Mix a violent hockey player and a temper with golf, and you get Happy Gilmore. Happy Gilmore 2 is the long awaited sequel of a beloved Adam Sandler movie, Happy Gilmore, and introduces new members of the Gilmore family: 4 new violent hockey boys and a ballet girl. 

This comedic movie, directed by Kyle Newacheck introduces a theme of alcohol addiction after Happy loses his wife, Virginia, in an accident involving a golf ball on Mother’s Day, starting the movie as a washed up drunk. The film Happy Gilmore 2 embodies greatness in various ways, especially through its plot.

The acting in this movie was really captivating in some aspects but lacking in others. People like Adam Sandler, Bad Bunny, and just about all the golfer cameos (there’s like 30) were pretty good, but stars like Christopher McDonald and Eminem were semi-off. McDonald hasn’t played his part for around 30 years, so he came off rusty, and Eminem didn’t feel like the best choice for his character, the annoying and rage inducing son of Donald Floyd. Eminem’s popularity seemed to be the bargaining chip for his cameo, leaving viewers feeling cringey instead of lighthearted and full of laughter.

The technical elements of the movie were unique. They decided to use flashbacks to the last movie, as this movie is basically an homage after all this time. They show beloved scenes from the old movie, like Happy choking out his caddy, and they also recycled some scenes from the last movie, like changing the scene of Shooter running off with the gold jacket to Happy’s therapist running off with his medal. It feels like a great way to pay respects to the original and fits well.

Overall, I’d give this movie 3 out of 4 stars. The theme and story helped to show how, with help, the broken can heal. The acting was pretty captivating despite some rough patches, and the effects and editing used help to pay respects and give us a nostalgic send off.  I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy Adam Sandler, or just want to watch something fun.