Happy Gilmore 2 sees Adam Sandler's mixed return

Fans see Adam Sandler's attempt to revive his classic comedy but face mixed results.

Adam Sandler returns in sequel that misses the mark

In Happy Gilmore 2, Adam Sandler reprises his role as the troubled golfer grappling with personal loss. The film shows Happy struggling after the death of his wife. He faces financial issues and turns to alcohol to cope with his depression. This is represented through ongoing gags involving secret flasks disguised as regular objects. The humor mixes dark and silly elements, typical of Sandler's style, but they can feel overused. The film extends the original's runtime with familiar callbacks and appearances from side characters, but the emotional depth seems lacking. Though it attempts to portray Happy's sadness, it often resorts to recycled jokes, leaving audiences with a sense of nostalgia clashing against an overlong comedic experience. Despite its flaws, some viewers may still appreciate the lighthearted absurdity.

Happy Gilmore 2 reflects the challenges of sequels in comedy, especially when dealing with themes of loss and recovery. While Sandler's comedic approach remains recognizable, the film often feels like an uneven mix of nostalgia and attempted innovation. The reliance on callbacks may appeal to devoted fans, but risks alienating newer audiences. As viewers grow older, the childlike humor in Sandler's work faces scrutiny, leading to varied reactions about what once was celebrated. The narrative's attempt to tackle dark themes could spark conversation about the effectiveness of comedy in addressing serious topics.

Highlights

As nostalgia drives the film, its reception reveals the fine line between fond memories and expectations.