Nearly 30 years after the original cult classic, Adam Sandler steps back onto the tee box as Happy Gilmore. He’s joined by returning co‑stars Julie Bowen (Virginia), Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin) and Ben Stiller, plus cameos from Sandler’s real‑life daughters, making the sequel feel like a family reunion on‑screen.
Here are six reasons to tee it up on your weekend watch-list if you’re still on the fence.
Cameo‑Fest of Golf Pros & Celebs
The sequel doubles as a who’s‑who of sports and pop culture: PGA legends Jack Nicklaus and John Daly share scenes with Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, while Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny and Becky Lynch bring extra star power. It’s an Easter‑egg hunt for every kind of fan.
Watch‑From‑Home Convenience
Skip the theater lines. Happy Gilmore 2 debuted exclusively on Netflix Friday, July 25, so your couch, some popcorn, and a cold beverage are all you need for 117 minutes of weekend escapism.
A Heart‑Warmer Beneath the Hijinks
Yes, there’s still club‑throwing slapstick, but critics highlight a touching father‑daughter storyline that sends Happy back to the tour to fund ballet dreams, adding mid‑life redemption to the mayhem.
’90s Nostalgia & Deep‑Cut Callbacks
Tributes to Bob Barker, “You can do it!” shout‑outs and rapid‑fire nods to Sandler’s ’90s films reward longtime fans. Watch for blink‑and‑you‑miss‑them gags that will have viewers pausing and rewinding.
Rotten Tomatoes: Fresh‑ish Numbers
As of Saturday morning, the sequel sits at 65% on the Tomatometer with a 74% audience score. That’s solid territory for a legacy comedy and a good sign that casual viewers are digging the sequel.
I for one, thought a solid sequel might be a stretch, but am happy to have been proven wrong by Sandler and the gang.
By the way: Traders are actually betting on what the film’s final Rotten Tomatoes score will be by Tuesday. According to the prediction market Kalshi, there’s still a 9% chance it receives better than 70% on the tomato meter.
First Reactions & Reviews
Early critics agree the movie “shoots par.” The Washington Post calls it a “perfectly diverting visit to the back nine,” while the A.V. Club gives it a B‑ for delivering comfort‑food comedy that avoids the rough.
Translation: not a hole‑in‑one, but well worth the weekend stream.
Ready for a full 18 holes of comedy? Grab the remote, tap Netflix, and return to your happy place.
