Happy Gilmore 2 ★★★

Released: 25 July 2025 (Netflix)

Director: Kyle Newacheck

Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Benny Safdie, Haley Joel Osment

The nostalgia train hits hard these days. Reminiscing about days gone by and revisiting the things that transcend happiness that may no longer be there. There is no doubt that Adam Sandler has been a comfort blanket for many people, including this writer.

Vitnage Sandman kino will forever be associated with the late 90s-early 00s, with the likes of Billy Madison, The Waterboy, and, of course, the film that made me want to play golf badly: Happy Gilmore. During Adam Sandler’s hot and cold residency at Netflix (Hubbie Halloween is a masterpiece…fight me), there was always that question: Will we ever see our hockey-loving golfer again? Well, of course, the Sandman had to oblige with Happy Gilmore 2.

Revisiting the world of Happy Gilmore took me back to my happy place. After years away from golf and following a family tragedy that led to financial hardship, Happy Gilmore must find a way to earn money to send his daughter to a prestigious ballet school in Paris. There is a certain simplicity in Sandler’s narrative creation, but it is the aura that protrudes, which makes each experience endearing and brings audiences back to his films. Happy Gilmore 2 features numerous cameos throughout the film, yet they never overshadow its primary mission: to bring joy and help you forget your troubles.

As Adam Sandler ages, the sentimentality and hope in his work seem to deepen. While it’s undeniably a comedy, experiencing this journey with Happy is quite a ride, featuring a hilariously absurd number of hip flasks disguised as everyday objects. These gags exemplify classic Sandler humour—bold, physical, and delightfully juvenile—but they are artfully woven into a narrative that feels richly introspective.

The film strikes a great balance between emotional moments and its trademark silliness, making the humour feel authentic instead of forced. While some comedic scenes might seem rushed and not land as effectively, long-time Sandler fans will spot plenty of Easter eggs and nods to the original that will bring a grin. There is an unbalanced sense to the narrative that never, at times, takes away from the scene and character arcs. While it’s easily forgotten when you are in a comedy, it does leave a sour taste.

The charm of many Adam Sandler films lies in the strong teamwork that creates a heartwarming and entertaining experience (though I will acknowledge that not all of his movies, like Jack & Jill or Don’t Mess with the Zohan, hit the mark). Sandler courageously reveals different facets of himself to his audience and is proud to share how much his family and collaborators mean to him. The reason so many people appear in his films is not only because of Sandler himself but also, I’m sure, due to the financial incentive. While Happy Gilmore has brought smiles to many over the years, the Sandman appears to be more contemplative with Happy Gilmore 2, reflecting on the passage of time and the people who bring us happiness.