There’s been a lot of noise lately from people complaining that Happy Gilmore 2 wasn’t “as good” as the original. To those people, we have to ask: what did you expect?
The original Happy Gilmore came out nearly 30 years ago. It was a product of the 90s - loud, goofy, and absurd in a way that still holds up today. But here in 2025? The world has gotten even weirder, and if you thought Adam Sandler was going to serve up the same exact swing twice, then you clearly don’t know the man - or the legend that is Happy Gilmore.
This sequel is bold, chaotic, meta as hell, and absolutely hilarious. And if you missed that, well, maybe you were too busy yelling at clouds or polishing your persimmon woods.
Let’s break it down.
Netflix’s Biggest Premiere Ever? Yep, That’s Happy Gilmore 2
Before we even get into the content, let’s address the scoreboard.
Happy Gilmore 2 just became Netflix’s biggest premiere of all time.
That’s not just impressive - it’s historic. Bigger than The Irishman. Bigger than Red Notice. Bigger than any of those high-budget dramas or action flicks. A golf comedy sequel starring Adam Sandler beat them all. Why? Because it delivered exactly what fans wanted: a ridiculous, self-aware, punch-you-in-the-gut comedy with just enough real-world commentary to keep us all guessing.
Golf fans showed up. Comedy fans showed up. And the numbers don’t lie - Happy is still a crowd favorite, and now, he’s the king of streaming too.
Of Course Happy Changed - That’s the Whole Point
Look, Happy Gilmore was never a traditional golfer. He broke all the rules, punched people mid-round, and pioneered the “run-up drive” long before Bryson tried to turn that into science. So when we see a 2025 version of Happy who's even more outrageous, more unpredictable, and completely fed up with modern golf culture, it’s not a stretch - it’s evolution.
We loved how Happy Gilmore 2 leaned into the absurdity of today’s world. Social media influencers, performance-enhancing surgery, a ridiculous new golf league - it’s all in there. And Happy, now older and even more stubborn, reacts the way only Happy can: by causing absolute chaos and somehow still saving the day.
This wasn’t a nostalgia cash grab. It was a loud, absurd, and strangely heartfelt continuation of a character who was already crazy in the 90s. In today’s world? He fits right in.
The Cameos Were Legendary (And Hilarious)
This cast was stacked - like, Sunday leaderboard at Augusta stacked.
We got Bad Bunny as Happy’s eccentric new caddie, offering spiritual advice in broken English and quoting Sun Tzu on the tee box. Will Zalatoris showed up as Happy’s original caddie, now all grown up and traumatized by years on the tour. And Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson, Chubbs’ son? That was both an emotional tribute and an absolute comedy win.
But the biggest surprise (and the most on-brand) was John Daly as Uncle John. Let’s be honest - there is no better fit for a Happy Gilmore extended universe than John Daly playing… basically himself.
And the sprinkling of real PGA Tour players and golf media figures throughout the movie made it feel like an inside joke with the entire golf world in on it. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a scratch golfer, it felt like our movie.
Shooter McGavin’s Redemption Arc Was Peak Cinema
Bringing back Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin was a stroke of genius - and giving him a full redemption arc was even better.
This version of Shooter? He’s older, slightly unhinged, and on a mission to redeem himself by helping Happy stop the hostile takeover of golf as we know it. He’s paranoid. He’s dramatic. He is not about to let the soul of golf be destroyed.
And somehow, by the end, he becomes the unlikely voice of reason.
Yes, we said it: Shooter McGavin is the hero we didn’t know we needed.
Maxi Golf Was Brilliant, and Everyone's Missing the Point
One of the biggest complaints we’ve seen online is that “Maxi Golf ruined the movie.” To that we say: Maxi Golf was the whole point.
This ultra-modern, absurd version of golf - complete with EDM intros, floating greens, and influencer players with names like “ChipDawg69” - was an obvious parody of the ongoing drama between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The battle between tradition and disruption. Between soul and spectacle.
Maxi Golf didn’t ruin the movie - it made the movie. It gave the film a chance to say something real under all the ridiculousness.
And in the end, when traditional golf wins out?
When Happy, Shooter, Slim, and a gang of misfit caddies bring down the corporate monster?
It felt like the soul of golf had been saved. On screen and off.
Final Verdict: This Was the Perfect 2025 Golf Comedy
We get it. Some people wanted more of the old. Some people didn’t like how weird things got. But we’re telling you - this movie got it right.
Happy Gilmore 2 delivered laughs, surprises, insider golf humor, and just the right amount of heart. It didn’t try to play it safe. It swung hard, took risks, and landed the shot. Just like Happy would’ve.
So here’s our official stance:
Stop complaining. Enjoy the ride. And be grateful we live in a world where this movie even exists.
Happy is back. Shooter is redeemed. And golf, somehow, is funnier than ever.
Want more golf movie reviews, PGA Tour drama breakdowns, or absurd takes from real golfers?
Stick around - we’ve got more in the bag.
