Before the premiere of “Happy Gilmore 2“, I decided to re-watch “Happy Gilmore” and was pleasantly surprised to find that it remains a fun, amusing movie for the most part. Whenever I go back to an older comedy like this one, I often worry that my fond memories of “Happy Gilmore“, built over numerous viewings in my youth, might be tarnished by harsh truths that don’t age well. However, I’m glad to say that it remains one of Adam Sandler’s finest performances.
In a nutshell, the tale of Happy Gilmore revolves around the protagonist who happens to be a struggling hockey player with less-than-stellar skills. When his grandmother’s house is at risk due to tax problems, he unexpectedly discovers a knack for golf. As the movie unfolds, we see Happy Gilmore making appearances on the golf course, leveraging his uncouth persona to exploit his hidden talents and reclaim his family home. Laced with memorable lines from Adam Sandler, this film offers a straightforward yet endearing narrative, frequent comedic moments that mostly land, and an impressive villain. Remarkably, it remains entertaining in 2025.
Happy Gilmore’s Story & Relationships Thrive On Simplicity
The Film Doesn’t Overcomplicate Itself
Upon another viewing of Happy Gilmore, I noticed how surprisingly straightforward its narrative turns out to be. The concept of a hockey player excelling at golf, even becoming professional, isn’t hard to follow. Although some might find it improbable, the movie manages to avoid getting bogged down by this, opting for humor and amusement instead. This approach effectively creates a balance that eventually turns heartwarming.
The heartfelt emotion that the movie often evokes is largely due to the straightforward relationships at its core, such as those in “Happy Gilmore.” From the get-go, Happy’s bond with his grandmother is established, and even as the narrative explores his golfing journey, helping his grandma remains his primary driving force. This gives the film a straightforward yet endearing and familiar feel that propels the story forward despite its generic elements. The rapid development of Happy’s relationship with Virginia (played by Julie Bowen) may seem sudden, but the fact that her connection with Happy’s grandmother also feels genuine adds authenticity to their romance.
I was equally taken aback by the transformation in his character. Initially, Happy appears quite irritable in the film, adding humor to the plot. However, it could have been annoying. Yet, they cleverly incorporated a narrative about self-improvement where Happy learns to manage his aggressive impulses, making for a smooth transition in his character.
Happy Gilmore’s Slapstick Hits More Than It Misses
The Film Is One Of The Better Sandler Comedies
Growing up, Adam Sandler’s wackiest films were among my favorites. As I grew older, I questioned if my affection for these movies was misguided, fearing I might feel the same way about Happy Gilmore. Fortunately, I discovered that its physical humor tends to hit the mark more than it misses. Classic jokes like “I believe that’s Mr. Gilmore’s” or “You eat pieces of st for breakfast?” still bring laughs effortlessly, as do many other amusing scenes sprinkled throughout the movie.
The jokes about Happy’s golf caddies are effortlessly funny, as well as the fight scene with Bob Barker in the middle of the movie. Many smaller moments also provide laughter, but I must admit that some jokes go a bit overboard. For instance, Happy’s fight with a fake alligator and Chubbs’ sudden, somewhat absurd death can be considered examples of this excess. While Chubbs’ demise helps motivate Happy’s journey, it comes too quickly and feels unnecessary for the overall plot progression.
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Shooter McGavin vs. Happy Gilmore Is An All-Time Rivalry
The Antagonist Of Happy Gilmore Stands The Test Of Time
What I’d like to highlight in Happy Gilmore is the exceptional portrayal of Shooter McGavin by Christopher McDonald. In the film, he plays an irritating, grating character that is almost unbearable at times. However, McDonald skillfully captures the annoying quirks and egotistical behaviors of a sportsman who believes himself superior to others, while still making it amusing. Initially, Shooter serves as an obstacle for Happy in the first half of the movie, but their rivalry truly shines when it develops fully. This is when Happy Gilmore really takes off.
The persistent attempts by the antagonist, Shooter, to sabotage both Happy and his grandmother, make it effortless to cheer against him. Admittedly, I found myself hoping that Shooter wouldn’t have to resort to cheating in order to challenge Happy during the final tournament, as it somewhat weakens their rivalry. Nevertheless, this core conflict is brilliantly executed, primarily due to the outstanding performances and camaraderie between McDonald and Sandler. Thus, I eagerly anticipate witnessing how their relationship evolves three decades later in Happy Gilmore 2. Until then, however, Happy Gilmore remains a highly enjoyable film to revisit.
Happy Gilmore was re-released in theaters on April 27.
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2025-04-27 22:33