Happy Gilmore 2 Movie Review: Adam Sandler’s Nostalgic Sequel Swings Hard but Misses the Fairway

New York, July 25, 2025 – Nearly three decades after the cult classic Happy Gilmore (1996) took the world by storm, Adam Sandler returns as the hot-headed golfer in Happy Gilmore 2, now streaming on Netflix. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, this sports comedy sequel aims to recapture the slapstick charm and underdog spirit of the original. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s our in-depth Happy Gilmore 2 review for fans and newcomers alike.

A Nostalgic Tee-Off with a Rough Start

Happy Gilmore 2 picks up 29 years after Happy’s iconic Tour Championship win. Now a washed-up, alcoholic supermarket stockboy, Happy (Sandler) faces new challenges: raising his four hockey-tempered sons and daughter Vienna (Sunny Sandler), who dreams of attending the Paris Opera Ballet School. A shocking tragedy early in the film sets a darker tone, as Happy accidentally causes the death of his wife, Virginia (Julie Bowen), with an errant golf ball. This unexpected plot point, coupled with financial struggles, forces Happy back onto the golf course to fund Vienna’s tuition and save traditional golf from the flashy, rule-breaking Maxi Golf League, led by the eccentric Frank Manatee (Benny Safdie).

The film leans heavily on nostalgia, with constant callbacks, flashbacks to the original, and a parade of cameos from golf stars like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka to celebrities like Bad Bunny and Margaret Qualley. While these nods delight die-hard fans, they often overwhelm the narrative, making the 114-minute runtime feel bloated compared to the original’s tight 92 minutes.

What Works: Sandler’s Charm and Heartfelt Moments

Sandler slips effortlessly back into Happy’s volatile yet lovable persona, blending his signature rage with a more mature, family-man perspective. The first act shines, establishing Happy’s new life and delivering genuine laughs, especially through his sons’ inherited tempers and hilarious interactions. The return of Christopher McDonald as the smarmy Shooter McGavin is a highlight, with their rivalry retaining its comedic spark. Ben Stiller’s reprise of the abusive orderly Hal L. adds a dark, funny twist, tying into Happy’s redemption arc.

The family subplot, particularly Happy’s bond with Vienna, echoes the original’s heartwarming drive to save his grandmother’s house. Moments like the “Juke Box Hero” training montage and clever cameos, such as Will Zalatoris as Happy’s former caddie turned pro golfer, land well and keep the film grounded in its roots. For fans, these elements make Happy Gilmore 2 a nostalgic treat that captures the anarchic spirit of Sandler’s ‘90s comedies.

Where It Stumbles: Overstuffed and Unfocused

Despite its strengths, Happy Gilmore 2 struggles to match the original’s simple, grounded charm. The Maxi Golf League subplot, with its over-the-top, mini-golf-inspired spectacle, feels like a chaotic mashup of Dodgeball and LIV Golf, detracting from the story’s emotional core. The sheer volume of cameos—while fun for some—often feels gratuitous, pulling focus from the plot. Critics note that the film’s second and third acts lose coherence, juggling too many ideas without fully committing to its family-driven heart or its commentary on tradition versus innovation.

At nearly two hours, the sequel drags, with some jokes overstaying their welcome and others failing to land. The reliance on flashbacks to the 1996 film feels excessive, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the original, and the darker tone clashes with the expected lighthearted absurdity. While Sandler’s comedic delivery remains strong, the script could have used tighter editing to recapture the original’s brisk pace.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag

Early reviews reflect a divide. Some praise Happy Gilmore 2 as “a happy orgy of raucously well-executed Adam Sandler fan service” with a “present-tense edge” (Variety), while others call it “an abomination that forgets what made the original great” (SlashFilm). On Rotten Tomatoes, fans have lauded its humor, with one user calling it “absolutely hilarious,” though others lament it as a “cash grab” that pales next to the 1996 classic. IMDb reviews echo this, with scores ranging from enthusiastic 8/10s to disappointed 5/10s, citing an overreliance on nostalgia and a fractured narrative.

Should You Watch Happy Gilmore 2?

Happy Gilmore 2 is a love letter to fans of the original, delivering enough laughs and heartfelt moments to make it a worthwhile Netflix stream for Sandler enthusiasts. However, its overstuffed plot, excessive cameos, and uneven tone prevent it from matching the 1996 film’s enduring magic. It’s a fun, nostalgic swing that doesn’t quite hit the green but offers enough silly charm to keep you entertained.

Rating: 6.5/10

Stream Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix starting July 25, 2025, and catch up on the original, still a comedy classic, on digital platforms. For more movie reviews, entertainment news, and updates, visit NRIGlobe.

Keywords: Happy Gilmore 2, Adam Sandler, Netflix, movie review, sports comedy, Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen, Benny Safdie, nostalgia, golf movie