Sean Walters

Let’s start with the good: there are genuine laughs here. The comedic timing, especially in scenes that mirror the original’s slapstick and underdog tone, feels true to form. Happy's return is met with a wave of nostalgia, and the film leans into that in mostly effective ways. There's a warmth in seeing old faces again, and the humor—though more modern and self-aware—still manages to evoke honest chuckles without feeling completely forced or cynical. But then there’s the “Maxi Golf League.” The film’s attempt at updating the stakes through this flashy, over-the-top competition feels more like a gimmicky video game level than a believable sports environment. Instead of enhancing the drama or giving Happy a meaningful new challenge, the neon-lit, obstacle-filled tournament pulls us out of the grounded charm that made the first film so endearing. It’s hard to care about a golf league that no one would realistically watch or want to. This concept could have been far more effective had they modeled the modern league after real-world innovations like LIV Golf, with formats such as a shot clock. That approach would’ve grounded the sequel in a plausible evolution of the sport today, while still giving it room for comedic flair. In the end, Happy Gilmore 2 feels like a follow-up that plays it safe with nostalgia but falters when trying to modernize the game. It's a fun watch for fans of the original at times, but the lack of believable stakes and reliance on over-the-top spectacle keep it from being a win for now the Gilmore franchise.