When Adam Sandler announced Happy Gilmore 2 in late 2024, the internet erupted with excitement. The original 1996 cult classic had left an indelible mark on sports comedy, blending slapstick humor with an underdog story that resonated with audiences worldwide. Nearly three decades later, the sequel had big shoes to fill—could it recapture the magic or would it be a shank into the rough? After watching the film, I can confidently say that while it doesn’t surpass the original, Happy Gilmore 2 delivers a nostalgic, fun-filled ride with enough heart and hilarity to satisfy fans.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Storyline
The sequel picks up with Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), now in his late 50s, retired from professional golf but still as hot-headed as ever. Living a quiet life running a local driving range, his world is turned upside down when his estranged son, Junior (played by a scene-stealing newcomer), shows up with a natural talent for hockey—not golf. When Junior’s hockey dreams are threatened by financial troubles, Happy dusts off his clubs for one last tournament: a high-stakes, winner-takes-all golf showdown against a cocky new rival (a hilarious cameo from a well-known comedian).
The plot is predictable but intentionally so. Director Dennis Dugan, returning from the original, leans into nostalgia while sprinkling in fresh elements. The father-son dynamic adds emotional weight, something the first film didn’t explore, giving Sandler room to balance his signature goofiness with genuine moments of warmth.
Sandler Still Has the Magic
Adam Sandler slips back into Happy’s oversized shoes effortlessly. His signature outbursts, ridiculous antics, and unorthodox golf swing are all present, but with a more weathered charm. The film wisely doesn’t try to make Happy the same reckless underdog; instead, it embraces his age, using it for both comedy and character growth. Christopher McDonald also returns as Shooter McGavin, now a washed-up commentator who still harbors resentment toward Happy. Their rivalry reignites in the third act, leading to a climactic showdown that’s as absurd as it is satisfying.
New Faces, Same Energy
The supporting cast shines, particularly Happy’s son, whose deadpan reactions to his father’s antics provide some of the film’s biggest laughs. A surprise appearance from an A-list athlete (no spoilers) steals the show in a mid-credits scene that had my theater roaring. The villain, though not as iconic as Shooter, is a worthy adversary, blending modern influencer arrogance with old-school sports movie arrogance.
Humor That Hits (Mostly) Fairway
The comedy is classic Happy Gilmore—over-the-top, ridiculous, and occasionally crude. A running gag involving Happy’s inability to understand modern golf technology lands perfectly, while a flashback sequence with Bob Barker (via clever CGI) is a highlight. That said, not every joke connects. Some punchlines feel recycled from the original, and a few gags overstay their welcome. Still, the hit-to-miss ratio is solid, and the film’s self-awareness keeps it from feeling stale.
Visuals & Golf Action
Golf has never been the most cinematic sport, but Happy Gilmore 2 makes it entertaining. The tournament sequences are shot with dynamic energy, blending slow-motion trick shots with chaotic crowd reactions. The final match is a visual treat, complete with absurd obstacles and crowd interactions that call back to the original’s charm. The CGI, used sparingly for some impossible shots, is seamless, never pulling you out of the moment.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Follow-Up
Happy Gilmore 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. It’s a love letter to fans, packed with callbacks, quotable lines, and just enough heart to make it more than a cheap nostalgia grab. While it lacks the groundbreaking hilarity of the first film, it makes up for it with sincerity and a few genuinely great new moments.
If you’re expecting high art, look elsewhere. But if you want to laugh, cheer, and maybe even tear up a little (yes, really), Happy Gilmore 2 is a hole-in-one for fans of the original.
Rating: 7.5/10 – A fun, nostalgic sequel that proves some swings only get better with age.
AUTHOR : RAI SAHA
PUBLISHED: 25TH JULY , 2025
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Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
