Quartile rating: 7/10 · 2 ratings
Failed hockey player-turned-golf whiz Happy Gilmore -- whose unconventional approach and antics on the grass courts the ire of rival Shooter McGavin -- is determined to win a PGA tournament so he can save his granny's house with the prize money. Meanwhile, an attractive tour publicist tries to soften Happy's image.
Happy Gilmore is a quintessential mid-90s Adam Sandler vehicle with a fun, crowd-pleasing premise — a hockey player with anger issues conquering golf — that delivers reliable laughs without much sophistication. The plot is formulaic but executed with enough charm and energy to remain entertaining. Sandler's comedic physicality carries the film, though the supporting cast is mixed in quality; Bob Barker's cameo is legendary but much of the acting is broad and serviceable at best. Cinematography is functional sports-comedy fare with nothing distinctive. The film has a certain irreverent 90s comedy identity that gives it modest novelty — the unconventional sports hero concept lands — but it follows a predictable underdog arc. The ending is satisfying for fans but entirely conventional in structure.