Adam Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore’ Is Coming to Tubi in This Week

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  • Why do Fans Love ‘Happy Gilmore?’
  • What Is the ‘Happy Gilmore’ Cast up to Now?

As a child of the ’90s, I can vividly remember the magic that was Adam Sandler and his hilarious characters gracing our television screens. Among those unforgettable roles, none stood out quite like Happy Gilmore – a comedic tour-de-force that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of underdog triumph.

You won’t find any error in the price! Tubi is a streaming platform that offers a free service, meaning you can watch Adam Sandler’s classic comedy, “Happy Gilmore,” on December 1st, without any sign-up, subscription, or payment required. The only catch is occasional ads during the movie. However, with the chance to revisit this side-splitting tale of a struggling hockey player discovering his golf prowess, who wouldn’t want that? There’s just one hiccup: Happy (Sandler) carries the rowdy, profane demeanor typical of a hockey player, which clashes with the more tranquil, refined atmosphere of the golf world.

1996 saw the release of a film that skyrocketed to success, riding on the wave of my post-SNL fame and before the establishment of Happy Madison Productions. Interestingly enough, this production company’s moniker was born from a fusion of this very movie and “Billy Madison”. With a new installment of “Happy Gilmore” on the horizon and the original crew gearing up for another round, it couldn’t be a better moment to revisit this hilarious gem of a comedy.

What Is Adam Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore’ About?

In the humorous sports film titled “Happy Gilmore,” the main character, portrayed by Sandler, yearns to join the local hockey team. However, despite trying out annually, he’s consistently rejected. He possesses an impressive long-range shot, but his overall skills are lacking. His aggressive style and poor skating abilities hinder him significantly. Disappointed and on the verge of giving up due to his inability to achieve his dream, Happy feels dejected.

As a passionate film buff, I found myself in an unexpected predicament when I discovered that my beloved grandmother, Frances Bay, owed the IRS a substantial sum in unpaid taxes, leading to the looming threat of government repossession on her cherished home. Moved by this heartrending news and the sentimental value that house held for me, having been built by my grandfather, I sprang into action. I temporarily relocated her to a retirement community and vowed to exhaust all efforts in regaining her home. It’s more than just property—it’s a piece of my family history.

As Happy converses with the movers, portrayed by Will Sasso and Dee Jay Jackson, he playfully swings one of his grandfather’s old golf clubs and hits a ball, much to their astonishment as it travels quite a distance (unfortunately shattering a window in the process). Impressed, they wager that he can’t repeat this feat. To their surprise, Happy successfully replicates it multiple times, collecting the winnings. In this moment, Happy contemplates that he might have stumbled upon something interesting.

Head over to the driving range, where he challenges fellow golfers to wagers, claiming he can send a ball an apparently unreachable distance. To their astonishment, he swings like a hockey player, and the sphere soars an incredible 400 yards. This captures the attention of Chubbs Peterson, a retired pro golfer who lost his hand in an alligator encounter. Impressed, Chubbs proposes training him, believing he might qualify for the Waterbury Open. Victory there would secure a place for Happy on the PGA tour.

It takes a substantial financial incentive for Happy to show any real interest. Once he’s aware of the potential earnings, especially in large amounts, he starts working on improving his abilities. However, his temper, impulsiveness, and self-doubt often hinder him. Furthermore, golf isn’t just about long drives; it involves mastering putting too. Unfortunately for Happy, his putting skills are as poor as his demeanor, presenting another obstacle in his pursuit of success in the sport.

Following repeated harassment, frustration, and losing control of his temper during tournaments, Happy has had enough with golf. However, when arrogant golfer Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) continues to mock and humiliate him, Happy becomes determined to prove he’s the superior player. Luckily for him, despite disapproving of his behavior, officials can’t stop him from playing because viewership is skyrocketing. Virginia (Julie Bowen), the PR director, agrees to monitor him. The movie follows their ongoing confrontations, match after match, hole after hole. In the end, though the story has a pleasant resolution, it’s the exciting journey that makes Happy Gilmore such an enjoyable and hilarious film.

Why do Fans Love ‘Happy Gilmore?’

Similar to several of Adam Sandler’s films, Happy Gilmore may appear whimsical at first glance, but it carries significant themes beneath the surface. The protagonist, Happy, is often overlooked and mistreated due to his unconventional approach to golf. However, he proves that with determination, one can triumph against all expectations, and in doing so, transformed a traditionally quiet sport into an electrifying spectacle, much like a spirited hockey match.

The story presents a stark contrast to the idea that “good guys come last.” Here, Happy demonstrates that power, wealth, and status don’t always ensure happiness or success, as he puts Shooter in his place. On the other hand, Happy’s genuine affection for his grandmother and his selfless efforts to aid her are touching, serving as a stark contrast to how Shooter behaves towards others. Throughout the story, their different approaches to interacting with people have significant and varying consequences.

Among the many charming side characters, you’ll find Allen Covert, a frequent collaborator of Sandler’s, portraying Otto – the homeless man who becomes Happy’s caddy in a rush when he suddenly needs one. Ben Stiller also appears as the malevolent orderly Hal, who puts on an amiable facade around Happy, but turns into a cruel taskmaster towards the elderly ladies, including Grandma Gilmore, when no one is watching.

In this film, Joe Flaherty amuses audiences with his character Donald, a spectator hired by Shooter to relentlessly taunt Happy. Meanwhile, Richard Kiel, standing tall at 7’2”, plays Happy’s former boss, Mr. Larson, whose role significantly impacts the tournament’s result. Interestingly, Bob Barker, who passed away, makes an appearance as himself, partnering with Happy in the open. He becomes increasingly frustrated and irritated by Happy’s poor performance. One of the most striking scenes from the movie is their heated argument, which remains etched in viewers’ minds.

In summary, Happy Gilmore never fails to make viewers laugh from beginning to end. Scenes such as Virginia’s attempt to persuade the organization to let Happy continue playing, while her verbally explicit rant is simultanously echoing on the golf course TV, are guaranteed to have audiences in stitches. The film also boasts iconic lines like “tap it in, tappy, tap, tap,” “somebody’s closer,” and “the price is wrong, b***h.” Mention any of these quotes to fans of the movie, and many who have probably watched it several times will instantly recall them.

“Instead of ‘Are you too good for your hole?!’ which Happy shouts at a ball he keeps missing instead of hitting, or ‘Do you eat crap for breakfast?’ when Shooter tries to insult Happy by saying he eats people like him for breakfast, the essence is that Happy Gilmore is simply entertaining. Sandler performs superbly, and it continues to be one of his finest films.

What Is the ‘Happy Gilmore’ Cast up to Now?

Without a doubt, Adam Sandler has achieved tremendous success as a filmmaker and actor, accumulating numerous awards for his performances and productions. His comedies have earned over $2 billion globally, although not always receiving critical acclaim, they are often cherished by viewers. Notably, he signed a deal worth $250 million with Netflix to produce four films. More recently, Sandler has taken on more serious roles in films such as “Punch-Drunk Love”, “Uncut Gems”, and “Hustle”. He also lent his voice to Dracula in the first three “Hotel Transylvania” movies. In 2024, he was honored with the title of People’s Choice Icon at the 49th People’s Choice Awards.

McDonald remains inextricably tied to the role of Shooter McGavin, which he will reprise for the sequel series. He went on to act in many other movies and TV series after this role. Most notably and recently, McDonald appeared in Impeachment: American Crime Story in 2021 and received an Emmy nomination for his guest role in the Max series Hacks in 2022. Bowen’s most recognizable role is as Claire Dunphy in the ABC sitcom Modern Family, which aired from 2009 through 2020. She also appeared on ER, Ed, Boston Legal, and Lost. Her most recent role was in the 2023 movie Totally Killer.

I’ve long admired the versatile talent that is Dan Stiller, particularly recognized for his memorable role in “Grandma’s Boy.” Over the years, he graced our screens in numerous Adam Sandler movies, such as “The Wedding Singer,” “Big Daddy,” “Little Nicky,” “Mr. Deeds,” “Anger Management,” “50 First Dates,” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.” Recently, he’s been seen on screen in “Home Team” from 2022, but his contributions extend beyond acting, as he’s also been a dedicated producer behind the scenes.

Regrettably, some of the cast members have now passed away. For example, Flaherty, known for his work on the Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV, later appeared in Freaks and Geeks and had intermittent roles afterwards. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 82. Bay, a Canadian actor who was also inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, died in 2011 at the age of 92. Barker, best remembered as the long-term host of The Price is Right, passed away in 2023, just short of his 100th birthday. Sandler paid tribute to him recalling their fun times filming together. Kiel died in 2014 at the age of 74. After retiring from acting, he recorded a small role for Tangled in 2010.

This year, at the age of 76, actor Carl Weathers, famously recognized as Apollo Creed in the initial four Rocky films, passed away. He also showcased his talent in Predator, Toy Story, Arrested Development, multiple Star Wars productions, and most recently, The Mandalorian where he played Greef Karga, earning an Emmy nomination. In remembrance of him, the Happy Gilmore sequel is planned to pay tribute. Starting December 1, you can stream Happy Gilmore for free on Tubi.

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2024-11-30 19:32