406 reviews
My favorite Adam Sandler movie.
I just think it aligns perfectly with his comic persona. He seems to fit this character perfectly. It's the kind of adolescent silliness that I gravitate toward. I can't tell you how happy I was that my 9 year-old seemed to approve ("That was a very good movie"). And she's way more mature than her old man is.
It's not just the character of Happy Gilmore that's memorable here, but also Shooter McGavin, and Christopher McDonald deserves credit for making the entitled jackass a solid villain. Same for Carl Weathers, and you would think he'd be slumming it here, but he sure doesn't show it.
Best of all? Out-of-Nowhere Bob Barker; secure enough in his celebrity to openly parody it with a free-for-all fistfight.
Tell me "The Price is Wrong, b***h!" isn't one of Sandler's best lines.
I just think it aligns perfectly with his comic persona. He seems to fit this character perfectly. It's the kind of adolescent silliness that I gravitate toward. I can't tell you how happy I was that my 9 year-old seemed to approve ("That was a very good movie"). And she's way more mature than her old man is.
It's not just the character of Happy Gilmore that's memorable here, but also Shooter McGavin, and Christopher McDonald deserves credit for making the entitled jackass a solid villain. Same for Carl Weathers, and you would think he'd be slumming it here, but he sure doesn't show it.
Best of all? Out-of-Nowhere Bob Barker; secure enough in his celebrity to openly parody it with a free-for-all fistfight.
Tell me "The Price is Wrong, b***h!" isn't one of Sandler's best lines.
Adam Sandler has a very funny movie here that works like no other since Caddyshack. Sandler plays a lazy guy who has to save his grandmother's house from being removed. So, he starts to play golf in a way that only Sandler can. He is also instructed by Carl Weathers (who memorably played Apollo Creed in Rokcy), and wathcing his scenes I had to leave the theater from laughing so much (he had a wooden hand and it always gets knocked off). Sandler knows how to keep people rolling in the ailes, and this proves it. A++
- Quinoa1984
- Apr 29, 2000
- Permalink
In Happy Gilmore, Sandler plays the part of a determined hockey player who doesn't make the team but soon inadvertently discovers that his hockey skills translate very nicely onto the golf green. Until the point in the film where Happy begins playing golf, most of the laughs come from his misfortune (`Happy Gilmore
I called your name, didn't I?' [eagerly] `No, you didn't.' `Oh, well, better luck next year!!'), but it is the conflictive interaction between himself as a self-proclaimed hockey player and the much more formal and (for lack of a better word) high class game of golf that makes up the majority of the entertainment for the rest of the film.
There is clearly a take on the classic odd-couple comedy structure here, as Sandler's vulgar hockey habits collide with the neatness and formality of the golf green, and for the most part, this comedy scheme works pretty well here. Sandler seems to adopt the character of Happy Gilmore with great relish as he displays violent acts of hilariously misplaced aggression, clearly foreshadowing his similar actions as Bobby Boucher in The Waterboy. Indeed, some of the funniest parts of the film come from his lengthy streams of profanity at the misbehaved ball when it doesn't go where he wants it to go (`PIECE!! OF!! MONKEY *beep*!!').
So you have an undeniably entertaining and amusing character who does undeniably funny things, but it is at the logical level that this film falls on its face. Luckily for the movie and for its fans, this is not the most important element of a movie like this. It's not very likely that a slob like Happy, who doesn't make the hockey team, is going to suddenly find himself bringing in thousands and thousands of dollars left and right, and stick to his plan to buy his grandmother's house back. You would think that, having seen that he can make that much money, he would at least have kept going for a while instead of quitting as soon as he had accumulated enough to buy back the house. A noble cause, obviously, but no red blooded American male on the planet is going to just quit the game because he prefers hockey or he hates his lead opponent. But who cares? Sandler delivers the steady stream of laughs as Gilmore with such skill that the comedy of the film far overshadows any such imperfections.
Gilmore himself seems to be a bit overly violent in scenes where it doesn't seem entirely necessary, and there is clearly some overdone product placement, but it doesn't take away from the rest of the film. Mike Meyers made brilliant use of product placement in Wayne's World in such ways that added hugely to the comedy of the film (although he tripped over this technique in Austin Powers 2, when he made it massively over-emphasized and stonily unamusing), and the excessive violence of the Gilmore character is justified (although just barely) by the fact that his imperfect characteristics make his efforts (or lack thereof) to fit in with professional golfers even more amusing. As the pros stand around sipping expensive wine and discussing their respective accomplishments, Happy walks in asking where the pinball machine and the keg are. They want fame and recognition, he wants money and beer (and Virginia, the sexy reporter who fills the role of the obligatory love interest in the typical Sandler film).
There are a lot of scenes in Happy Gilmore that, as much as I personally enjoy the movie, simply fall flat (many of which involve the homeless guy who Happy employs as his caddie, or the nutcase that Shooter McGavin employs to destroy Gilmore's chances of winning the tournament, or anything involving Chubbs' prosthetic hand) but the film succeeds where it is supposed to. Sandler presents Gilmore as a strangely likeable character, despite all of his destructive habits, and the film is peppered with other notable performances, not the least of which are by Carl Weathers as Chubbs, the former golf pro who takes upon himself the immense task of taming the wild Gilmore, and Christopher MacDonald, in yet another brilliantly hate-able role as the immutable Shooter McGavin.
Happy Gilmore is a comedy from Adam Sandler, which means that you already know what kind of movie that you are going to get here, so don't complain if it turns out to be what you expected. Sandler does not make award-winning films, and chances are he never will, but the comedic value of Happy Gilmore is unquestionable. It is, to sum it up just as briefly as movies like this can be summed up, a perfect example of what I like to call Fast Food Cinema. It's a lot of fun, but there's no nutritional value.
There is clearly a take on the classic odd-couple comedy structure here, as Sandler's vulgar hockey habits collide with the neatness and formality of the golf green, and for the most part, this comedy scheme works pretty well here. Sandler seems to adopt the character of Happy Gilmore with great relish as he displays violent acts of hilariously misplaced aggression, clearly foreshadowing his similar actions as Bobby Boucher in The Waterboy. Indeed, some of the funniest parts of the film come from his lengthy streams of profanity at the misbehaved ball when it doesn't go where he wants it to go (`PIECE!! OF!! MONKEY *beep*!!').
So you have an undeniably entertaining and amusing character who does undeniably funny things, but it is at the logical level that this film falls on its face. Luckily for the movie and for its fans, this is not the most important element of a movie like this. It's not very likely that a slob like Happy, who doesn't make the hockey team, is going to suddenly find himself bringing in thousands and thousands of dollars left and right, and stick to his plan to buy his grandmother's house back. You would think that, having seen that he can make that much money, he would at least have kept going for a while instead of quitting as soon as he had accumulated enough to buy back the house. A noble cause, obviously, but no red blooded American male on the planet is going to just quit the game because he prefers hockey or he hates his lead opponent. But who cares? Sandler delivers the steady stream of laughs as Gilmore with such skill that the comedy of the film far overshadows any such imperfections.
Gilmore himself seems to be a bit overly violent in scenes where it doesn't seem entirely necessary, and there is clearly some overdone product placement, but it doesn't take away from the rest of the film. Mike Meyers made brilliant use of product placement in Wayne's World in such ways that added hugely to the comedy of the film (although he tripped over this technique in Austin Powers 2, when he made it massively over-emphasized and stonily unamusing), and the excessive violence of the Gilmore character is justified (although just barely) by the fact that his imperfect characteristics make his efforts (or lack thereof) to fit in with professional golfers even more amusing. As the pros stand around sipping expensive wine and discussing their respective accomplishments, Happy walks in asking where the pinball machine and the keg are. They want fame and recognition, he wants money and beer (and Virginia, the sexy reporter who fills the role of the obligatory love interest in the typical Sandler film).
There are a lot of scenes in Happy Gilmore that, as much as I personally enjoy the movie, simply fall flat (many of which involve the homeless guy who Happy employs as his caddie, or the nutcase that Shooter McGavin employs to destroy Gilmore's chances of winning the tournament, or anything involving Chubbs' prosthetic hand) but the film succeeds where it is supposed to. Sandler presents Gilmore as a strangely likeable character, despite all of his destructive habits, and the film is peppered with other notable performances, not the least of which are by Carl Weathers as Chubbs, the former golf pro who takes upon himself the immense task of taming the wild Gilmore, and Christopher MacDonald, in yet another brilliantly hate-able role as the immutable Shooter McGavin.
Happy Gilmore is a comedy from Adam Sandler, which means that you already know what kind of movie that you are going to get here, so don't complain if it turns out to be what you expected. Sandler does not make award-winning films, and chances are he never will, but the comedic value of Happy Gilmore is unquestionable. It is, to sum it up just as briefly as movies like this can be summed up, a perfect example of what I like to call Fast Food Cinema. It's a lot of fun, but there's no nutritional value.
- Anonymous_Maxine
- Apr 16, 2002
- Permalink
Adam Sandler may not be the all-round actor who can deliver many different comic performances but he does have a certain comic style. Happy Gilmore is a failed Hockey player who cannot skate and has a lack of any self-discipline. His life seems to be a complete failure until he finds out he can hit a golf ball over 400 yards. At first you might feel little empathy for Happy as he obviously deserves all the bad luck he gets from the way he treats his friends. But the introduction of Shooter to the screen suddenly makes you root for the underdog. The plot is thrown together to get the most out of Sandler and his antics on screen. Some of the scenes are totally unbelievable particularly when a car is driven on to the golf course to run down Happy! But no matter how many times I see the film it can still make me laugh.
This film is the one that introduced me to one of my favorite actors, Adam Sandler. His movies are mostly hit-or-miss gag machines, but this is one of his movies in which nearly every gag works. I almost miss the old Adam Sandler. The old Adam Sandler character would be a man who acts nice, but turns violent and angry when he doesn't get his way. Now he plays a mild-mannered every-man who makes little wisecracks. Not that the latter isn't funny, but the former is what he'll always be remembered for, and this is a perfect example of an Adam Sandler's true comedic side.
Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) is a nearly unlikeable loser who after a strangely traumatic childhood, grew up to be a raving, anti-social lunatic, who happens to be obsessed with hockey. He constantly tries out for hockey teams, and proudly holds two league records (Most time spent in the penalty box, and he was the only person in history to ever take off his skate and try to stab somebody). One day, his girlfriend dumps him, he doesn't make the hockey team, and the IRS repossesses his grandmothers house which he grew up in. Soon, he discovers that he has an incredible talent for golf, with a record breaking long drive. Unwillingly taken under the wing of one-handed former golf pro Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers), and becomes a golf sensation due to his long drive, and extremely rude behavior, much to the dismay of the leading tour money winner, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald). A bitter rivalry and a race-against-time ensue, as Happy tries to earn back his grandma's house, and beat Shooter.
Happy Gilmore is a movie that I truly adore, and will always cherish. There are many quotable lines, and hilariously random scenes and/or characters. One of the funniest ones is a cameo by Ben Stiller as a cold-blooded orderly at an old folks home, who treats the citizens like inmates. One of the funniest comic bits in any Adam Sandler movie is the sequence in which Happy gets into a fistfight with Bob Barker, the host of "The Price is Right." For some reason, Bob fails to notice the heckler who's most frequently uttered word never fails to affect Happy's game for the worst.
Another hilarious thing about this movie is how many of the characters in the movie manage to play their parts and keep a straight face, even when Happy is assaulting innocent people for the smallest reasons, and cussing out the golf ball when it won't go "home." Happy is one of a group of quirky characters in the film, but much of the humor comes from the reactions of the serious characters, and/or the extras when Happy does something stupid. One hilarious example of this is when Happy repeatedly screams out every word that can't be said on TV, well... on TV. The overall premise of the film is fun, and the film delivers non-stop laughs. Sit back and enjoy the classic Adam Sandler vehicle. I highly recommend this film, and give it 10/10.
It is proudly rated PG-13 for Language and Comic Sexuality. Sex: 4/10 Violence: 5/10 Swearing: 5/10 Drugs: 2/10
Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) is a nearly unlikeable loser who after a strangely traumatic childhood, grew up to be a raving, anti-social lunatic, who happens to be obsessed with hockey. He constantly tries out for hockey teams, and proudly holds two league records (Most time spent in the penalty box, and he was the only person in history to ever take off his skate and try to stab somebody). One day, his girlfriend dumps him, he doesn't make the hockey team, and the IRS repossesses his grandmothers house which he grew up in. Soon, he discovers that he has an incredible talent for golf, with a record breaking long drive. Unwillingly taken under the wing of one-handed former golf pro Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers), and becomes a golf sensation due to his long drive, and extremely rude behavior, much to the dismay of the leading tour money winner, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald). A bitter rivalry and a race-against-time ensue, as Happy tries to earn back his grandma's house, and beat Shooter.
Happy Gilmore is a movie that I truly adore, and will always cherish. There are many quotable lines, and hilariously random scenes and/or characters. One of the funniest ones is a cameo by Ben Stiller as a cold-blooded orderly at an old folks home, who treats the citizens like inmates. One of the funniest comic bits in any Adam Sandler movie is the sequence in which Happy gets into a fistfight with Bob Barker, the host of "The Price is Right." For some reason, Bob fails to notice the heckler who's most frequently uttered word never fails to affect Happy's game for the worst.
Another hilarious thing about this movie is how many of the characters in the movie manage to play their parts and keep a straight face, even when Happy is assaulting innocent people for the smallest reasons, and cussing out the golf ball when it won't go "home." Happy is one of a group of quirky characters in the film, but much of the humor comes from the reactions of the serious characters, and/or the extras when Happy does something stupid. One hilarious example of this is when Happy repeatedly screams out every word that can't be said on TV, well... on TV. The overall premise of the film is fun, and the film delivers non-stop laughs. Sit back and enjoy the classic Adam Sandler vehicle. I highly recommend this film, and give it 10/10.
It is proudly rated PG-13 for Language and Comic Sexuality. Sex: 4/10 Violence: 5/10 Swearing: 5/10 Drugs: 2/10
- jaysilentbob37
- Jul 1, 2006
- Permalink
Recipe for a prime Adam Sandler comedy: dream up a ridiculous, one-note concept, plaster it with silly side gags, stretch the whole thing to fill ninety minutes and... somehow succeed in spite of yourself. There's no way this rudimentary formula should work so well, but here's Exhibit B, and I'm still laughing.
Sandler in the mid-90s was a roiling ocean of slapstick brilliance, totally superficial and meaningless but all the more endearing for it. Here, of course, he's the brainless hockey player turned golf pro, capable of driving the green on a par five but allergic to any semblance of a short game. It's a role catered to his strengths - quick temper tantrums, wacky fight scenes, childish infatuations - and he still plays them well. All the fleeting extraneous bits land, too, from Carl Weathers's absurdly long false hand to Lee Trevino's frequent, often wordless, cameos to Christopher McDonald's delicious overacting as the stuck-up front runner, Shooter McGavin.
It doesn't look great (actually, the budget must've been pretty tight) but that's hardly the point. This one remains a simple dose of energetic fun, twenty-odd years later.
Sandler in the mid-90s was a roiling ocean of slapstick brilliance, totally superficial and meaningless but all the more endearing for it. Here, of course, he's the brainless hockey player turned golf pro, capable of driving the green on a par five but allergic to any semblance of a short game. It's a role catered to his strengths - quick temper tantrums, wacky fight scenes, childish infatuations - and he still plays them well. All the fleeting extraneous bits land, too, from Carl Weathers's absurdly long false hand to Lee Trevino's frequent, often wordless, cameos to Christopher McDonald's delicious overacting as the stuck-up front runner, Shooter McGavin.
It doesn't look great (actually, the budget must've been pretty tight) but that's hardly the point. This one remains a simple dose of energetic fun, twenty-odd years later.
- drqshadow-reviews
- Jan 27, 2020
- Permalink
Typical Adam Sandler humor which I love and it was a smash hit in my opinion. Definitely need to check this one out if you get a chance to!
- sykesm-25135
- Oct 8, 2020
- Permalink
A "pro" golfer duking it out with veteran game-show host Bob Barker right in the middle of a tournament. That scene alone makes this one of the more memorable comedies of the last 30 years. Almost everyone I know has either seen or heard of that scene and everyone laughs at it.
It IS ludicrous and that's what makes it so funny. In fact, most of the movie is totally preposterous, totally unbelievable and totally wacky, which is Adam Sandler's trademark in these comedies. He's low key but violent, as he was in Mr. Deeds, Punch-Drunk Love and a few other films.
Here, Sander is even more vocal and violent than normal and definitely more crude, which is saying something since this actor usually doesn't play guys with a lot of class. "Happy" is a hot-tempered hockey player who can hit a golf ball 400 yards so he tries his hand on the PGA tour to help raise money for his grandmother. I just shake my head even writing that last sentence, it sounds so stupid....but this is a stupid movie with an incredibly stupid story but is hilarious, for the most part.
Anyone who is a golfer would appreciate this movie more than others, because Sandler says and does things we'd all like to do on the links at times but, thankfully, don't. In short: this is a crude but very funny movie.
It IS ludicrous and that's what makes it so funny. In fact, most of the movie is totally preposterous, totally unbelievable and totally wacky, which is Adam Sandler's trademark in these comedies. He's low key but violent, as he was in Mr. Deeds, Punch-Drunk Love and a few other films.
Here, Sander is even more vocal and violent than normal and definitely more crude, which is saying something since this actor usually doesn't play guys with a lot of class. "Happy" is a hot-tempered hockey player who can hit a golf ball 400 yards so he tries his hand on the PGA tour to help raise money for his grandmother. I just shake my head even writing that last sentence, it sounds so stupid....but this is a stupid movie with an incredibly stupid story but is hilarious, for the most part.
Anyone who is a golfer would appreciate this movie more than others, because Sandler says and does things we'd all like to do on the links at times but, thankfully, don't. In short: this is a crude but very funny movie.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Mar 29, 2006
- Permalink
Easily one of the best comedies of the 90s.
Subtle jokes (plus the "dumb" ones), great characters (all actors shine brightly), dialogues and moments!! This is a great example of how too much and just enough meet in the middle for a great movie. Happy's caddie, for instance, is a "dumb" character that is played smartly and without insulting anyone. He doesn't really talk, but accomplishes to have an arc!! And you can almost tell he has your back. That's soooo rare in cinema.
My favorite is definitely Julie!! She delivers a smart woman, but also an easily lovable one. Her expressions and smile. What a great character.
And the fact that this is a sports / rivalry plot heightens the excitement of every development! Making it easy to follow and with a concrete and solid objective.
My favorite is definitely Julie!! She delivers a smart woman, but also an easily lovable one. Her expressions and smile. What a great character.
And the fact that this is a sports / rivalry plot heightens the excitement of every development! Making it easy to follow and with a concrete and solid objective.
- daisukereds
- Jun 2, 2020
- Permalink
"Happy Gilmore" is the Adam Sandler movie to see. If everyone had to see one Sandler movie before their lives were complete, I would seriously hope this is the movie they see. It's nice to see golf and hockey in a movie again. I don't think there is another movie out there that makes me laugh as much as "Happy Gilmore" does. You have Happy, the ultimate hero, fighting to win a life of security for his grandma. There's Shooter McGavin, the villain you love to hate, who attempts to foil Happy's quest. And then there's Mr. Larson, Happy's 8' tall monster of a former employer, threatening Shooter at every turn. Hey Bob Barker is in this movie! It doesn't get much funnier than Mr. Price Is Right insulting our hero. Well maybe Ben Stiller's part in this movie is funnier, as he corruptly directs a retirement home. It doesn't matter what's the funniest. This whole movie is one hilarious moment after another.
- nucksfan4life
- Sep 16, 2002
- Permalink
I find that Happy Gilmore was a good show, it shows that a moron can find love (which is that girl at the end) which is a very good thing to have in life, this is a review. Certainly a review! Yes, im trying to make it longer.
This movie is an incredibly hilarious movie, no matter how many times you watch it. It's true that it's profane, violent, and stupid, but in this film, that's what makes it so funny! The timing is just perfect. It's a great movie to watch with friends for the first time, especially for the fact that you will be quoting lines with them randomly for quite a while. I have seen it over 30 times, and I still laugh. This is Adam Sandler at his very best. Great random characters, such as the "Jackass" man, the homeless guy, and very best, Bob Barker! To tell you the truth,"It'll make you laugh until you hyperventilate". There's not only great vocal humor, but the visuals and especially the body language coming from the actors is classic. To me, there is not a better comedy.
Time and experience has made me loath to watch nearly any movie starring an SNL alumni. Yet every now and then one rises from the comedic swamp that is actually better than the rest of the stable. This is one of them. I avoided seeing this movie until now. After viewing it I was pleasantly surprised. I admit that I didn't expect much so I was quite ready to 'diss' this movie. And, indeed, there are places where you're not sure something was supposed to be funny or not, but the movie doesn't dwell. The pacing keeps it alive and interesting. It's good to see Richard Kiel again. Carl Weathers is a hoot with his wooden prosthetic hand and obviously longer arm. He should do more comedy. And Bob Barker!! A great and memorable inclusion. The only real disappointment was the rather abrupt ending. It didn't go off with a bang - it faded. Abraham Lincoln? Why? Why not. His sudden brief appearance for no reason is always funny. Bottomline: if you find the need to watch a movie from the line of SNL players - this is a good recommendation. I didn't kick myself afterward like I have with Will Ferrell flicks, etc.
- hung_fao_tweeze
- Apr 18, 2011
- Permalink
Golf is dreadfully boring. Thankfully, films like Caddyshack and Happy Gilmore posses ambition to bring fun to the green. Both are fresh ideas that use their actors to motivate their screenplay. Unfortunately, Happy Gilmore manages to drive itself into the high grass area shortly when the game commences. Let's watch...
Happy Gilmore is often cited as "Sandler's funniest film." I'm not sure he has one. I recently did a fairly lengthy blog post on the subject of Sandler's films and tried my hardest to find the one that made me laugh and enjoy thoroughly. I'd probably say his best piece of work had to be Funny People. Was it funny? Not a whole lot, but it was enjoyable and a step in the right direction Sandler quickly abandoned.
The story of Happy Gilmore is simple; a loud, energetic, aspiring hockey player of the same name takes up golf when he finds out he has a powerful swing. He has serious anger management issues, and because of that, somehow, he attracts the gorgeous Julie Bowen, who plays a Public Relations Director, and also, a fellow golf player named Shooter McGavin (McDonald) who wants Gilmore off the face of the golf world.
What Gilmore desperately wants to accomplish is getting $270,000 so he can buy back his grandmother's house that was recently taken away by the IRS because of failure to meet tax payments over the last decade.
There's the setup, compiled of the obligatory sports movie and love story clichés, but the main problem is, well, Sandler's character. The Happy Gilmore character is odd, annoying, and aggravating. This is what you call a film's desperate attempt at comedy. Gilmore is easily fatigued, which is why his character is seriously hard to like or side with. The character gets into fights every few minutes, resulting in lame, cartoonish blows to the face and also to Sandler's personal ego.
It seems the film couldn't succeed in the writing portion and went immediately to the punching, kicking, "things didn't go my way" kind of slapstick. Keep in mind that if you read many of my reviews you'll know I am a fan of silly slapstick. It takes a certain mood and a very likable lead actor to pull off good slapstick. I wonder if Chris Farley could've brought more coherent likability to the Happy Gilmore character.
Also, the product placement is shamefully explicit. I'm aware it's golf, and like every other sport, is known to display product placement around the field, but when doing it in a film it appears that some of the big name companies are put in for the money - not the realism of the source material. Especially the utterly shameless marketing for Subway. Have mercy.
When compared to present day Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore has a harmless innocence to it. It's not harmful in any way, except maybe your tolerance level. Sandler finds will be at home with this, while others will search the screenplay high and low for the real humor.
But, the film does deliver laughs, just not consistently. There's nothing more uncomfortable than watching a comedy, that is supposed to be funny, but isn't. Happy Gilmore gets laughs, but a lot of them aren't distinct in any way. I think the most memorable scene is when Bob Barker and Happy Gilmore square off on the green. I think one of Barker's lines before the scene should've been "humor, come on down!" Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Carl Weathers. Directed by: Dennis Dugan.
Happy Gilmore is often cited as "Sandler's funniest film." I'm not sure he has one. I recently did a fairly lengthy blog post on the subject of Sandler's films and tried my hardest to find the one that made me laugh and enjoy thoroughly. I'd probably say his best piece of work had to be Funny People. Was it funny? Not a whole lot, but it was enjoyable and a step in the right direction Sandler quickly abandoned.
The story of Happy Gilmore is simple; a loud, energetic, aspiring hockey player of the same name takes up golf when he finds out he has a powerful swing. He has serious anger management issues, and because of that, somehow, he attracts the gorgeous Julie Bowen, who plays a Public Relations Director, and also, a fellow golf player named Shooter McGavin (McDonald) who wants Gilmore off the face of the golf world.
What Gilmore desperately wants to accomplish is getting $270,000 so he can buy back his grandmother's house that was recently taken away by the IRS because of failure to meet tax payments over the last decade.
There's the setup, compiled of the obligatory sports movie and love story clichés, but the main problem is, well, Sandler's character. The Happy Gilmore character is odd, annoying, and aggravating. This is what you call a film's desperate attempt at comedy. Gilmore is easily fatigued, which is why his character is seriously hard to like or side with. The character gets into fights every few minutes, resulting in lame, cartoonish blows to the face and also to Sandler's personal ego.
It seems the film couldn't succeed in the writing portion and went immediately to the punching, kicking, "things didn't go my way" kind of slapstick. Keep in mind that if you read many of my reviews you'll know I am a fan of silly slapstick. It takes a certain mood and a very likable lead actor to pull off good slapstick. I wonder if Chris Farley could've brought more coherent likability to the Happy Gilmore character.
Also, the product placement is shamefully explicit. I'm aware it's golf, and like every other sport, is known to display product placement around the field, but when doing it in a film it appears that some of the big name companies are put in for the money - not the realism of the source material. Especially the utterly shameless marketing for Subway. Have mercy.
When compared to present day Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore has a harmless innocence to it. It's not harmful in any way, except maybe your tolerance level. Sandler finds will be at home with this, while others will search the screenplay high and low for the real humor.
But, the film does deliver laughs, just not consistently. There's nothing more uncomfortable than watching a comedy, that is supposed to be funny, but isn't. Happy Gilmore gets laughs, but a lot of them aren't distinct in any way. I think the most memorable scene is when Bob Barker and Happy Gilmore square off on the green. I think one of Barker's lines before the scene should've been "humor, come on down!" Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Carl Weathers. Directed by: Dennis Dugan.
- StevePulaski
- Nov 25, 2011
- Permalink
Okies....here we have the indisputable King of mediocrity but one thing you gotta say for Sandler - they don't come more unpretentious! He delivers what you expect and in HAPPY GILMORE he came up undeniably with his best film!
As the wannabe hockey great in dire need of an anger-management course, Sandler discovers by chance his prodigious golfing talents - but using a hockey stick! In a performance best decribed as R-rated Jerry Lewis, Sandler is a hoot as he takes on Bob Barker, the establishment and Shooter McGavin - golfing's hissable "Mr Smarm" (An Oscar-worthy turn from Christopher McDonald)
Carl Weathers turns in a blinder as Sandler's newly come-by coach with an unfortunate earlier run-in with a hungry croc! If you don't find anything in this film funny, you're a dead person! Like many devotees, we have watched this film countless times - it just improves with age!
As the wannabe hockey great in dire need of an anger-management course, Sandler discovers by chance his prodigious golfing talents - but using a hockey stick! In a performance best decribed as R-rated Jerry Lewis, Sandler is a hoot as he takes on Bob Barker, the establishment and Shooter McGavin - golfing's hissable "Mr Smarm" (An Oscar-worthy turn from Christopher McDonald)
Carl Weathers turns in a blinder as Sandler's newly come-by coach with an unfortunate earlier run-in with a hungry croc! If you don't find anything in this film funny, you're a dead person! Like many devotees, we have watched this film countless times - it just improves with age!
A temperamental aspiring hockey star with no talent finds he has a gift for the game of golf and uses it to make enough money to buy his grandmother's house back. This has light- hearted sports comedy written all over it. Toss in the comedy of Adam Sandler and then you go from light-hearted to wacko and borderline stupid. Either way, "Happy Gilmore" is about as easy to watch as rain drops on a window.
Like all collaborations between Sandler and director Dennis Dugan, "Happy" is full of strange characters (grandmas, midgets, awkwardly tall people) and stuck up, obnoxious antagonists (like Shooter McGavin) that make you like Sandler's terribly flawed character merely by default. Like many of his earlier films, "Happy" is one of Sandler's angry roles, where the physical comedy reigns supreme. Not his best gig, but amusing enough. The scene where he is learning to putt and takes his frustration out on a mini-golf robotic clown head pretty much sums it all up.
There are a few humorous nuggets from this film that have a high place in the list of top Adam Sandler comedy lines/moments, like the fight with Bob Barker accompanied by the timeless "the price is wrong, bitch." Other than those few great lines and funny scenes, there isn't a whole lot to love about "Happy Gilmore," but it acknowledges that and doesn't waste your time at just 90 minutes long.
Like all collaborations between Sandler and director Dennis Dugan, "Happy" is full of strange characters (grandmas, midgets, awkwardly tall people) and stuck up, obnoxious antagonists (like Shooter McGavin) that make you like Sandler's terribly flawed character merely by default. Like many of his earlier films, "Happy" is one of Sandler's angry roles, where the physical comedy reigns supreme. Not his best gig, but amusing enough. The scene where he is learning to putt and takes his frustration out on a mini-golf robotic clown head pretty much sums it all up.
There are a few humorous nuggets from this film that have a high place in the list of top Adam Sandler comedy lines/moments, like the fight with Bob Barker accompanied by the timeless "the price is wrong, bitch." Other than those few great lines and funny scenes, there isn't a whole lot to love about "Happy Gilmore," but it acknowledges that and doesn't waste your time at just 90 minutes long.
- Movie_Muse_Reviews
- Dec 14, 2008
- Permalink
I think it's fair to say that this is the best Adam Sandler movie. Happy Gilmore lacks the cheesiness and self-satisfaction of most of Sandler's work and is all the better for it. Sandler himself is a terrible actor so playing a complete simpleton is comfortably the best role for him. Christopher McDonald is excellent as Shooter McGavin and Richard Kiel's cameo is hilarious. The jokes are inane and crass, the characters are ridiculous and the storyline is farcical but it all kind of works in its own funky way.
- Ruskington
- May 23, 2020
- Permalink
I decided to get into the older Adam Sandler movies because I did hear a lot about them. I also heard about how funny Happy Gilmore was, my mom had mentioned how she had it, so I decided to give it a chance. To my surprise, I had an excellent time watching this movie. I have to say that this is actually one of my favorite Adam Sandler movies.
My favorite part was Adam getting the crock as a gift for Carl Weathers as a Thank You present. But he screams, and well, I don't want to give the spoiler. You'll just have to see it. Happy Gilmore is a very funny movie with some terrific actors and I guarantee that you will at least get a few laughs.
7/10
My favorite part was Adam getting the crock as a gift for Carl Weathers as a Thank You present. But he screams, and well, I don't want to give the spoiler. You'll just have to see it. Happy Gilmore is a very funny movie with some terrific actors and I guarantee that you will at least get a few laughs.
7/10
- Smells_Like_Cheese
- Sep 11, 2006
- Permalink
In what is Adam Sandlers best work to date, the hopeless hockey failure Happy Gilmore must join the Professional Golfers Tour to help his Grandmother with her finances.
As a golfer myself I can say that the antics pulled in this golf caper are are riot! I have seen the film probably over 50 times but each time I laugh as if it were my first time viewing it.
From Carl Weathers and his wooden hand, to Happy teaming up with Bob Barker, this movie keep you laughing the whole way through. Even my 80 year old grandparent loved it!
Perhaps the best review I can give for this movie comes from Happy himself-- "Talk about a hole in one!"
As a golfer myself I can say that the antics pulled in this golf caper are are riot! I have seen the film probably over 50 times but each time I laugh as if it were my first time viewing it.
From Carl Weathers and his wooden hand, to Happy teaming up with Bob Barker, this movie keep you laughing the whole way through. Even my 80 year old grandparent loved it!
Perhaps the best review I can give for this movie comes from Happy himself-- "Talk about a hole in one!"
- filmprodigy182
- Mar 5, 2003
- Permalink
This film is very funny. The character development is extremely shallow, but you can't argue with the guest stars in this movie. The cast is loaded with lots of famous folks doing cameos.
This turned out to be Richard Kiels last performance. He was always a busy character actor. Of course, legend Bob Barker does an amazing sequence.
Adam stars as a hockey player who decides to try golf. The premise is just enough to hang the humor on. Once he starts, he turns out to be more of an oddity than any golfer around. Once you scrap reality, it works. How this sequence with Barker worked out is so amazing.
People at Price is Right were asking Barker to repeat his line at the tapings even when he was getting ready to retire.
This is a movie to put your brain in neutral & enjoy the humor.
This turned out to be Richard Kiels last performance. He was always a busy character actor. Of course, legend Bob Barker does an amazing sequence.
Adam stars as a hockey player who decides to try golf. The premise is just enough to hang the humor on. Once he starts, he turns out to be more of an oddity than any golfer around. Once you scrap reality, it works. How this sequence with Barker worked out is so amazing.
People at Price is Right were asking Barker to repeat his line at the tapings even when he was getting ready to retire.
This is a movie to put your brain in neutral & enjoy the humor.
This is Sandler's best movie to date. I could watch this movie 50 times and still laugh. It doesn't get any better than this, except for Tommy Boy! Sandler can only go downhill from here, Waterboy was dumb compared to this. Goddamn I hate that Bob Barker, Classic!!!
Ooooh the early days of Adam Sandler. He was gold back then and Happy Gilmore was perhaps his magnum opus.
- view_and_review
- Jul 15, 2020
- Permalink
- cemalaydogdu
- Apr 27, 2021
- Permalink
1996's Happy Gilmore is often regarded as one of Adam Sandler's best comedy, a film with a solid fanbase. It is deserving of that status, being more tolerable then his later offerings.
Sandler stars as Happy Gilmore, a Bostonian man who aspiring ice hockey player who has no skating abilities and anger management problems, but has a killer slap shot. When his grandmother's home is repossess by the IRS Happy turns his talents to golf and quickly becomes a sensation. But his angry persona and blue collar roots results in Happy making enemies on the Pro Golf Tour.
Despite the praise Happy Gilmore received it is a standard Sandler film, having moments of violent slapstick and angry outbursts, a mega-douchy villain, a love interest and having some sort of family element. Fortunately Sandler's more crass and overly sentimental material is not evident like it is his later films, nor is its message as harass like I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Happy Gilmore's problem is simply the humour is not funny or consistent enough. There is no dept the humour on offer or the slapstick lacks invention. The best moment is when Happy has a fight with Bob Barker but it is really a joke for an American audience. The most noticeable thing about the film's direction is its exaggerated sound effects when Happy hits a golf ball or when someone gets hit.
Happy Gilmore has a standard sports movie storyline which in the perfectly acceptable for a comedy; it gets the job done even its story is predictable. At least there was some variation because of the family story, Happy's attempts to romance the tour's head of PR and the clash of culture between Happy's unfiltered personal style compared to the refined, upper class world of professional golf. Happy is responsible for a working-class, beer drinking audience coming to watch golf, wanting a show and outbursts, shaking up the natural order of the golfing world.
Happy Gilmore was made before the worst excesses of Sandler's career, but his shtick was hardly great to begin with. There are many better comedies of this style out there.
Sandler stars as Happy Gilmore, a Bostonian man who aspiring ice hockey player who has no skating abilities and anger management problems, but has a killer slap shot. When his grandmother's home is repossess by the IRS Happy turns his talents to golf and quickly becomes a sensation. But his angry persona and blue collar roots results in Happy making enemies on the Pro Golf Tour.
Despite the praise Happy Gilmore received it is a standard Sandler film, having moments of violent slapstick and angry outbursts, a mega-douchy villain, a love interest and having some sort of family element. Fortunately Sandler's more crass and overly sentimental material is not evident like it is his later films, nor is its message as harass like I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Happy Gilmore's problem is simply the humour is not funny or consistent enough. There is no dept the humour on offer or the slapstick lacks invention. The best moment is when Happy has a fight with Bob Barker but it is really a joke for an American audience. The most noticeable thing about the film's direction is its exaggerated sound effects when Happy hits a golf ball or when someone gets hit.
Happy Gilmore has a standard sports movie storyline which in the perfectly acceptable for a comedy; it gets the job done even its story is predictable. At least there was some variation because of the family story, Happy's attempts to romance the tour's head of PR and the clash of culture between Happy's unfiltered personal style compared to the refined, upper class world of professional golf. Happy is responsible for a working-class, beer drinking audience coming to watch golf, wanting a show and outbursts, shaking up the natural order of the golfing world.
Happy Gilmore was made before the worst excesses of Sandler's career, but his shtick was hardly great to begin with. There are many better comedies of this style out there.
- freemantle_uk
- Dec 9, 2015
- Permalink