Happy Gilmore Swings Back: Teeing Off with Heart and Humor
Adam Sandler returns to the green in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2, a sequel that blends nostalgia, comedy, and surprising depth. Here’s why this legacy sequel is a hole-in-one for fans and a heartfelt addition to Sandler’s iconic catalog.
Introduction: A Long-Awaited Return to the Fairway
It’s been nearly three decades since Adam Sandler’s hot-headed, hockey-loving golfer Happy Gilmore first swung his way into our hearts in the 1996 cult classic. Now, streaming on Netflix as of July 25, 2025, Happy Gilmore 2 brings back the beloved character for a legacy sequel that’s equal parts nostalgic fan service and a fresh take on an aging hero. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, this comedy delivers plenty of laughs, a parade of cameos, and a surprisingly poignant look at life’s second chances. But does it live up to the original’s chaotic charm? Let’s break down why Happy Gilmore 2 is a must-watch for fans and a solid swing for newcomers.
A Familiar Face in a New Game
Happy Gilmore 2 kicks off with a clever nod to its predecessor, using clips from the 1996 film to reintroduce every returning character. This nostalgic touch ensures even those who haven’t rewatched the original in years can jump right in. From Christopher McDonald’s delightfully unhinged Shooter McGavin to Julie Bowen’s Virginia Venit, the sequel leans heavily into its roots while setting a new stage for Happy’s journey.
The story picks up with Happy Gilmore (Sandler) as a retired golf legend who’s won six tour championships but has since hung up his clubs. Now in his late 50s, Happy’s life has taken a darker turn. He’s working a dead-end job as a supermarket stockboy, battling alcoholism, and struggling to connect with his four rowdy sons and young daughter, Vienna (played by Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny Sandler). When Vienna earns a spot at a prestigious ballet academy in Paris with a hefty $75,000-a-year price tag, Happy must dust off his golf game to raise the funds, setting the stage for a comeback story that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
A Star-Studded Fairway of Cameos
One of the standout features of Happy Gilmore 2 is its jaw-dropping lineup of cameos. From SNL alums like Kevin Nealon and Jon Lovitz to modern stars like Bad Bunny, who steals scenes as Happy’s caddie, the film is a who’s-who of comedy, sports, and pop culture. Professional golfers like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau add authenticity, while unexpected appearances from Travis Kelce, Eminem, and Margaret Qualley keep the energy unpredictable. Even Sandler’s family gets in on the action, with wife Jackie Sandler as Vienna’s ballet instructor and daughters Sadie and Sunny in key roles.
The cameos don’t just feel like stunt casting; they’re woven into the story with purpose. For instance, Bad Bunny’s charismatic performance adds a fresh dynamic to Happy’s journey, while Christopher McDonald’s Shooter McGavin remains a deliciously over-the-top antagonist. The film also pays tribute to original cast members who’ve passed, like Carl Weathers (Chubbs) and Bob Barker, with a poignant cemetery scene that balances humor and respect.
A Darker, Sadder Happy Gilmore
What sets Happy Gilmore 2 apart from its predecessor is its willingness to embrace a slightly darker tone. The original film was a high-energy slob comedy about an underdog conquering the golf world with sheer grit and a volatile temper. The sequel, however, finds Happy at a low point, grappling with personal loss and self-doubt. An early twist—revealed in the first two minutes—sees Happy accidentally cause a tragedy that upends his life, pushing him into a spiral of grief and addiction. Sandler, sporting a sad-sack beard, brings surprising gravitas to these moments, proving his knack for blending comedy with emotional depth, as seen in films like Uncut Gems and Hustle.
This darker edge doesn’t overshadow the comedy but adds weight to Happy’s redemption arc. His motivation to return to golf isn’t just about personal glory; it’s about giving his daughter a shot at her dreams. This father-daughter dynamic, anchored by Sunny Sandler’s earnest performance, grounds the film’s sillier moments and makes Happy’s comeback feel deeply personal.
The Comedy: Silly, Nostalgic, and Occasionally Bonkers
Fans of the original Happy Gilmore will find plenty of familiar gags in the sequel. Happy’s makeshift flasks—crafted from everyday objects like a cucumber or a pepper mill—are a running joke that lands every time. The film also revisits classic moments, like Happy’s temper-fueled outbursts and his rivalry with Shooter McGavin, who’s fallen on hard times but remains gloriously petty. However, some critics argue the sequel leans too heavily on recycling old jokes, with pacing issues and a third act that veers into chaotic territory.
Still, the comedy hits more often than it misses. The introduction of the Maxi Golf League, a flashy, seven-hole reinvention of golf led by a sleazy millennial (Benny Safdie), is a satirical jab at modern sports trends. Safdie’s character, complete with a bad beard and worse breath, adds a layer of absurdity that feels true to the Happy Gilmore spirit. An ’80s-style training montage set to Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero” is another highlight, capturing the film’s blend of nostalgia and energy.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Mixed Bag for Critics
Early reviews of Happy Gilmore 2 are mixed, with some praising its fan service and others calling it a nostalgic retread that doesn’t quite match the original’s magic. Consequence lauds the film’s heart and chaos, highlighting Bad Bunny’s scene-stealing performance and Sandler’s ability to balance humor with gravitas. Variety calls it a “raucous orgy of fan service” that captures Sandler’s timeless rage, while The Guardian notes it’s strictly for the cult fanbase, unlikely to win over newcomers. The Hollywood Reporter and posts on X echo this sentiment, suggesting the film’s heavy reliance on nostalgia and cameos can feel overwhelming, with a two-hour runtime that drags in parts.
The film’s commitment to golf culture is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it celebrates the sport’s traditions and accessibility, with Happy defending the game against the Maxi Golf League’s gimmicks. On the other, the endless sports cameos and product placements (like Call Her Daddy) can feel forced. The nepotism—Sandler casting his family in prominent roles—has also drawn criticism, though Sunny Sandler’s performance as Vienna is a standout.
Why Happy Gilmore 2 Works
Despite its flaws, Happy Gilmore 2 succeeds where it matters most: delivering the silly, heartfelt comedy that Sandler fans crave. The film doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead embraces what made the original a classic—Happy’s outsider spirit, over-the-top humor, and a touch of heart. Sandler, at 58, slips back into the role with ease, proving his comedic chops are as sharp as ever. The sequel also reflects on aging and legacy, a theme that resonates with Sandler’s generation of stars who refuse to retire quietly. As Consequence notes, the film’s darker tone mirrors the bittersweet reality of growing older, making its laughs feel earned.
For golf fans, the sequel’s nod to the sport’s evolution is a bonus. The inclusion of real-life golfers and a storyline about defending golf’s traditions taps into the cultural wave of golf’s recent popularity surge. Director Kyle Newacheck, a longtime Sandler collaborator, keeps the film’s energy high, even if the pacing stumbles at times.
Where to Watch and What to Expect
Happy Gilmore 2 is now streaming on Netflix, released at 3 a.m. EST on July 25, 2025. With a PG-13 rating and a 1-hour-54-minute runtime, it’s an easy watch for a cozy movie night. Fans of the original can expect a heavy dose of nostalgia, from recurring gags to familiar faces, while new viewers will find enough context to enjoy the ride. The film’s mix of crude humor, heartfelt moments, and star power makes it a worthy addition to Sandler’s Netflix catalog, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Caddyshack or the original Happy Gilmore.
Final Verdict: A Nostalgic Hole-in-One
Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t perfect, but it’s a love letter to fans who’ve quoted “The price is wrong, Bob!” for nearly 30 years. Adam Sandler delivers a performance that’s both hilarious and heartfelt, supported by a stellar cast and a script that balances nostalgia with new stakes. While it may not convert skeptics, it’s a satisfying sequel that proves Happy Gilmore still has some swing left. So grab your putter, stream it on Netflix, and enjoy the chaos—just don’t expect a perfect game.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
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