Happy Gilmore 2 Review: Nostalgia, Laughter, and a Surprisingly Big Heart

When I saw Happy Gilmore 2 sitting at #1 on Netflix, I knew I had to watch it that very night. I grew up with the original Happy Gilmore—the wild mix of golf, hockey temper, and Adam Sandler’s chaotic charm was one of those movies that stuck in my memory. So when I hit play on the sequel, I had two questions in mind: Would it live up to the original? And could it give me that same rush of ridiculous comedy mixed with genuine heart?

The answer? Mostly yes. And in some ways, it even surprised me.

The Story Picks Up 25 Years Later

The film opens with Happy (Adam Sandler) still playing golf professionally, but time hasn’t been entirely kind to him. He’s older, a bit slower, and far less of the “wild card” player he used to be. Life has settled into something more routine—until a new young golf prodigy bursts onto the scene, threatening not just his career but also his legacy.

What follows is part sports comedy, part redemption story, and part heartfelt reflection on aging, friendship, and family. The plot is simple enough, but it’s layered with both slapstick humor and surprisingly touching moments that give it more depth than I expected.

The Humor Still Hits… Mostly

The original Happy Gilmore was all about chaotic comedy—those over-the-top moments that made you laugh because they were so absurd. Happy Gilmore 2 keeps that same spirit alive. There are ridiculous training montages, over-dramatic slow-motion golf swings, and those “did they really just do that?” moments that Sandler fans live for.

That said, a lot of the jokes lean heavily on callbacks to the original film. As someone who’s seen the first movie more times than I can count, I found these moments hilarious and nostalgic. But if you’re watching this without that connection, some gags might feel a little recycled. Still, the film throws in enough fresh comedy to keep it from feeling like a carbon copy.

The Cameos Are Gold

One of the best parts of Happy Gilmore 2 is seeing familiar faces pop back in. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say there are a few appearances that made me literally cheer at the screen. Ben Stiller’s brief but unforgettable role is one of those perfect “Oh my God, they brought him back!” moments that fans will love.

Even some of the side characters from the original return for quick scenes, and the way they’re woven into the story feels more like a family reunion than a forced nostalgia grab.

The Golf Scenes Are Bigger and Better

Golf might not be the most adrenaline-pumping sport for most people, but here, it’s shot like a high-stakes action sequence. The cinematography makes every tournament feel epic—wide shots of green fairways, intense crowd reactions, and slow-motion moments that make hitting a golf ball look like a heroic act.

There’s also a lot more focus on the sport this time around. While the first movie sometimes used golf as more of a backdrop for jokes, the sequel blends comedy with genuinely exciting competition.

A Touch of Heart I Didn’t Expect

What really caught me off guard was how emotional parts of this film were. Without getting too heavy, Happy Gilmore 2 touches on themes of aging, legacy, and the idea of passing the torch to a new generation. It’s not just about winning tournaments—it’s about figuring out when to keep fighting and when to let go.

There’s also a touching subplot involving Happy’s relationship with his family and old friends, which adds an extra layer to the film. For a movie that’s built on outrageous humor, those heartfelt beats give it a nice balance.

Where It Falls Short

No sequel is perfect, and Happy Gilmore 2 is no exception. Some of the humor feels too safe, relying too much on nostalgia instead of pushing into new comedic territory. A few jokes are stretched a bit too long, and not every emotional moment lands as well as it could.

But honestly, these flaws didn’t ruin my enjoyment. If anything, they reminded me that this movie was made with the fans in mind—people who wanted a familiar, fun ride rather than something groundbreaking.

Final Thoughts

Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a love letter to the original and to the fans who’ve kept quoting it for decades. It’s funny, warm, and self-aware enough to know exactly what it’s trying to be.

If you’re a fan of Adam Sandler, you’ll get exactly what you came for: absurd comedy, unexpected cameos, and a surprising amount of heart. If you’ve never seen the original, you might miss some of the deeper laughs, but you’ll still get a fun, lighthearted sports comedy that’s perfect for a weekend watch.

No, it’s not trying to win Oscars. But it’s trying—and succeeding—to make you laugh, smile, and maybe even tear up once or twice. And honestly, that’s more than enough for me.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Best For: Comedy lovers, Adam Sandler fans, and anyone looking for a feel-good watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously.