Netflix’s long-awaited sequel proves Sandler hasn’t lost his swing—or his anarchic genius
Nearly three decades later, Adam Sandler steps back onto the green with the same manic energy that made “Happy Gilmore” a comedy classic. “Happy Gilmore 2” isn’t just a sequel—it’s a masterclass in how to revive beloved characters without losing what made them special in the first place.
A Perfectly Imperfect Setup
The genius of “Happy Gilmore 2” lies in how it strips away everything Happy Gilmore achieved, forcing him back to square one in the most heartbreaking way possible. After marrying Virginia (Julie Bowen) and winning six championships, Happy’s fairy-tale life shattered when one of his signature power drives accidentally killed his wife. Now 58, broke, and drowning his sorrows as a supermarket stockboy with an impressive collection of novelty flasks, Happy must rediscover his swing to pay for his daughter Vienna’s (Sunny Sandler) ballet school tuition.
It’s a surprisingly mature emotional foundation for what could have been simple nostalgia-baiting, and Sandler navigates the darker territory with remarkable skill. He makes Happy’s descent into alcoholism genuinely affecting without sacrificing the character’s essential comedic DNA.
Old School Meets New School Chaos
Enter the film’s brilliant antagonist: the Maxi Golf League, a millennial-driven reinvention of professional golf that’s part ESPN, part TikTok spectacle. Led by Benny Safdie (yes, the “Uncut Gems” co-director) as a bearded tech-bro villain with weaponized bad breath, the Maxi League represents everything soulless about modern sports entertainment—complete with shot clocks, seven-hole courses, and surgically enhanced players.
This setup gives Sandler and co-writer Tim Herlihy the perfect vehicle to comment on how entertainment has evolved while celebrating what made their original formula timeless. The contrast between Happy’s raw, unfiltered rage and the Maxi League’s manufactured excitement creates comedy gold.
A Reunion Tour Done Right
“Happy Gilmore 2” could have easily devolved into cameo overload, but every returning character serves the story. Ben Stiller’s return as Hal, now a twisted 12-step recovery guru, is particularly inspired—imagine Corky St. Clair leading an AA meeting and you’re halfway there. Christopher McDonald slides back into Shooter McGavin like a comfortable golf glove, his 30-year stint in a mental institution only adding to his unhinged charm.
The film smartly balances familiar faces with fresh energy, including a scene-stealing appearance from “SNL’s” Marcello Hernández that signals the franchise’s ability to bridge generational comedy gaps.
Sandler’s Enduring Appeal
What critics often missed about Sandler’s ’90s comedies—and what “Happy Gilmore 2” triumphantly recaptures—is the deliberate artistry behind the apparent artlessness. This isn’t lazy comedy; it’s precision-engineered chaos that requires impeccable timing and genuine commitment to the absurd.
Sandler remains American comedy’s most fascinating paradox: a performer who can seamlessly transition from acclaimed dramatic roles back to his punk-rock comedy roots without missing a beat. His Happy Gilmore isn’t just angry—he’s righteously, cathartically furious at a world that constantly underestimates him.
Modern Relevance in Classic Form
While “Happy Gilmore 2” lovingly recreates the original’s anarchic spirit, it also feels surprisingly current. The film’s critique of how authenticity gets packaged and sold in the social media age gives the comedy unexpected depth. Happy’s old-school approach to both golf and life becomes a form of rebellion against artificial enhancement and manufactured personalities.
The training montage set to Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero” alone is worth the price of admission—a perfect blend of ’80s sports movie tropes and Sandler’s particular brand of committed ridiculousness.
The Verdict
“Happy Gilmore 2” succeeds because it understands what made the original work: Adam Sandler’s unique ability to make arrested development feel like a valid response to an insane world. It’s comfort food comedy executed with genuine craft, proving that sometimes the best way forward is to perfect what you’ve always done best.
For longtime fans, it’s everything you hoped for. For newcomers, it’s a masterclass in how lowbrow comedy can achieve genuine emotional resonance when it’s made with heart, skill, and just the right amount of anarchic spirit.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
“Happy Gilmore 2” is currently streaming on Netflix.
