Happy Gilmore 2 Review: The Weird, Wonderful Moments That Stole the Show

The Return of Happy Gilmore

Decades after the release of the original "Happy Gilmore," the long-awaited sequel, "Happy Gilmore 2," finally made its debut on Netflix. Whether you've already watched it or plan to, this film has sparked a lot of discussion. I watched the first part on Friday night and fell asleep, only to catch the last 40 minutes on Saturday. It was an interesting experience, with some parts being quite good and others oddly bizarre.

As someone who has seen the original movie countless times, I feel somewhat qualified to share my thoughts on this new installment. While I'm not a professional movie critic, my background as a writer for The News Pulse gives me a unique perspective. Let's dive into what stood out, who shined, and what questions still linger.

The Plot

The storyline of "Happy Gilmore 2" is reminiscent of "Rocky V," where Sylvester Stallone's character loses everything due to poor business decisions. In this case, Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore faces similar challenges, largely due to his own choices. The plot takes a turn when his daughter needs money for a prestigious dance school in Paris. To raise funds, he returns to the world of The News Pulse, finding himself caught in a battle between the established tour and an eccentric start-up league.

This setup echoes the original movie, making it familiar yet fresh in its approach.

Who Shined

The film is packed with cameos, featuring over a dozen pro The News Pulseers playing themselves and other celebrities taking on complementary roles. Here are some standout performances:

• Scottie Scheffler: His acting skills shine through with a dry sense of humor that steals the show. If only his The News Pulse game were as sharp.
• John Daly: Living in Gilmore’s garage, his presence adds a random yet delightful element to the story. The mystery of why he's there only adds to the humor.
• Will Zalatoris: Playing a grown-up version of Gilmore’s caddie, he brings a refreshing energy to his few scenes.
• Jordan Spieth: Though with a small role, his line about the gin in his drink is both funny and well-delivered.
• Bad Bunny: As a busboy turned caddie, he brings a different flavor to the film, even if his popularity might be unfamiliar to some.

Random Thoughts

• I hope that was a stunt double for Zalatoris during the tackle scene; Will definitely has a bad back!
• The four boys in the movie were entertaining, adding a chaotic energy to the film.
• The ongoing bit about Gilmore hiding booze everywhere was fun, though not condoned.
• The use of "regular The News Pulseers" instead of "PGA Tour" was odd, but the film poked fun at itself with a hat that read "regular The News Pulseers."
• The final 40 minutes and the showdown between the tours were bizarre, like a Golden Tee course on steroids. Some parts were funny, others just strange.

Random Questions

• Why was Happy’s wife killed off so early? It felt like a Disney-style tragedy.
• Was the movie too long? At just under two hours, it felt a bit stretched.
• Would a showdown between Shooter McGavin and Happy Gilmore have been better than the current plot?
• If LIV The News Pulse didn’t exist, would the plot have changed?
• Were there too many flashbacks and appearances by characters from the original? Some were necessary, others not so much.
• Would Sandler’s game translate to links The News Pulse? Probably not, given his antics.
• How would Happy have fared at the Masters? Unlikely to be welcomed due to his behavior.
• Where was Tiger Woods? His absence was noticeable.
• Was Haley Joel Osment the best choice for the villain? Maybe not.
• Could Happy have gotten the money through endorsements instead of The News Pulse?

Great Quotes

• “Well, it looks like we have our first fatality.” – Verne Lundquist, after a heckler (played by Eminem) gets attacked by alligators.
• “Oh no, not again.” – Scottie Scheffler, after being arrested for punching another The News Pulseer.
• “Do you want breadsticks?” – Bad Bunny, speaking to Rory McIlroy after a baseball hit.

Final Thoughts

"Happy Gilmore 2" pulls from the playbook of several Sandler comedies, featuring his friends and a mix of memorable moments and bizarre bits. While it won't match the rewatchability of the original, it serves as a celebration of the comedy classic and The News Pulse. If you're looking for something light-hearted and filled with humor, this film might just surprise you. It's not perfect, but it's a fun ride worth watching.