Sandler Returns, Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) | Film Review

Happy Gilmore 2

Within the first 5 minutes we are thrown into a complete debacle disaster, Gilmore’s life is chaos and everything falls apart around him. The fast swings of narrative were hilarious, one crisis after another. We see Happy completely beaten, a man at his lowest but he inevitably gets inspired to pick up the clubs again and get his life together. 

Sandler eases back into one of his most iconic roles, Happy Gilmore comes naturally and it was fun to see this character on screen again. The film is littered with cameos, from pro golfers and a-list actors, the film is filled with nostalgia and exudes the essence of Sandler’s films; immature, slapstick and crude.

This type of comedy is something that appeals to me, it’s easy to watch and quintessentially Sandler. It has plenty of light hearted, silly moments alongside the chaotic madness of Happy’s personality. He’s violent, he’s aggressive but he’s undeniably loveable. 

Sure, this film isn’t groundbreaking and the story is a carbon copy of the first film. Happy golfs out of necessity, he needs money, the plot is simple and easy to enjoy but that doesn’t take away from its appeal. Although this kind of film is purely for nostalgic purposes, it is a cash grab it still entertained me and make me laugh out loud a handful of times. 

Everything took a turn at the half way point, once The Maxi League takes effect I was lost and disinterested. Although Sandler is known for his unconventional, offbeat comedies this was a little too weird. It changed tone drastically, as though a child stepped in half way through to finish the script. Bitterly disappointed by the final act of this film and I was happy when it was over. 

Overall, this film started off incredibly strong. I was invested in Happy and his family but sadly the story took such a drastic turn half way through it lost sight of what the story was originally about. Also, the cameos were really fun at the beginning but quickly became distracting from Eminem, Travis Kelce and Post Malone to name a few… Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) transitioned from an intriguing come back story to a cringe worthy return. 

Probe Points

★★☆☆☆