I know what you’re thinking, sequels that come out twenty to thirty years after the original usually f****** suck! I get it! Usually, I tend to agree, but did Happy Gilmore 2 fit into the same mold where many have failed? The ex-hockey-playing, beer-chugging, brawling, hot-tempered Happy is back on the course after almost thirty years.

The original movie was released into theaters back in 1996, when Adam Sandler could do no wrong. Coming out with hit after hit like Billy Madison, The Waterboy, and The Wedding Singer, he was on fire. Could he and Happy Madison Productions strike gold again and live up to the hype?

The Plot of Happy Gilmore 2

Like everyone, I was curious to see what the storyline was to bring Happy and the gang back to the golf course after so many years. Prior to watching the movie, I hadn’t watched any trailers; I wanted to take the movie in as is, with no prior bias. So, going into it, I thought we would get the ultimate rematch between “gold jacket” winner Happy Gilmore and veteran pro Shooter McGavin. I was surprised to find out that wasn’t exactly the storyline.

After the death of Gilmore’s wife, the beloved Virginia Venit, he became depressed and started drinking. While raising five children, the only way Happy knows how, he pissed all of his money away, forcing him to dust off his grandfather’s old clubs. Similar to the original movie, instead of raising money for Grandma’s house, Happy must find a way to pay for his daughter’s tuition.

Gilmore must get his swing back in an 80s-style montage and take on a whole other set of challengers. The movie reflected real life when the Maxi professional golf league arrives on the scene to take on the Pro Tour, similar to LIV and PGA. Gilmore alongside some real professional golfers, must match up against some colorful characters that happened to be inspired by Happy thirty years earlier.

Did Happy Gilmore 2 Birdie or Bogey?

Neither! If I can put it in golf terms, he hit for par! The movie did a great job paying homage to the original film. From the flashbacks to the references, and a hilarious tribute to those who we have lost since 1996, the film utilized the nostalgia element tastefully. The storyline was actually intriguing enough, with realistic scenarios that took the comedy highway. It took the “Sharknado” approach with plenty of celebrity cameos including Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny, Eminem, MJF, Becky Lynch, and plenty more.

Did it live up to the original 1996 movie? Of course not, but what sequel does? That doesn’t mean it wasn’t entertaining. Do I think it could have been better? Absolutely. Do I think it could have been a helluva lot worse? F*** yes! It is a film that people may find to be better than they expected. I am not sure where the bar was set for this movie, but I am guessing it wasn’t very high, and it definitely surpassed expectations.

Final Thoughts

When I went to turn on Netflix, I looked at my girlfriend and said, “Are you ready to watch Happy Gilmore 2 for the first and only time?” That’s how I felt going into the movie, but after watching it, I would absolutely watch it again. Honestly, I thought this sequel was going to be garbage. I’m happy that it’s not.

The only thing that I would change is the under-budgeted look of the sets. The cost of cameos may have impacted that. Some of the scenes appeared cheaply done, but overall, it was very entertaining. If you don’t like my take on the movie, if my golf ball happens to hit you, well, “You shouldn’t have been standing there!”