Happy Gilmore 2: Plenty of Laughs, Until It Goes Off the Rails

Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) kicks off strong, tapping into the same chaotic energy and underdog charm that made the original a cult classic. The early scenes are packed with callbacks and cameos that hit just the right nostalgic notes—at least at first. Adam Sandler slips back into character effortlessly, and for longtime fans, the film feels like a warm return to familiar turf. However, the repeated use of flashbacks from the first movie feels like a crutch rather than a creative tool, making parts of the first act feel padded instead of fresh.

Unfortunately, the second half veers off course. The introduction of a fictional new golf league pushes things too far into cartoonish territory, pulling away from the grounded absurdity that made the first film so fun. While a few late-stage cameos try to recapture the magic, they end up feeling more like distractions than highlights. The humor also takes a hit—what starts off as a genuinely funny film turns into something more strained and less clever. It’s still a decent ride for fans, but by the end, Happy Gilmore 2 feels like a putt that just missed the cup.

I give Happy Gilmore 2 a 6 out of 10.