HAPPY GILMORE 2 – SPOILER FREE REVIEW

By CARPE

A nostalgic swing that lands in ad breaks.

It’s More Ad Than Movie

Happy Gilmore 2 leans heavily into its commercial roots, often feeling more like an extended Super Bowl ad than a true sequel to the 1996 classic. Product placements and winks to the audience are constant, leaving little room for genuine storytelling or character development. While there are chuckles to be had, they often feel manufactured—like punchlines designed to sell merch, not elevate the plot.

Nostalgia Is the Real MVP

Despite its flaws, the film offers a few satisfying nods to the original. Cameos by Shooter McGavin and Ben Stiller provide welcome surprises and some of the best moments in the film. These appearances manage to spark a bit of that old magic and briefly lift the movie from its otherwise shallow presentation.

Overstays Its Welcome

At just under two hours, the film feels unnecessarily long for a comedy of this nature. Jokes start to wear thin, and pacing becomes an issue in the latter half. What could have been a tight, fun ride ends up dragging, especially when the story doesn’t evolve in any meaningful way.

Aesthetic Blues

One of the most jarring aspects is the colour grading—a washed-out, over-processed look that fails to capture the fun, sunny charm of the original. It’s a visual choice that dulls the comedy and makes scenes feel oddly sterile and flat, rather than vibrant and energetic.

Final Thoughts

Happy Gilmore 2 is a film that trades storytelling for branding, relying on nostalgia and celebrity cameos to carry it across the green. While longtime fans may find a few things to enjoy, especially in the throwback moments, it’s ultimately a swing and a miss when it comes to filmmaking quality.