Happy Gilmore

Synopsis

Happy Gilmore is a sports comedy film released in 1996, starring Adam Sandler as the titular character, a failed hockey player who discovers an unusual talent for golf. When Happy learns that his grandmother's house is at risk of being repossessed, he decides to enter the professional golf circuit to win prize money. Despite his unconventional approach and brash personality, Happy aims to compete against the best golfers while navigating quirky characters, intense rivalries, and his own volatile temper. Blending slapstick humor with sports action, the film explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the spirit of competition.

Cast

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  Adam Sandler

  Happy Gilmore

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  Christopher McDonald

  Shooter McGavin

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  Julie Bowen

  Virginia Venit

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  Frances Bay

  Grandma

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  Carl Weathers

  Chubbs

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  Allen Covert

  Otto

Reviews

Happy Gilmore received mixed reviews from critics upon release, reflected in its diverse ratings across major platforms. On IMDb, the film holds a solid rating of 7.0/10, indicating a generally favorable audience reception who appreciate Adam Sandler’s signature comedic style and the film’s irreverent humor. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 63% approval rating, suggesting a somewhat positive consensus but acknowledging its niche appeal; the critics' consensus notes, "Happy Gilmore delivers plenty of laughs for fans of Adam Sandler’s offbeat humor, even if the story is predictable." Metacritic assigns a notably lower score of 31/100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews from mainstream critics who criticized the film for its crude humor and lack of depth. Some reviews praised the chemistry between Sandler and co-star Christopher McDonald as the antagonist, and highlighted the film's energetic pacing and memorable one-liners. However, detractors cited repetitive jokes and a formulaic plot as weaknesses. Overall, Happy Gilmore remains a cult favorite among fans of 90s sports comedies, despite its polarized critical reception.