Happy Gilmore Returns: Sandler Revives Comedy Classic

New York, Jul 24 (AP) - The origins of "Happy Gilmore" trace back to a driving range in New Hampshire during Adam Sandler's childhood. Sandler's father, an enthusiastic golfer, often brought young Sandler along, who found the sport hard to engage with. To make things more interesting, Sandler's dad suggested he bring a friend, so he invited his buddy Kyle McDonough, a promising hockey player who eventually turned pro. "McDonough hit the ball impressively far," Sandler reminisces, which planted the seed for a film idea featuring a character with both a powerhouse swing and a hockey player mentality.

"Happy Gilmore," released in 1996, was the brainchild of Sandler and Tim Herlihy, following their debut movie "Billy Madison." At the time, Sandler was transitioning from "Saturday Night Live," and Herlihy, his old NYU roommate, had moved from law to comedy writing. Their first film was packed with every comedic idea they had, so when granted the chance for another movie, they needed fresh inspiration. "Happy Gilmore" grew into a '90s comedy favorite, particularly through its creative blending of hockey and golf, viral quotes, and memorable characters like Bob Barker, Christopher McDonald, and Carl Weathers.

Despite its now-cult status, early reviews weren't glowing. Entertainment Weekly dismissed it as a simplistic take on "Caddyshack," and both The New York Times and Roger Ebert criticized its humor. Yet, box office success followed, with "Happy Gilmore" grossing $39 million in the U.S. and Canada and gaining fans through repeated TV airings and DVD viewings. Noteworthy filmmakers like Benny Safdie have admitted watching it countless times, further cementing its legacy.

Nearly thirty years later, Adam Sandler has revisited Happy Gilmore's world, despite the common missteps of comedy sequels, like "Zoolander 2" and "Anchorman 2." Sandler had his reservations due to the unsuccessful "Caddyshack II," but the idea eventually felt right. Co-written by Sandler and Herlihy, "Happy Gilmore 2" sees a retired Happy navigating his new life, only to be drawn back into the golf scene under challenging circumstances. Sandler's daughter, Sunny Sandler, stars alongside Benny Safdie, who portrays the head of a new golf league.

The sequel provides Sandler and Herlihy the opportunity to return to the broad comedy style from the '90s. Reminiscing on the original film’s inspiration, the pair revisited the 1996 film’s humor that makes the sequel resonate with a similar tone. The original cast and cameos carry sentimental weight; however, with losses over the years—the film pays tribute to those who’ve passed, including Bob Barker and Carl Weathers.

Contemporary celebrities like Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny, and professional golfers make appearances in the sequel, with renowned golfers like Scottie Scheffler attending its premiere. The iconic "Happy Gilmore" swing remains influential in golf culture, with professionals, including Bryson DeChambeau, attempting it with impressive results. Sandler reflects on its potential efficacy, noting advice from his father and the swing’s momentum benefits, hinting it might just be more than a mere comedic flourish. (AP)

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