Adam Sandler’s long-anticipated sequel to the cult-classic Happy Gilmore has been worth the wait as we get another glimpse into the life of the lovable misfit golfer.
Normally I approach long-awaited sequels with apprehension. Star Wars and Indiana Jones taught me that in my formative years. And then there was exploring the franchises whose studio bosses could not take the hint that the world was not interested in films such as Jaws: The Revenge.
But not this time.
If anybody reading this review loved the original Happy Gilmore, I urge you to find a time to watch it as soon as possible. It is a Netflix release, after all. The sequel contains a myriad of Easter Eggs paying homage to the cult classic that can make you laugh and even warm your heart.
Returning stars Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller deliver; in addition to a litany of cameos ranging from golfers (Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jack Nicklaus are among them) to current acting phenomenon Margaret Qualley to rapper Bad Bunny. There are also the expected cameos of Sandler’s comedy friends Kevin Nealon, Rob Schneider, Jon Lovitz, and Steve Buscemi.
Much can also be said about tribute that was paid to the original cast members ,who died in the three decades since its 1996 release.
There is no doubt that the critics will not laud this movie. The original Happy Gilmore was not well-received upon its release but became an instant cult classic. And while I do not believe it will leave as large of an impact as the original, I think it’s a sequel worth watching.
I believe it will be on the level of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. For perspective, I have memorized every line of The Hangover but never saw any of its sequels. Very rarely does a sequel surpass the original movie, and it’s even scarcer in comedy. But, as I have written before in my review for Hubie Halloween, Adam Sandler has demonstrated his motivation is not to satisfy the critics, but his fans.
In this long-awaited follow-up, we get a more intimate and vulnerable glimpse into the title-character, who has now hit rock-bottom. Having tossed aside the golf clubs and picked up bad drinking habits, Happy is given his incentive to get back in the game: sending his daughter, Vienna (Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny), to a prestigious dance academy in France.
It certainly adds to the necessary tension of any sports movie, with many additional moments giving Happy more reasons to come out on top. In addition, there are important pieces of wisdom peppered throughout its runtime.
I have commented extensively about this hybrid era of movie-going where the audience is given the opportunity to watch at home or take a trip to the local cinema. My previous review for James Gunn’s Superman contained a summons to screen it at the theater, particularly an IMAX screening for its special effects. While there are actual moments that include special effects in Happy Gilmore 2, I think that the viewer will be perfectly content watching this from the comfort of their own home. If you wish to make a social occasion of this movie, feel free to search for a theater option.
But you will not be missing anything major by watching this through Netflix. Just don’t watch it on your phone (unless there are no other options). Will there be a Happy Gilmore 3 released in the next 30 years? Who knows? By that time, Sandler’s mobility will be limited, and I cannot see him performing his iconic golf swing without the use of AI.
For now though, we can all enjoy Happy Gilmore 2.
(Originally published in LymeLine.com [https://lymeline.com/2025/07/the-movie-man-happy-gilmore-2-worth-the-wait/] on 7/30/2025. Reprinted with permission)
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