Happy Gilmore | The Critique

What does a person want in his life? Success… money or just happiness? In a simple tale of ice-hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore, we explore that happiness counts far more than anything material. He is unorthodox in game by all means and in the world of golfers… almost a misfit but still he is lovable and adorable.

Happy played by Adam is an ice-hockey enthusiast who wants to make it big but lack skills. However he has great power in his hands. His powerful slapshot can throw the ball to large distances. He needs money to repay the debt of IRS. After several rejections at ice-hockey clubs, one day he tries his hand on golf to win a petty bet. That’s just a beginning. He decides to earn out of bets. At a club, he is seen by an ex-pro Chubbs who realises that Happy has great potential as a golfer.

After initial reluctance, Happy decides to give it a try. He wins a local tournament and gets a spot in PGA. Chubbs asks him to hone his skills before going for tours but the need of money forces Happy think otherwise. He participates. The current winner Shooter feels himself out of public focus as Happy’s antics on ground, violent outbursts, big shots and lame puts are garnering more media coverage. He asks the owner of tour to throw Happy out but considering his popularity and increased fan base of Happy, request is declined. However, a PR Virginia is assigned to Happy to keep him in control.

Raged Shooter decides to buy Happy’s home and throws a challenge to him… if Happy wins then he will have his house but if he loses, he will quit Golf. Now what will happen… obviously, Happy is the hero, he is going to win but how? The climax is the moment of the movie…

There are some brilliantly executed scenes. Like the scenes showing the romance between Virginia and Happy, the game at mini-golf where Chubbs help him to learn how to put the ball properly and the little fight between celebrity golfer, Bob Barker. If you have missed it... Watch it!

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh