Amid the excitement of sports this summer, from the intense NBA Playoffs with multiple series going to a coveted win-or-go-home Game Seven to the Chicago Cubs looking like a top team in the MLB, many fans are also waiting for a major sports movie release as Adam Sandler returns in “Happy Gilmore 2,” which is out in theaters on July 25.
Whether swinging a golf club, recruiting basketball players, or working as the waterboy on a football team, Sandler has played some of the most memorable characters in sports cinema. To prepare for his latest adventure, here are three films that helped Sandler make his mark in the sports movie industry.
1. “Happy Gilmore” (1996)
If you’re planning on watching “Happy Gilmore 2,” you need to put in the time to watch its predecessor, a film that is arguably the most classic sports comedy movie of all time. A hockey player with rage issues tries to go pro in golf to save his grandma’s house, and, while doing so, discovers his unprecedented golf talent. This movie is iconic and a perfect blend of a classic Adam Sandler comedy film, a wide range of audiences can appreciate the jokes, plus a sports underdog story. Despite the exaggerated, almost crazy, parts of this movie, including Gilmore driving a ball 400 yards (an impossible feat), I appreciate that there’s still a compelling story in that Happy Gilmore needs to overcome his anxiety, which is exacerbated by the game of golf. Despite his talent for hitting golf balls very far, his putting and short game are lackluster and an obstacle he needs to overcome. For those looking for an enjoyable movie to watch for family night, this film is worth every second with lots of laughs and over-the-top moments that can be appreciated by both adults and teens.
2. “Hustle” (2022)
“Hustle” captures the attention of both Adam Sandler fans and NBA fans. This film is centered around an unsuccessful basketball scout, played by Sandler, who unexpectedly discovers a phenomenal Spanish street ball player who has the potential to play in the NBA. Although technically not a comedy, the movie has funny lines interspersed throughout and benefits from Sandler’s energetic and outgoing comedic delivery. In fact, “Hustle” is neither a basketball movie nor a comedy; it is about overcoming adversity and facing a challenger with a much greater advantage than you. As the NBA Playoffs start to wrap up, this movie can give any fan a needed dose of basketball. With intense training montages and NBA player cameos, including Anthony Edwards and Trae Young, this movie feels like an accurate representation of the NBA, despite being fictional. Through exceptional script writing and an outstanding performance from Sandler, this movie will not disappoint people looking for a feel-good sports flick.
3. “Home Team” (2022)
With the NFL Draft wrapping up a few weeks ago, we have now entered the portion of the year with little to no football to watch. As such, “Home Team” is perfect for football fans and those craving a quality underdog story. While Sandler does not star in this film, he produced it, which helps give it the Sandler-esque approach of a sports story mixed with comedy. While the plot feels improbable (an NFL head coach gets suspended from the league and ends up coaching his 12-year-old son’s football team), it is loosely based on a true scandal involving New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton’s one-year suspension from the NFL, making it all the more interesting. In my opinion, this movie has flaws that would anger some sports movie fans. It lacks the realism of “Hustle” with less-than-authentic football scenes and over-the-top characters. It also doesn’t have the hard-hitting, emotional gravitas of other sports films based on real-life stories, such as “The Blind Side” (2009) or “Remember the Titans” (2001). In the end, “Home Team” plays into its distinct flaws and delivers a very entertaining story about the challenges of an underdog team and the rekindling of a father-son relationship.