Netflix and Adam Sandler’s Troubling Partnership
Among the many questionable decisions by Netflix, providing endless opportunities for Adam Sandler to indulge his comedic style might be the most egregious. While Sandler’s humor has its moments, consuming it in large doses can be rather overwhelming. He gained fame through his loud antics and quirky voices on “Saturday Night Live,” turning the show into his own varied platform during his time there. His in-your-face humor, particularly popular in the ‘90s, resonated with audiences looking to escape into a less serious world. Sandler’s 1995 film “Billy Madison” epitomizes this style, crammed with immature humor. Nonetheless, its cultural impact is undeniable, making audiences crave more comedy from him. The following year, his golf-themed comedy “Happy Gilmore” became equally cherished, later inspiring the name of his production company, Happy Madison.
Sandler’s Dramatic Side Emerges
However, in 2005, Sandler surprised many with his strong performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch Drunk Love,” showcasing his capability for subtlety in dramatic roles. Although he continued to star in comedies throughout the 2000s, interest in his dramatic range grew. Unlike his comedies, where expectations were straightforward, Sandler’s dramatic turns left audiences anticipating new experiences. After notable performances in 2017’s “The Meyerowitz Stories” and 2019’s “Uncut Gems,” it appeared Sandler might be embracing a more refined career. Yet, a four-film deal with Netflix and Happy Madison in 2020 marked a shift back to their familiar comedic roots, contradicting his apparent advancement.
The Arrival of “Happy Gilmore 2”
Now, at the conclusion of this deal, “Happy Gilmore 2” has arrived, illustrating both the evolution of comedy and the stagnation of Sandler’s approach. This sequel retraces the steps of its predecessor, overflowing with references and cameos designed to spark transient discussions among viewers. While the choice to feature Sandler fits into Netflix’s catalog, it signifies a detrimental trend for broader cinematic quality. The film’s jokes, reminiscent of earlier times, do not demand thought—merely nostalgia, reflecting a time when attention spans were shorter. As the state of theatrical comedy declines, resurrecting this juvenile humor for easy laughs feels increasingly outdated.
Reflections on Timeless Comedy
With the 30th anniversary of Amy Heckerling’s “Clueless,” what defines a timeless comedy has come to mind. Released around the same time as “Billy Madison” and “Happy Gilmore,” these films attracted similar audiences. However, while “Clueless” has matured into a respected classic, Sandler’s work has not seen the same transition. A sequel to “Clueless” might draw backlash due to the film’s cherished status, contrasting sharply with “Happy Gilmore 2,” which merely exists because it can.
Recycling Old Humor
Despite the original film’s iconic status, “Happy Gilmore 2” relies heavily on recycled material, rendering its humor stale. In this sequel, Happy finds himself in financial distress again, turning to his golf skills for assistance while revisiting familiar characters. While some returning faces, like Ben Stiller, are welcomed, others rely on nostalgic one-liners, making the film heavily dependent on its predecessor. If viewers struggle to recognize an actor, clips from the original are awkwardly inserted to jog their memories. This raises the question: can a sequel genuinely achieve timelessness if it has to pander to nostalgic sentiments?
A Diminished Return
What’s troubling is Sandler’s retreat to his familiar antics in “Happy Gilmore 2,” which bears an overly self-conscious attempts to seem trendy. The film features various cameos, yet many appear uninspired. Particularly peculiar is Benny Safdie’s role, which positions him under Sandler’s shadow despite his talent. This further highlights how outdated Sandler’s comedic style has become, overshadowing the opportunity for a more nuanced narrative. “Happy Gilmore 2” serves as a reminder that the humor we cherished may not age well, and creating something truly timeless is a challenge few films can meet successfully.
