Adam Sandler Sequel: Funny & Feel-Good Review
Happy Gilmore 2: More Then Just a Cheesy Comeback
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The wait is over, and Adam Sandler is back on the green as the famously temperamental hockey player turned golfer, Happy Gilmore. In Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler doesn’t just revisit a beloved character; he brings him into the complexities of middle age, offering a surprisingly poignant and relatable journey that goes far beyond the slapstick of the original. While the film is undeniably cheesy, silly, and packed with callbacks, it’s also a genuinely fun and hopeful experience that resonates deeply, especially for those who, like me, grew up with Happy.
A Middle-aged Man’s Comeback
The premise of Happy Gilmore 2 sees an older, perhaps wiser, but still undeniably flawed Happy Gilmore returning to the world of professional golf. The film doesn’t shy away from the realities of aging, personal struggles, and the passage of time. This is where the movie truly shines, offering a narrative that’s both a nostalgic trip and a fresh exploration of character.
The Relatability of Flaws
what struck me most about Happy Gilmore 2 was its focus on Happy’s personal life, particularly his struggle with sobriety and his relationship with his family. These elements resonated deeply, tapping into a universal experience of navigating life’s challenges.As a fan of shows like Shrinking on Apple TV, I appreciate stories that allow us to root for heroes who are imperfect, especially when their shortcomings feel familiar.
There’s a particularly moving scene where Happy, watching his now-adult children cheer him on, sees them transformed in his mind into the little kids they once were. As someone who first watched the original Happy Gilmore as a teenager and is now a middle-aged man with teenagers of my own, this moment hit home. My youngest is now the age I was when the first movie premiered, making the generational shift palpable and, I admit, a little tear-jerking.
Evolving “happy Places”
The film cleverly contrasts Happy’s old “happy place” – Victoria in lingerie with two pitchers of beer – with his new, more grounded realities. Victoria is gone, and Happy no longer drinks. His new sources of joy are simpler: watching silly videos on his phone while on the toilet, a nurse with good cholesterol results, or even just a pair of medium-sized pants that fit. This evolution perfectly captures the shift in priorities and pleasures that often comes with age. we celebrate our children’s growth while simultaneously missing their younger selves. We also mourn our own lost youth, faded passions, and unfulfilled ambitions. It’s a sentiment that could easily lean into melancholy, evoking lyrics like Johnny cash’s “What have I become, my sweetest friend? Everyone I know goes away in the end.”
embracing the “Happy” in Happy Gilmore
However, Happy Gilmore 2 is not a sad movie. It’s a testament to resilience, a party of overcoming obstacles. Despite his struggles with alcohol, grief, and the inevitable disappointments life throws our way, Happy perseveres. The film is, at its core, a sports movie and a comeback story. It’s about an underdog who wins over the crowd and, crucially, learns to forgive himself.
While the movie is undeniably silly at times and perhaps leans heavily on callbacks to the original, its lowbrow charm is precisely what makes it so endearing. It’s a worthy sequel that honors the spirit of the first film. Happy Gilmore 2 is cheesy, silly, fun, and, most importantly, hopeful. It managed to evoke genuine emotion, a rare feat in today’s often formulaic hollywood output.
For a deeper dive into my thoughts, check out my video review: Here’s my video review.
What did you think of Happy Gilmore 2?