Published September 4, 2024
BY OLIVIA FORT
Adam Sandler dusts off his hockey stick putter in “Happy Gilmore 2” as the aging golf icon returns, nearly 30 years after his breakout win, in a sequel that trades the original’s scrappy charm for a chaotic blend of spectacle and star-power.
Directed by Dennis Dugan, the film reunites Sandler with notable original cast members Christopher McDonald and Julie Bowen, reprising their roles as Shooter McGavin and Virginia Venit. Their return, along with Dugan’s direction, signals a clear attempt to recapture the original appeal of the 1996 film.
Adam Sandler returns to the course in “Happy Gilmore 2,” bringing viewers back to their “Happy place” with modern comedy. Photo by SCOTT YAMANO/NETFLIX
The sequel’s tone shifts from the original’s underdog charm to a cameo-fueled satire. It opens with a classic long-shot setup for Happy, but that emotional thread quickly gets buried beneath the rest of the plot. Where the original thrived on heart and creative humour, the sequel seems to be a carousel of guest appearances.
Cameos by Eminem, who plays the son of the original heckler, and PGA legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples pay homage to the first film’s charm. But the overkill of podcast hosts, influencers and even NFL star Travis Kelce as a waiter feel more like distractions than comedy.
The humor leans heavily into Gen Z absurdity, with over-the-top bits that may resonate with younger viewers, but lacks the offbeat charm that made the original “Happy Gilmore” a cult classic. The sequel’s comedic tone feels more curated for virality than character.
Compared to other Happy Madison productions, “Happy Gilmore 2” lands in the middle. The film avoids the excesses of “Jack and Jill,” but lacks the emotional depth and sweet humor of “Hustle.” The movie delivers some laughs, but in no way does it outrank its original movie.
“Happy Gilmore 2” doesn’t reinvent the franchise. It’s a sequel built for streaming, packed with celebrity references and designed to capitalize on its bits of nostalgia, rather than the original comical storytelling. For some, the film is a playful revisit. For others, it may feel more like a whiff.
6/10
