almost as if Mr. Sandler is inviting everyone he’s ever collaborated with or crossed paths with on set, resulting in a barrage of cameos so numerous, it’s challenging to keep track without a guide. Regrettably, many of these appearances lack impact and depth.

Sandler casually strolls through the movie, giving off an impression of someone who recently went through a divorce, according to one character’s description. Fortunately, McDonald adds a touch of authentic madness to the situation. It might seem odd, but Bad Bunny proves charming and humorous in his role as a caddie that Happy hires among the staff. Admittedly, it’s not common to imagine the Puerto Rican sensation covering a bare-chested Travis Kelce with honey, as seen here, on most movie-watching agendas.

Apart from a recurring joke centered around Happy’s habit of using various items as makeshift liquor containers, the film’s primary humor is built around characters getting unexpectedly hit by golf balls. By the finale, having been subjected to one worn-out gag after another, you will undoubtedly share their pain.

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2025-07-25 10:24