Setting the Scene: A Cult Classic Revisited

If you’ve been in a long-term relationship with golf (or a golf fanatic), there’s a high likelihood that Happy Gilmore has occupied your screen more often than you’d like to admit. Let me confess: after 20 years of being married to a golfer, I’ve seen the original Happy Gilmore countless times—each viewing a riotous reminder of why it remains a cult classic and arguably one of the funniest films of its decade. That chaotic, larger-than-life blend of foul-mouthed humor, heart, and outrageous golf antics made Adam Sandler’s early career shine—earning it a steadfast place in the comedy hall of fame.

So, when Netflix announced Happy Gilmore 2, the sequel to this beloved underdog-golfer story, I braced for two things: nostalgia… and skepticism. Thankfully, what followed was exactly what we needed: a sequel that delivered on both fronts.

On-Fairway Fun: Synopsis of Happy Gilmore 2

In Happy Gilmore 2, we pick up with our beloved hot-headed golfer, now navigating life beyond his improbable PGA tour fame. Happy, still dealing with the eccentricities of celebrity and the pressures of maintaining his unfiltered authenticity, returns to his roots when his passion for unconventional golf reignites.

When a high-stakes tournament—this time with a bigger prize (and even bigger egos)—threatens to overshadow the game’s integrity, Happy decides to enter, determined to prove that heart beats hype. He enlists a new caddy—none other than superstar Bad Bunny, who delivers not just plot support, but comedic gold with every cue ball toss and deadpan reassurance in Bad Bunny’s signature cool swagger.

Adding to the chaos—and the charm—Adam Sandler’s real-life family is scattered throughout the film. His children play pivotal roles—including his on-screen child, an oddly earnest ballet teacher for his daughter, and a fellow AA friend whose cameo is equal parts blink-and-you’ll-miss-it and tear-jerking sweet. His wife also plays his daughter’s ballet teacher. It was a full family affair.

Cameos Galore: Star Power and Surprise Appearances

One of the most delightful surprise packages Happy Gilmore 2 brings is its abundant cameos—and they’re genius.

  • Bad Bunny as the caddy? An unexpected, perfect fit. His subdued, almost stoic energy contrasts hilariously with Happy’s explosive antics. It’s as if he’s silently judging every profanity-laced pep talk—that awkward friction becoming comedy gold.
  • Multiple PGA players which gives the entire movie the believability to work for today’s audience. If you are golfer or fan, you could easily spot some amazing golfers throughout the entire movie. I think my favorite was seeing John Daily was treated like the family pet and Sandler constantly reminding him family to feed John.
  • Travis Kelce aka Taylor Swift’s boyfriend has a cameo as a clubhouse waiter who berates Bad Bunny and covers himself in honey in a montage with a bear.
  • Cameron Boyce’s cameo—perhaps the most heartfelt of all—lands with emotional weight and nostalgia. It’s played with such brevity and tenderness that when the realization hits—“Oh, was that him?”—it becomes a tender nod to a star gone too soon.

These appearances are grazed golden eggs of meta-humor, warmth, and unexpected connection. They don’t feel forced; instead, each cameo bumps the storyline forward or elevates the emotional stakes.

Nods to the Original: Staying True to the Roots

What sets Happy Gilmore 2 apart from your run-of-the-mill sequel is how deep it stays rooted in its predecessor’s DNA. This isn’t a diluted, wash-rinse-repeat; it’s a craftily spicy remix:

  • Signature one-liners are reworked—but still raw, still dripping with the same comedic bite we loved 20+ years ago.
  • Visual callbacks—remember the broken putter and the swing-of-destruction? We get reimagined, upgraded reappearances, making longtime fans nod with giddy recognition.
  • A familiar face lineup—cameos from original characters (or their younger stand-ins) bubble up, reaching across time to tie the two movies together.

And, of course, the humor remains firmly in Sandler mode: a blend of the absurdly over-the-top, crass, and somehow occasionally touching. It’s unashamedly itself in every moment.

Fan Reaction: Swinging and Belting High

Talk of how fans have reacted to Happy Gilmore 2? It’s trending toward universal affection—especially among die-hards of the original. Social media exploded:

  • “Finally, a true sequel that respects its roots.” Many fans are relieved and delighted that this sequel didn’t ghost what made the original click.
  • “Bad Bunny as caddy? Best cameo since… well, ever.” The music icon’s cameo ignited memes, reaction videos, and endless praise.
  • “That Cameron Boyce moment… gave me chills.” A reminder that even the loudest comedies can pack emotional punches—and that nostalgia doesn’t always come with a smile.

Even non-Sandler fans are admitting—maybe with some surprise—that the sequel worked. The comedy’s too sharp, the cameos too well-placed, and the nostalgia too well-handled to ignore entirely.

Over-the-Top, in the Best Ways

At its heart, Happy Gilmore 2 grabs you and yanks you into absurdity—not with apology, but with proud, inflated comedic arms. If you understand and appreciate Adam Sandler humor—its exaggeration, its loudness, its childish irreverence—you’re probably already grinning just recalling the first movie.

And this sequel doubles down. It’s not aiming for subtlety—it’s going for belly laughs so big they can’t help but echo from the greens to Netflix’s global servers. It’s sandblasting nostalgia with fresh turns; outrageous gags are delivered with affection, not parody.

From a Superfan’s Perspective: Why It Works

Having stood beside a golfer husband—enduring countless Happy Gilmore viewings, loving every dirty pun and outrageous swing—I’ve seen firsthand how the movie infiltrated real life. I’ve heard lines repeated on espresso runs, seen mimicry attempts by casual putters at family get-togethers, and felt its spirit embedded in my shared jokes.

As a fan of both Adam Sandler and the original, Happy Gilmore 2 gave me exactly what I yearned for: the nervous excitement of “will it be any good?”, followed by the belly-deep laughter of “yes—and then some.”

Here’s why it works so well:

  • It captures the essence: That lovable rage, goofy humor, and heartfelt underdog optimism we adored the first time? They’re all there, unfiltered and amped up.
  • It’s clever with nostalgia: Not lazy remake. It doesn’t reconstruct the original scene by scene—it nods, winks, and then romps forward in its own right.
  • The cameos elevate, never overshadow: Whether it’s surprise star power from Bad Bunny or the emotional tug of Cameron Boyce’s appearance, each cameo adds flavor—not overshadowing Happy’s journey, but enriching it.
  • It resonates emotionally, even amid the spit-takes and slapstick. That balance—few comedies can manage it, but this one succeeds in spades.

Wrapping It Up: A Hole-in-One Sequel

So, does Happy Gilmore 2 live up to the hype? In the world of cult comedies, sequels, and streaming expectations? Absolutely. It may not be for everyone. As the saying goes: you either get Adam Sandler—or you don’t. If you understand and love his style—his blend of absurdity, crassness, and unexpected poignancy—it’s an amazing sequel, worth every chuckle, shout, and “Did they just… ?” moment.

Twenty years after the original, one might worry nostalgia would carry it—but Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t riding the coattails; it’s swinging its own big stick, sending golf balls—and laughter—into next week.

The Game of Nerds fans, muster your bravado, dust off your putters (bonus points if they’re broken), and gather friends. This sequel delivers a genuine comedic victory lap, complete with beloved echoes, big gags, star-studded surprises, and the same irrepressible spirit that made Happy Gilmore a legend.

If you’ve sat through the original more times than you can count—or even just once—then raise your foam finger high: Happy Gilmore is back, and he’s funnier, louder, and more heartfelt than ever.