The original Happy Gilmore from 1996 was a staple in my household. It was one of those cult classics that we rewatched constantly, not just in my family but among golfers in general. It’s not exactly a great movie by any critical standard, but it is a fun one, and it gave us the cinematic gem of Bob Barker fighting Happy Gilmore. Now, nearly 30 years since the original took the golf world by storm, its much-anticipated sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, has finally landed on Netflix. And just like the original, it’s not a great movie, but it is a good time. If you’re a fan of the first one, like I am, then chances are you’ll love what the sequel has to offer.
After winning his first Tour Championships in 1996, Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) went on to have a successful golfing career, winning five more championships. He also had five children with his wife Virginia (Julie Bowen). His family is living off a high until Happy accidently kills Virginia in a golfing accident when one of his drives hits her in the head. Feeling devastated, he quits golf out of guilt and begins spiraling in depression and alcohol. Now 11 years later, Happy has lost everything. He lost his house, his money, and his dignity as he struggles to take care of his five children. However, when his talented daughter, Vienna (Sunny Sandler) is recommended to attend a dance school in Paris, which costs $75,000 a year, Happy picks up his golf clubs again to not only fulfill his daughters dreams, but to protect golf itself from Maxi Golf.
Just like the original Happy Gilmore, its sequel is fully aware of how ridiculous it is, and it embraces that silliness from start to finish. This time, though, there’s a surprising sense of growth beneath all the chaos. Happy himself is more level-headed and mature, standing firm in a golfing world that has completely lost its mind. The film leans heavily on slapstick, situational comedy, and the natural charm of its cast, all of which come together to deliver something that’s genuinely funny. Not every joke hits, and yes, a few moments feel a little forced or flat-out dumb, but most of the humor landed for me. It’s the kind of comedy that doesn’t ask much from you other than to sit back and enjoy the ride. At its core, Happy Gilmore 2 is a loud, stupid, very fun movie. It may push the silliness a bit too far in the final act, but overall, it’s hard not to have a good time with it.
As for the acting, the whole ensemble, made up of both professional and non-professional actors, was a total blast to watch. You can tell everyone involved was having the time of their lives making this movie, and that energy really comes through on screen. Adam Sandler is basically just playing a version of himself at this point, which totally works, since Happy was never meant to be a deeply complex character anyway. But the real comedic heart of the film belongs to Bad Bunny, Benny Safdie, Christopher McDonald, and the string of PGA golfers who make cameos.
Bad Bunny doesn’t say much, but his awkward, offbeat presence ends up elevating every scene he’s in. Benny Safdie goes all in as the film’s cartoonishly evil villain, and Christopher McDonald slips effortlessly back into the role of Shooter McGavin like he never left. And honestly, I was genuinely surprised by how funny the PGA golfers were. Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler all show up and actually deliver solid comedic performances. It’s ridiculous, yes, but they clearly understood the assignment.
Overall, Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t aiming to reinvent the comedy wheel and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a straightforward, crowd-pleasing movie that knows what it is and sticks to it. It doesn’t try to be clever or elevated, just funny and entertaining. And honestly, sometimes that’s all you really need.
My Rating: B
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