I know it. You know it. We all know it. At least once in your life, you’ve tried the “Happy Gilmore” swing.
It’s fun, unpredictable, and, frankly, hilarious. But what’s more impressive is that people are still doing it 28 years after the movie’s release.
By the way, in the 1996 market, the beloved sports comedy took only $12 million to make, but reaped $41.2 million at the box office.
Well done, Adam Sandler and company.
Better yet, the movie – and its characters – are still a part of our culture, whether you’re a golfer or not.
I don’t even need to provide context, and you’ll know exactly what’s happening below:
“Why don’t you just go HOME? That’s your HOME!”
“Why don’t I just go eat some hay, make things out of clay, lay by the bay? I just may! What’d ya say?”
“You know what’s driving me crazy? You, not getting the ball in the hole… I can’t believe you’re a professional golfer! I think you should be working at the snack bar.”
“Happy learned how to putt! Uh-oh!”
See what I mean? I didn’t even use anything from nursing home Ben Stiller, the late Carl Weathers as Chubbs, or Shooter McGavin and his finger guns.
And now – spoiler alert! – it’s sequel time. The 1996 Tour Championship winner and his slap shot are returning to a course near you.
Chubbs (Carl Weathers) tells Happy how he lost his hand in an alligator attack.
Bob Barker dukes it out with Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler).
“Happy Gilmore 2” is officially in the works.
Look, when it comes to sequels, you’re either team Marvel Comics (5 zillion of them) or you agree with Leonardo DiCaprio and try to avoid them entirely.
We’ve seen them work – “The Godfather Part II” – and not work – “Caddyshack II.” WORST SEQUEL EVER!!! And also, just for the record, it’s “caddie” not “caddy.”
But like the clown machine that berated Happy during mini golf, the Gilmore sequel is now inevitable.
My initial reaction: What?!
It was such a perfect movie, with a perfect ending. Why touch it? Is money that important to you multi-millionaires?
There will definitely be people who love the first film, but won’t go near this one.
To that point, I have a friend who’s furious about “Gladiator II” coming this November. She’s boycotting.
But then, I told myself to lighten up. It’s a sports comedy starring Adam Sandler – read that sentence again.
It’s not that serious, and it’s not like the first film evolved mankind or anything.
Upon a few paragraphs of reflection, I can’t wait to see it – opening night.
It makes me even more excited that Sandler has teased some appearances for the film, which begins production in New Jersey this fall.
Multiple professional golfers and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (for some reason) have been rumored to be joining the fun. What, no Taylor Swift!
Personally, I’d hope to see Shooter return, as well as Julie Bowen, Claire from “Modern Family” and Happy’s love interest in the original classic.
A tribute to Weathers would be ideal, too. It’s hard to imagine that not happening.
Wait, what could this movie even be about?
Maybe Happy hasn’t been relevant since 1996 and needs some money. Maybe Shooter needs to be taught another lesson. Or, maybe, it’s just a Sandler goof-fest.
Either way, I’ll be there with my overpriced popcorn and bottle of water for $37.99.
You might stay home – and that’s fine.
But for me, Happy Gilmore back on the big screen is just “Endless Love.”
Joey Barrett is the Sports Editor of the The Daily Item.
