Happy Gilmore 2 Swings Onto Netflix: Sandler’s Epic Comeback Will Leave You Speechless!
A Nostalgic Return to the Fairway
Nearly 30 years after Adam Sandler’s iconic Happy Gilmore took the comedy world by storm, Happy Gilmore 2 has finally teed off on Netflix, premiering July 25, 2025. The sequel brings back Sandler as the hot-tempered, hockey-stick-swinging golfer Happy Gilmore, delivering a mix of crude humor, heartfelt moments, and a star-studded cast that’s got fans buzzing. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, this long-awaited follow-up blends nostalgia with fresh chaos, but does it live up to the cult classic? Let’s dive into the details of this raucous return to the green.
Plot: A Tragic Twist and a Comeback Quest
Happy Gilmore 2 picks up almost three decades after Happy’s 1996 Tour Championship win. Now 58, Happy’s life has taken a dark turn. After a tragic accident where his powerful swing accidentally kills his wife, Virginia (Julie Bowen), Happy spirals into alcoholism, abandons golf, and loses everything, including his grandmother’s house. Living as a supermarket stockboy, he’s a shadow of his former self, hiding flasks in everyday objects like cucumbers and TV remotes. When his daughter Vienna (Sunny Sandler) gets accepted into a prestigious Paris ballet school, Happy must raise $300,000, forcing him back to the golf course. His new challenge? Facing off against the Maxi Golf League, a flashy, surgically enhanced rival tour led by smarmy CEO Frank Manatee (Benny Safdie). The plot weaves grief, redemption, and Sandler’s signature slapstick, though some critics note it leans too heavily on nostalgia with constant callbacks to the original.
Star Power and Cameo Overload
The sequel is a love letter to fans, packed with returning stars and new faces. Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia (briefly, as a ghost), Christopher McDonald is back as the villainous Shooter McGavin, and Ben Stiller returns as the unhinged Hal. Newcomers include Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddy Oscar Mejías, Travis Kelce as a country club waiter, and Margaret Qualley as a young golfer.
Golf legends like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, John Daly, and Will Zalatoris add authenticity, while celebrities like Post Malone, Guy Fieri, and Eminem pop up in a cameo-fest that some reviewers call distracting. The film also pays tribute to late cast members like Carl Weathers, whose Chubbs spirit lingers, adding emotional depth.
Reception: A Mixed Bag of Laughs and Nostalgia
Critics are split on Happy Gilmore 2. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 57% score, with Metacritic at 54/100, indicating mixed reviews. Variety praises its “raucously well-executed fan service” and Sandler’s timeless rage, while The Hollywood Reporter calls it “terrible—but fans will love it” for its relentless callbacks. Some, like IGN, argue the sequel’s reliance on clips from the original and excessive cameos overshadows new humor, making it feel like a “reanimated corpse” of the 1996 classic. Yet, fans on X are thrilled, with posts buzzing about Travis Kelce’s cameo and Taylor Swift’s enthusiastic Instagram review. The film’s heart, especially in scenes of Happy’s recovery, resonates, but its scattered plot and crude gags don’t always land.
Why It Matters
Happy Gilmore 2 taps into the golf culture it helped shape, with PGA Tour stars embracing its legacy. Promotional stunts, like a giant golf ball in Times Square and Topgolf tie-ins, amplify its buzz. While it may not surpass the original’s quotable charm, it’s a nostalgic win for Sandler fans and a testament to his enduring appeal. Stream it now on Netflix, but hurry—the original Happy Gilmore leaves the platform on August 1, 2025. Happy Gilmore 2 plot details 2025
