‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Review (Netflix)

Stars: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Benny Safdie, Bad Bunny, Haley Joel Osment, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Ben Stiller, Rob Schneider, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Nealon, MJF, John Daly | Written by Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler | Directed by Kyle Newacheck

Sometimes lightning does strike twice… Happy Gilmore 2 is the riotous, heartfelt, and utterly crowd-pleasing sequel I never dared to hope for. As someone who has quoted the original Happy Gilmore more times than I can count, this follow-up is not just a worthy successor, it’s a joyous celebration of everything that made the 1996 classic a cult favourite while cleverly updating the story for a new generation.

Adam Sandler slides back into the cleats of Happy with surprising ease, proving once again that this role was tailor-made for him. Older, not necessarily wiser, but still just as hot-tempered and hilarious, Happy is now navigating the twilight of his golf career. But rather than resting on nostalgia, the film gives him an emotional arc that’s surprisingly touching, and it works. It really works.

The story is as absurd and fun as you’d expect. Happy finds himself taking on a new generation of misfits in the cutthroat world of pro golf, all while being drawn back into the same kind of rivalries as the original. Although this time round it feels both fresh and rooted in the past. The writing is smart enough to poke fun at its own legacy without ever veering into parody. And yes, the golf sequences are just as wild, ridiculous, and exhilarating as before.

But let’s talk about those cameos. This is fan-service done right. Christopher McDonald’s return as Shooter McGavin is a scene-stealing, meta-comedic masterstroke, and his chemistry with Sandler hasn’t lost a step. Julie Bowen is back too, lending warmth and wit in a way that feels earned and not obligatory. And Carl Weathers? Let’s just say, whilst he (obviously) doesn’t appear in the film, his presence, and obvious influence over Happy, is handled with respect and a funny narrative twist.

Beyond that, the parade of surprise appearances from Sandler’s wider cinematic family is pure joy for longtime fans. Ben Stiller’s Hal from Happy Gilmore makes a glorious return. Rob Schneider, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Nealon, and more, each appearance feels like an affectionate nod rather than a lazy gimmick.

The humour is just as punchy, absurd, and quotable as ever, with a script that blends slapstick and heart in a way few modern comedies manage. And perhaps most surprising of all: there’s an undercurrent of sincerity running through Happy Gilmore 2 that gives it unexpected emotional heft. It’s not just about golf or goofy one-liners; it’s about legacy, mentorship, and not losing your edge, or your heart, as you get older.

Happy Gilmore 2 could have coasted on nostalgia. Instead, it swings for the green (?!) and delivers a hole-in-one of a comedy sequel. It’s one of the funniest films of the year, and for fans of the original, it’s a love letter that lands every beat.

****½  4.5/5

Happy Gilmore 2 is available to stream on Netflix now.