By Aaryan Doshi – Staff Reporter

“Happy Gilmore,” released in 1996 and directed by Dennis Dugan, is a classic sports comedy starring Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore, a hot-tempered, unsuccessful hockey player with a surprising talent for golf. The movie begins with Gilmore’s struggle to succeed in hockey, where his lack of skill and explosive temper prevent him from making it as a professional. However, when his grandmother’s house faces foreclosure due to unpaid taxes, Gilmore realizes he quickly needs to earn money to save her home. By chance, he discovers that his aggressive hockey slapshot translates into an incredible and unique golf swing.

The story follows Gilmore’s journey as he battles his way through various golf tournaments, all in pursuit of the prize money he needs. His loud personality, crude behavior, and unusual style create a significant culture clash in the world of professional golf. As he gains popularity among fans for his wild antics and incredible power on the course, he also earns a powerful enemy, Shooter McGavin, an arrogant golfer who despises Gilmore’s newfound success. Determined to remove Gilmore from the sport, Shooter becomes his main rival, and the two face off. 

The movie’s appeal lies in its creative mix of sports and comedy. Sandler’s humor and high-energy style bring a fun, unconventional perspective to golf, a sport that’s typically seen as serious and slow-paced. Happy Gilmore is rough around the edges and has a short fuse, his genuine love for his grandma and determination to save her home make him more likable. Watching him navigate the golf world while trying to hold his own against other professionals is both ridiculous and entertaining. The heart of the story comes from Gilmore’s motivation, which is saving his grandma’s home.

Though Happy Gilmore is beloved for its humor, it has some weak points that may not appeal to all viewers. The film leans heavily on crude jokes, slapstick comedy, and exaggerated physical humor, which some might find repetitive or immature. The story follows a somewhat predictable underdog sports movie formula, making the plot easy to anticipate. Shooter McGavin, while an effective enemy for Gilmore, is somewhat one-dimensional and cartoonish. The over-the-top nature of some scenes, from Gilmore’s incredible golfing abilities to his explosive reactions, makes the movie feel like a series of funny skits.

Ultimately, “Happy Gilmore” is a memorable comedy that turns a typical sports movie into something unconventional. Sandler’s performance and the mix of humor and heart make it a rewatchable film. The movie’s simple charm, combined with a feel-good story about unlikely success, appeals to fans of lighthearted comedies. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars