‘Happy Gilmore 2’: Adam Sandler’s Netflix Comeback Reviews—“Over Delivered” Amid Mixed Reactions & Cameos
Happy Gilmore 2 premieres on Netflix on July 25, 2025. Adam Sandler returns to the titular role with nostalgia-laced humor, celebrity cameos, and heartfelt themes. Fans call it “absolutely perfect,” while critics note uneven visuals and legacy reliance
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Netflix dropped Happy Gilmore 2 on July 25, 2025, reuniting Adam Sandler with his beloved hockey-turned-golf rebel nearly three decades later. The film sparked divergent reactions online—some praising the fun homage and chaos, while others criticized its padded runtime and creative staleness.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) responded with enthusiasm:
“Absolutely perfect sequel. Over delivered.”
“Just watched Happy Gilmore 2 & now I need sequels to all Adam Sandler movies…”
“Genuinely funny with a lot of heart. Not quite the original, but only a few strokes behind.”
But not everyone cheered. Some lamented a lack of originality:
“Pathetic attempts at nostalgia. A thousand recycled jokes. Empty cameos. Extremely unfunny jokes. Don’t waste your time with it.”
Reddit threads and fan content outlets noted multiple Easter eggs and callbacks from the original 1996 film—including tributes to late stars like Bob Barker and Carl Weathers, and cameos by Sandler’s real-life family. Sunny Sandler (playing Vienna) and real golfing legends add nostalgic touches.
Early Reviews: Mixed to Positive
Major media coverage reflects split perspectives:
Esquire called it a nostalgic escape with unexpected emotional beats—“absurd humor and heartbreaking sentiment.”
Boston.com described it as a “lot like its star: a little flabbier, a little shabbier, but still undeniably funny.”
Washington Post lamented overstuffed fan service and a “safe lay‑up” feel that relies too heavily on callbacks.
Production Choices & Visual Criticism
While the cameos (Bad Bunny, Eminem, Travis Kelce, golf pros like Rory McIlroy) generated buzz, many viewers criticized the poor color grading and flat visuals, especially a scene featuring Eminem critiqued for looking jaundiced. Reviewers compared its look unfavorably to high-production standards.
| Perspective | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Fan Sentiment | Overflowing nostalgia, callbacks, and stand-up bits |
| Critical Viewpoint | Underdeveloped plot, scattered focus, faded visual tone |
| Strengths | Sandler charisma, emotional father–daughter arc, comedic energy |
| Weaknesses | Over-reliance on cameos, pacing issues, visual flaws |
Happy Gilmore 2 serves its nostalgic purpose—leisurely and affectionate, packed with cameos, callbacks, and Sandler’s trademark comedic flair. While it won’t eclipse the original’s cult magic, it offers a fun and heartfelt weekend watch for fans craving follow-up adventures from their favorite slapstick golfer.
