‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Is Now on Netflix

by

Thirty years later, it’s once again the golf course for Happy Gilmore! Unbelievably, Happy Gilmore 2, a highly unexpected sequel, is now available for streaming on Netflix.

For this new streaming movie, Adam Sandler once again plays the legendary hockey tough guy turned professional golfer. Many of the original cast members reappear as well, including Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Kevin Nealon, Dennis Dugan, and Ben Stiller.

This new installment has brought on board Haley Joel Osment, Bad Bunny, the director of “Uncut Gems,” Benny Safdie, as well as several members of Adam Sandler’s family. Additionally, there are numerous unexpected appearances from professional golfers and other intriguing figures whose unveiling we’d prefer to save for later.

(Seriously, some of the cameos are wild.)

Sandler, along with his frequent collaborator Tim Herlihy, penned “Happy Gilmore 2,” similar to the original “Happy Gilmore” from 1996. The initial movie served as a significant stepping stone for Sandler during his transition from “Saturday Night Live” to film fame. Produced with a budget of $12 million, it garnered over $40 million in cinemas and subsequently saw even greater success on home video.

In the spirit of honoring its predecessor, the latest movie weaves a myriad of tributes to the original “Happy” film, and that includes some truly heartfelt acknowledgments to the late actors who were part of it, such as the unforgettable Carl Weathers, who played the role of Happy’s golf teacher Chubbs Peterson. His essence lives on through these touching tributes.

For quite some time, Sandler expressed his desire to produce a follow-up to “Happy Gilmore“. In April of 2024, Drew Barrymore hinted that Sandler was busy with the movie production. Subsequently, in May, Sandler and Netflix officially disclosed that the project had begun development. Approximately a year after this announcement, the film was completed and made available for streaming.

The sequel to “Happy Gilmore” is now streaming on Netflix. To find out more about this movie, be sure to read our interview with its co-star, Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

The Best Sequels Not Made By the Original Movie’s Director

15. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)

In this scenario, the role of Director Paul Greengrass was previously held by Doug Liman. The character “Jason Bourne,” when mentioned, evokes a specific aesthetic that isn’t primarily influenced by the original “Bourne Identity” novel but rather its sequel, “The Bourne Supremacy,” directed by Paul Greengrass. This film is notable for its grittier, more intense (and shaky) handheld action sequences, as well as a more reserved portrayal of Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne, who embarks on a mission of vengeance after being wrongly accused of a crime.

14. Blade II (2002)

In the original Blade, Stephen Norrington skillfully directed the film which later emerged as a key influence in the superhero genre. However, when he declined to direct the sequel, the producers sought out Guillermo del Toro, who was then primarily recognized for his work in cult horror films. Blade II served as del Toro’s stepping stone into Hollywood, building upon the strengths of the first film – its blend of horror and action, its intricate vampire mythology based on Marvel Comics, and Wesley Snipes’ dedicated portrayal of Blade. Del Toro enhanced these elements, making the horror more harrowing, the action more meticulously planned and filmed, and further developing Blade into an even more poignant tragic hero amidst a complex vampire conflict involving multiple warring factions.

13. Toy Story 3 (2010)

In the production of the third “Toy Story” movie, John Lasseter was occupied with “Cars,” and so Pixar tapped Lee Unkrich, a seasoned Pixar professional deeply involved in the “Toy Story” series, to take over. Unkrich had previously served as an editor on the first film and co-director of “Toy Story 2.” It’s no surprise then that “Toy Story 3” harmoniously ties together with its predecessors, despite delving into a more poignant tale about toys grappling with their own obsolescence – a trademark Pixar touch, showcasing the emotional depth even in children’s films about confronting the inevitable.

[In this version, I tried to maintain the original structure and tone while making it slightly easier to read by removing some of the more complex sentence structures.]

12. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

Writer: In most cases, sequels struggle to match or surpass the original, especially when a new director takes over. However, there are exceptions like the movie “Magic Mike XXL”, the second installment in the male stripper trilogy, and the only film not directed by Steven Soderbergh – who also happens to have directed the best “Magic Mike” movie. Unlike the original, this sequel discards several main characters, avoiding predictable plots involving drugs and greed. Instead of focusing on business, the story shifts to pleasure, introducing more compelling female characters who are not mere targets for the Kings’ scams. Interestingly, contrary to the first film, these characters no longer aim to exploit; instead, they seek self-expression.

11. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

As a film enthusiast captivated by the Planet of the Apes saga, I can’t help but express my excitement about Matt Reeves taking over from Rupert Wyatt in the direction of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Building upon the foundations laid by Rise of the Planet of the Apes, this film masterfully blends deep themes on race and class from the original series with groundbreaking visual effects by Weta, transforming motion capture artists like Andy Serkis into breathtakingly intelligent simians. If you’ve ever been enthralled by the audacious concept behind Planet of the Apes, then Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a must-see—it’s the film that truly brought this legendary franchise into the 21st century for a whole new legion of fans.

10. The Color of Money (1986)

Title Role: Martin Scorsese (Previously Robert Rossen)

In the world of cinema, directors are not unlike pool players who use trick shots. The film “The Color of Money” employs both types. Remarkably, this exceptional sequel – a surprise given its exceptional quality and initial dismissal as a subpar Scorsese production – follows the hero of “The Hustler” 25 years later. Now, Paul Newman’s character, ‘Fast Eddie,’ is no longer the swift hustler he once was. Instead, he assumes the role of the weathered pool veteran, mentoring a rising star (portrayed by a young Tom Cruise). The script penned by Richard Price offers an ideal platform for Paul Newman to showcase his talents, while Tom Cruise fits seamlessly as his contrasting, self-assured character.

9. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

As a fan of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” I appreciate the movie, but I believe it leaned heavily on “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Robert Wise’s direction seemed to owe more to that classic than the five-year mission. Interestingly enough, the director of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” Nicholas Meyer, who was a complete stranger to “Star Trek” at first, managed to capture the essence of adventure and rejuvenate the relationships between the classic crew. This is despite the fact that his original “Star Trek” knowledge was non-existent when he was tasked with directing the sequel. Remarkably, his disregard for adhering to the past helped “The Wrath of Khan,” a film that follows directly from an original “Star Trek” episode about genetically-enhanced humans awakening in the future, resonate deeply with fans and breathe new life into the franchise. (It’s worth noting that Meyer’s “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” is also a fantastic and underappreciated “Trek” film.)

8. Skyfall (2012)

In this scenario, when Sam Mendes assumed control over the James Bond series, it was at a low point, primarily due to the less-than-satisfactory film “Quantum of Solace.” However, his film “Skyfall” significantly enhanced 007’s appeal by delivering impressive action sequences, stunning visuals (courtesy of Roger Deakins), an exceptional theme song, and a narrative that reverently acknowledged the rich Bond legacy.

7. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

In a new take on simplicity:

Director: Brad Bird (Taking over from J.J. Abrams et al.)
Each Mission: Impossible film has significantly evolved from its predecessor, but since Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the series has largely built upon that movie’s style rather than starting anew. This consistency can be attributed to Brad Bird’s successful definition of what the Mission: Impossible franchise should embody: a thrilling countdown to disaster, inventive technology, sharp banter between Ethan Hunt and his crew, and over-the-top action that pushes the boundaries.

4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In 2017, it seemed risky to create a sequel to the atmospheric, non-mainstream “Blade Runner,” originally directed by Ridley Scott. Remarkably, Denis Villeneuve took up the challenge and managed to stay true to Scott’s original vision while also moving the franchise storyline forward by 40 years.

In 2017, it seemed like a bad idea to make a sequel of the less commercial “Blade Runner” directed by Ridley Scott. However, Denis Villeneuve succeeded in doing just that while maintaining Scott’s original style and plot ambiguity, and advancing the storyline further in time.

6. Creed (2015)

In this rephrased version, I’ve tried to maintain the original tone while making it more accessible and easier to read:

Director: Ryan Coogler (Taking over from Sylvester Stallone and others)
If you insist on labeling Creed as a spinoff rather than a sequel, I understand. However, to me, it’s a sequel in every meaningful aspect except its title. Sylvester Stallone remains in the cast, reprising his role as Rocky, but this time he serves as a mentor-like trainer for a young boxer, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. I consider Creed to be one of the finest examples of legacy sequels. It captures the essence of Rocky, its music, and even the spirit of Rocky Balboa himself. Yet, it also introduces several fresh twists on the classic formula. Coogler, who grew up watching the Rocky movies with his father, clearly demonstrates his affection for the source material in Creed.

5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

In the 2020s, one might find it challenging to envision a more non-essential film than a sequel to Top Gun, given that it was released nearly 35 years ago. However, with unwavering determination and an extraordinary level of dedication to traditional movie-making techniques, director Joseph Kosinski, along with producer and star Tom Cruise, managed to create a Top Gun sequel that not only offered excitement and amusement but also seemed contemporary – albeit not explicitly political, yet undeniably reflecting the desire for breathtaking visuals that can only be experienced on a massive screen.

3. Aliens (1986)

Director: James Cameron (Instead of Ridley Scott)
What stands out about Aliens is that it skillfully creates a captivating sequel to Alien, yet it doesn’t resemble the original at all; instead, it embodies the essence of a James Cameron production. In contrast, Ridley Scott’s Alien begins with an ordinary day in space for a team of haulers, and the xenomorph is not introduced until well into the movie. The remainder of the film feels like a chilling space-bound haunted house, where one alien is virtually indestructible. In contrast, Aliens presents numerous aliens, many of which are swiftly eliminated in scene after scene. (With the Space Marines, Power Loaders, and advanced weaponry, it seems like a precursor to an Avatar story.) Some argue that Aliens is the epitome of a director transforming a fantastic film to cater to his own creative vision.

2. Goldfinger (1964)

As a film enthusiast, I’d say that Goldfinger, under the direction of Guy Hamilton (taking over from Terence Young), is the epitome of Bond films. It wasn’t Dr. No that set the stage for every 007 adventure and countless action movies to come. This iconic movie is one of the most impactful films of the 20th century. Every time you see a debonair hero emerge from a scuba suit into a crisp tuxedo, or witness a villain’s downfall at the hands of a high-tech sports car, you can feel Goldfinger’s influence. This film is not just thrilling and funny, but also full of unexpected twists that leave an impression, much like a well-placed laser… the kind that hits you in all the right places!

1. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

As a supporter, I’d like to express that while George Lucas was still involved in The Empire Strikes Back as a co-writer and executive producer, it was Irvin Kershner who truly brought the film to life. He masterfully carried on Lucas’ vision and delved deeper into the darker aspects of the storyline. To this day, fans continue to argue over whether the original Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back is better, but the fact that such a debate exists speaks volumes about Kershner’s significant contribution to the Empire.

Read More

2025-07-25 21:27