I Stand with Adam Sandler—Kind of
Let’s get one thing straight: I firmly support Adam Sandler’s audacious quest to rake in every last dollar he can make from a *bad* movie. My childhood memories are gloriously punctuated by *The Waterboy*, a cinematic classic that boasts a plot only slightly less sophisticated than a game of marbles. Who can forget the heartwarming tale of a Louisiana swamp-dwelling redneck transforming into a linebacker? I mean, it’s practically Shakespearean! Years later, I chased down the oral history of this masterpiece, except for our elusive friend Sandler, probably off somewhere counting his money. Kathy Bates, a true gem of an actress, nearly missed our chat because she was too busy preparing for the Sandler Love Fest. Apparently, he has a track record of treating people well. On weekends, he even plays basketball with regular joes. In the epic saga known as the *Sandler Wars*, I am on Adam’s side, mainly because I expect a generous supply of fries with my nostalgia.
Setting the Stage for *Happy Gilmore 2*
With my Sandler loyalties firmly established, let’s delve into the spectacle that is *Happy Gilmore 2*. I’m not particularly picky—my needs on the cinematic buffet don’t include every film being a profound statement on the human condition. I’m a golf aficionado who adored the original *Happy Gilmore*, truly putting me in the crosshairs of the sequel’s marketing team. The biggest tragedy in recent Oscar history? The sheer audacity of *Uncut Gems* not netting Sandler a nomination. Somewhere, the Oscars committee is laughing. Probably.
Happy Gilmore 2: Not Quite a Hole-in-One
Now, *Happy Gilmore 2* isn’t exactly a masterpiece by Sandler’s lofty standards. The original perfectly lampooned the elite world of golf, where privilege and pretense reign supreme. This sequel, however, cozies up to the sport like it’s a warm, fuzzy blanket, thus losing that juicy satirical bite. Early on, hints of trouble appeared, primarily when I noticed an extensive list of celebrity cameos that would make the Met Gala look like a backyard barbecue. The first *Happy Gilmore* was a hoot, showcasing Sandler at his chaotic peak. The sequel? It feels like an overly ambitious ad campaign packed into two hours, begging for virality while cramming in as many star-studded faces as humanly possible. Just so we’re clear, the issue isn’t that it’s not *Citizen Kane*, but that it has clearly forgotten what made its predecessor golden.
Cameo Overload: The Celebrity Parade
*Happy Gilmore 2* is a veritable Meh-morial Day parade of cameos, with approximately 50 well-known faces—the majority of whom don’t have much in the way of comedic chops. The plot meanders around a Sandler-narrated setup: after winning six championships and maintaining a nearly perfect life with his TV-worthy family, he accidentally kills his wife (Yes, you read that right—a golf tee shot gone wrong). He then shifts from golf to drowning his sorrows in Jack Daniel’s, inevitably concluding that the answer to his woes is winning back his daughter’s dance tuition.
The Protagonist’s Friendly Fire
To add spice to this predictable plot, Sandler still indulges in some sweet punching. However, the film seemed terrified to take real risks, opting instead for commercial viability. If there were a medal for gathering an impressive roster of guests, this movie would reign supreme. I half expected to see an appearance by the Loch Ness monster just for the publicity. At one point, though, the whole performance started to feel like a symphony where all the musicians were out of sync, as if producers were trying to appease every player’s agent rather than deliver a cohesive story. Considering it’s a Netflix production, one can only wonder how many deals were struck in the background.
Moments of Genuine Laughter
In the chaos of celebrity appearances, a few bright spots emerged. Xander Schauffele surprised me with an unexpected comedic flair, delivering a “that’s what she said” joke with timing that would make stand-up comedians weep. Will Zalatoris steps up as the adult version of a character we choked out back in the good old days, proving that nostalgia sometimes has its perks. But by and large, these moments feel like fleeting rays of sunshine battling through storm clouds of celebrity mishaps.
The Final Cut: Where’s the Edge?
As the movie rolled on, I found myself musing: where’s the delightful chaos that characterized the first *Happy Gilmore*? Happy isn’t rocking the boat; instead, he’s smoothing the waters. He defends Old Guard traditions against a spunky rival tour led by an energy-drink entrepreneur. If only the creators had leaned into the PGA vs. LIV Golf narrative—imagine the comedic gold! The producers seemed to prioritize star power over sharp satire, leaving us with an experience akin to a lukewarm handshake instead of a raucous celebration of chaos and hilarity.
A Gentle Suggestion
In the end, while Sandler may still deliver a delicious punch, *Happy Gilmore 2* is a polished commercial venture rather than a rollicking romp. If you’re looking for pure nostalgia, skip to the original or consider a documentary on how the producers convinced a legendary sportscaster to read lines that simultaneously feel both compelling and absurd. Now, that, my friends, is the real cinematic treasure!
