“Happy Gilmore 2” serves as a vibrant celebration of the iconic style of Adam Sandler, delivering an exhilarating mix of humor that resonates deeply with fans of the original film. This sequel is more than a mere nostalgia trip; it captures the essence of the 1990s comedy landscape that originally propelled Sandler to stardom. Instead of trying to replicate the clever-stupid dichotomy that defined many of his early films, it boldly embraces the authentic spirit of Happy Gilmore, channeling that unique blend of Jerry Lewis antics and rock ‘n’ roll energy. This follow-up to the cult classic golf comedy from 1996 effortlessly transports viewers back to the chaotic charm of the original, as if it had been released just yesterday.

In the memorable comedies of the 1990s that shaped his persona, including Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, and The Waterboy, Sandler portrayed a character archetype defined by immaturity — the quintessential man-child who needed to navigate life’s challenges. This raises an intriguing question: how does he maintain that role of the misfit outsider today, especially after years of success and fame in Hollywood? The answer reveals itself in his performance, as he effortlessly taps into that familiar essence, reminding audiences of his comedic roots and ability to connect with the underdog experience.

Remarkably, Sandler makes it seem effortless, showcasing his remarkable talent as an actor. The screenplay for “Happy Gilmore 2,” co-written by Sandler and his longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy, cleverly extends the absurdity of the original storyline by reintroducing Happy Gilmore, a wannabe hockey player turned golf professional. This sequel allows him to reclaim his identity while humorously highlighting his struggles, as he grapples with the chaos of life after tragedy. The film’s narrative cleverly incorporates elements of slapstick humor, blending heartfelt moments with absurdity as it plunges Happy back into the depths of his former challenges.

The film opens with a poignant flashback to Happy’s happy ending: he marries Virginia (played by Julie Bowen), the PR director of the pro-golf tour, and they raise a family with four sons and a beautiful daughter. Happy’s life peaks as he wins six championships, basking in the glory of his success. However, tragedy strikes ten years prior when one of his powerful tee shots leads to an accidental death, leaving him a widower with five children. This catastrophic event causes Happy to abandon golf and seek solace in a new pastime: drinking, marking a significant shift in his once-celebrated life.

As “Happy Gilmore 2” unfolds, we find a 58-year-old Happy who has spiraled into deeper despair. He has transformed into an alcoholic wreck, working as a grocery store stockboy. Sandler portrays this descent with a mix of humor and pathos, illustrating Happy’s reliance on cleverly disguised flasks — a cucumber-shaped flask for stocking produce, a pepper-mill flask for family dinners, and various flasks for every occasion. This comedic yet tragic character study showcases Sandler’s undeniable talent, as he embodies the hollow shell of his former self while ensuring that the film retains its comedic flair. In the world of classic Adam Sandler films, even the darkest moments are infused with lightheartedness.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Sandler film without a comeback story. Happy’s daughter, Vienna (played by Sunny Sandler), earns a spot at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School, but the tuition is a staggering $75,000 a year. To cover this expense, Happy must return to the golf course, rediscovering his passion for the sport with the help of an exhilarating training montage set to Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero.” As he prepares for the 2025 championship challenge, he faces a formidable team from the Maxi Golf League, a modern twist on the game that introduces flashy elements like shot clocks and seven-hole courses. Led by a millennial antagonist (played by Benny Safdie), this new league reimagines golf, adding a layer of absurdity that perfectly complements the film’s humor.

The film pays homage to the original “Happy Gilmore” with numerous callbacks and references, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a high-school reunion for fans. It features iconic elements like alligators and hilarious fistfights, though nothing quite matches the outrageousness of Happy’s infamous line to Bob Barker. Returning cast members, including Ben Stiller reprising his role as the sadistic retirement-home aide Hal — now a 12-step guru — add to the film’s nostalgic charm. Christopher McDonald returns as the maniacal golfer Shooter McGavin, who hilariously navigates his time in a mental institution. The film also features the son of Carl Weathers’ iconic character, Chubbs Peterson, and several cameos from stars like Kevin Nealon and Rob Schneider, along with Marcello Hernández from SNL, creating a rich tapestry of familiar faces for dedicated fans.

Throughout cinema history, certain films have sparked divides among critics and audiences, often reflecting the tension between highbrow and lowbrow humor. Movies like slasher flicks, classic car-chase films, and popular franchises such as Transformers and Tyler Perry films exemplify this phenomenon. However, Adam Sandler’s work in the late 1990s stands out as a distinct case of this divide. “Billy Madison” was the first film to showcase his unique comedic style, and “Happy Gilmore” marked a significant turning point in his career following his dismissal from Saturday Night Live. This dismissal ignited a fiery determination within him, evident in every frame of “Happy Gilmore.” His portrayal of Happy, clad in a Boston Bruins jersey, smashing golf balls and opponents alike, parallels a rawer version of Caddyshack, featuring a protagonist with an almost chaotic edge.

While “The Waterboy” catapulted Sandler into mainstream success, “Happy Gilmore” revealed a side of him that the Saturday Night Live stage couldn’t fully capture — his unrestrained anger and comedic genius. This type of ballistically charged humor resonated with audiences, despite initial critical backlash. I, too, was part of that critical dismissal, but upon rewatching “The Waterboy” and experiencing Sandler’s evolution into projects like “The Wedding Singer” and “Punch-Drunk Love,” I recognized the sheer brilliance of his comedic approach. Sandler’s willingness to embrace the absurd and his authentic persona solidified his position as one of America’s most unconventional yet beloved comedic talents. In “Happy Gilmore 2,” he continues to embody that spirit, proving that his comedic legacy remains as impactful as ever.