Movie Review: “Happy Gilmore”

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Movie Review: Happy GilmoreYou have to be a certain type of person to thoroughly enjoy an Adam Sandler movie. First, you must have a sense of humor, preferably with a tendency toward off-the-wall comedy. Second, you have to be able to go into a movie expecting nothing more than to laugh with no preconceived notions of catching the next greatest American comedy. Finally, you have to be ready for just about anything.

In “Happy Gilmore,” Sandler plays the title character, a life-long hockey fan who just doesn’t have the skating skills to compete on the ice. But, as his coaches say, he’s got one hell of a shot. One day, Happy discovers he can hit the crap out of a golf ball and, bonus, he can hit it straight too, a skill most weekend warriors would kill for. So, armed with an antique set of clubs and his one-handed coach, Chubbs (Carl Weathers), Happy becomes the golf tour’s latest sensation and fast rival with its greatest player, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald).

True Adam Sandler fans will love this movie, but non-Sandler fans also may enjoy it as “Happy Gilmore” is actually one of his tamer films. The jokes are simple yet effective, and while the plot is admittedly predictable, the movie still scores points with its comedic charm. Of course, there’s some romance involved but you can depend on Sandler to keep it from dominating the story, and for you golf fans, there’s plenty of links action to keep you satisfied. A cameo by Bob Barker and an appearance by Ben Stiller as a demented nursing-home orderly also add some zing. It’s no “Caddyshack,” but “Happy Gilmore” is still a great golf comedy.

4 / 5 Stars
Starring: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Carl Weathers, Ben Stiller
Director: Dennis Dugan

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Check out Jamey’s review of the Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore DVD Collection.

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