Happy Gilmore 2: After nearly three decades, Happy Gilmore returns to the green — older, wearier, and still just as chaotic. Happy Gilmore 2, released on July 25, 2025, exclusively on Netflix, is a wild sequel that serves more as a tribute to the legacy of the original than a standalone narrative. Starring Adam Sandler once again as the temperamental hockey player-turned-golfer, this time the story adds depth with tragedy, family, and a dose of genuine emotion underneath all the slapstick and celebrity cameos.
A Darker Beginning:
Unlike the 1996 original, which was mostly all laughs and sports absurdity, Happy Gilmore 2 begins with an unexpected and dark twist. Happy, now a retired golf legend, is living a quiet life as a single father of five. However, an unfortunate golfing accident leads to the accidental death of his wife, Virginia (Julie Bowen), turning his life upside down. The accident sends Happy spiraling into alcoholism, financial ruin, and emotional withdrawal — a tone that’s surprisingly dramatic for a Sandler sports comedy.
While some may find this tonal shift jarring, it sets the stage for a redemption arc. When Happy learns that his daughter Vienna has been accepted into a prestigious ballet school in Paris, he sets out to raise the $300,000 needed for her tuition the only way he knows how — returning to the professional golf circuit.
Sandler’s Signature Blend:
At its heart, the movie stays true to the formula that made Happy Gilmore a cult hit — outbursts of rage, unorthodox golf swings, and a man constantly fighting both inner demons and ridiculous external pressures. Sandler brings a mix of nostalgia and weariness to the role. He’s no longer the young punk challenging the golf establishment — now he’s the broken legend trying to find one last spark of purpose.
The humor is still there, though, often in the form of self-deprecating jokes and absurd encounters. Running gags about his ever-present flask, tattered hockey jerseys, and his complete disregard for golf etiquette resurface with a nostalgic wink to longtime fans. And yes, he still yells at golf balls.
Cameo Overload — In a Good Way?
If there’s one thing Happy Gilmore 2 has in abundance, it’s celebrity cameos — and we’re not talking small-time stars. From pro golfers like Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, and Scottie Scheffler to cultural icons like Eminem, Post Malone, and Travis Kelce, this film is a who s-who of pop culture royalty. Even game show host Ken Jennings and sports commentator Verne Lundquist make appearances, creating a meta, over-the-top atmosphere that can be hit or miss depending on your taste.
Sandler’s own family also appears — his daughter Sunny plays Vienna, while his wife Jackie plays her ballet teacher. This personal touch adds sincerity to the emotional beats and reflects how Sandler increasingly blends his personal and professional life in recent films.
Critics’ View: Mixed Bag
Critics have had mixed reactions to the film. Some praise its commitment to fan service and Sandler’s surprisingly grounded performance. Others criticize its lack of narrative cohesion, with The Guardian noting that the film “often feels like a two-hour inside joke stretched to its limit.” The film tries to juggle comedy, tragedy, and sports heroics, and it doesn’t always land smoothly.
However, it’s hard to deny the emotional pull. The father-daughter storyline adds heart, and Sandler’s chemistry with Sunny Sandler (his real daughter) feels authentic. The final act, set during a chaotic golf championship filled with sabotage, old rivals, and emotional closure, manages to strike a satisfying note for fans looking for that classic Happy energy.
A Love Letter to Fans:
Ultimately, Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t trying to convert new fans. It’s a movie made for the ones who grew up quoting “The price is wrong, [expletive]!” and watching Happy punch out his golf rivals. It’s messy, emotional, overstuffed, and often hilarious. But more than that, it’s a love letter — to Sandler’s career, to the original film, and to a fan base that has remained loyal for nearly 30 years.
In an age of reboots and sequels, Happy Gilmore 2 stands out because it doesn’t try to be more than it is. It’s not about modernizing a classic or reinventing the character. It’s about revisiting someone beloved, flawed, and funny, and letting him swing — one last time — for the people who still believe in Happy.
Verdict: Happy Gilmore 2 is wild, nostalgic, emotionally uneven, and strangely sincere. A must-watch for fans of the original, and a chaotic blast for those willing to embrace Sandler’s world once more.
Streaming Now on Netflix.
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