Happy Gilmore 2: A Nostalgic Swing That Misses the Fairway

After nearly three decades, Adam Sandler returns to the green as the hot-headed, hockey-stick-wielding golfer in Happy Gilmore 2, now streaming on Netflix as of July 25, 2025. The original 1996 film carved out a cult classic status with its blend of slapstick humor and underdog charm, so expectations were sky-high for this sequel. Does it live up to the legacy of Happy’s iconic golf course antics? Let’s break it down.

A Familiar Yet Fresh Plot

Happy Gilmore 2 picks up 29 years after Happy’s Tour Championship victory. Now a retired golfer, Happy is a family man facing new challenges. The story centers on his quest to raise $300,000 for his daughter Vienna’s (played by Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny Sandler) prestigious ballet school tuition in Paris. This premise gives the film a heartfelt anchor, as Happy dusts off his clubs and returns to the sport he left behind after a tragic accident (revealed early on, so no spoilers here!). The setup feels like a natural evolution, blending family-driven stakes with the chaotic energy fans expect.

The Cast: Old Favorites and New Faces

Sandler slips back into Happy’s Boston Bruins jersey with ease, delivering the same mix of rage-fueled comedy and surprising warmth that made the original a hit. Returning cast members like Christopher McDonald as the smarmy Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit (now Happy’s wife) bring welcome nostalgia, though Bowen’s role is disappointingly brief. Ben Stiller’s cameo as Hal L. is a highlight, with his unhinged energy stealing scenes. Newcomers like Bad Bunny as Happy’s fiery caddie and Lavell Crawford as Chubbs’ son add fresh flavor, though some of the star-studded cameos—featuring golfers like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, plus celebrities like Eminem and Travis Kelce—feel more like distractions than meaningful additions.

Hits and Misses

The film starts strong, with sharp callbacks to the original, like Happy’s hockey-stick putter and Subway-sponsored gear, that hit the nostalgia sweet spot. The first half delivers laughs with clever nods to the 1996 classic while introducing new gags. However, the second half veers into over-the-top territory, piling on too many cameos and absurd subplots that dilute the story’s focus. At two hours, the movie feels bloated, with some scenes dragging as they lean heavily on recycled jokes rather than forging a bold new path.

Director Kyle Newacheck, reuniting with Sandler from Murder Mystery, keeps the tone light and irreverent but struggles to balance the heart and humor that made the original so enduring. The script, co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, has moments of brilliance but often leans on fan service over fresh comedy. The emotional beats, particularly Happy’s journey as a father, resonate but get overshadowed by the film’s chaotic energy.

A Nod to the Past

Happy Gilmore 2 pays tribute to the original’s late stars, including Carl Weathers (Chubbs), Bob Barker, and others, with a touching dedication. The film also weaves in subtle Easter eggs—like Happy’s old car and a familiar photo of his grandma—that fans will appreciate. However, the heavy reliance on flashbacks and clips from the 1996 film can feel like a crutch, reminding viewers of what made the original special rather than letting the sequel stand on its own.

The Verdict

Happy Gilmore 2 is a mixed bag. It’s a fun, nostalgic ride for fans of the original, with Sandler’s charm and a few laugh-out-loud moments keeping it afloat. However, the overstuffed cast and uneven pacing prevent it from matching the magic of its predecessor. If you’re a die-hard fan, it’s worth streaming on Netflix for the callbacks and heart, but don’t expect a hole-in-one. For those new to Happy’s world, give the 1996 classic a watch first—it’s still the better swing.

Where to Watch: Streaming now on Netflix
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Rating: 3/5 stars