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USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Happy Gilmore 2' is absolutely wonderful
The legacy sequel has transformed itself into one of the ugliest reanimations in modern Hollywood, the crass puppetry of a once-beloved corpse dancing to the same song-and-dance that made it so cherished in the first place. Shame-soaked nostalgia dollars flutter about like ugly butterflies in a trash garden, destined to put on the same "dead dog and dead pony" show for fearful audiences afraid of any ounce of originality until the unforgiving entertainment machine runs out of caskets to mine and the whole movie world falls off a cliff. And then there's Happy Gilmore 2. Leave it to Adam Sandler, perhaps the most beloved American entertainer this side of Mickey Mouse and Tom Hanks, to putt the golf ball through the most byzantine mini-golf fun house from Hell and nail the shot to keep himself under par. Happy Gilmore 2 is just baked with too much love to reek of what dooms its colleagues. In one way, you could view Happy Gilmore 2 as a triumph of affable stupidity, a sequel so awash in the hallmark Sandler rage-man physical comedy that it manages to feel fresh... if only because Hollywood has practically abandoned the genre entirely for "comedic" superhero movies that smirk at the screen as if any insinuation of comedy at all is some sort of naughty cooke jar-snatching that big daddy corporation didn't see while reading the newspaper... the kind that would make even Wade Wilson blush. Last summer's Deadpool and Wolverine actually owned its identity of being a straight-up comedy as opposed to something dreadful like Thor: Love and Thunder (shutters in Zeus), but even then, it was still a Deadpool and Wolverine movie. Marvel putting out the biggest comedy of the decade so far just feels wrong, even if the movie was indeed funny. Yes, a Happy Gilmore Netflix movie in 2025 replete with countless cameos from golf professionals, Sandler regulars, podcast hosts and sportscasters plays to the broadest audience possible. The humor is wack-a-mole wide, the callbacks to the original so plentiful and obvious that you can almost count this as a double-bill on Letterboxd with just one sit on the couch. However, everything feels hand-stitched, as if an entire community of people who love Happy got together and crafted a big quilt to wrap themselves in nearly 30 years later. The warmth radiates from the screen. Unlike a big-budget Hollywood legacy blockbuster where nostalgia cuts the checks and the corporate "reverence" for what came before feels AI-generated to appeal to the most shameless part of our brains' art-processors, Happy Gilmore 2 feels pleasantly overstuffed out of adoration. Sure, most of the film is flatly ridiculous, the lowest-hanging fruit basket being passed around for everyone to take one and pass it down. Characters punch and choke each other out of sheer glee; another drinks hand sanitizer to get a buzz. One man on a beach thinks he's watching a Happy Gilmore golf match on television, but in reality, it's just a rock in a makeshift box. One character goes to the bathroom in a mailbox. Like all of Sandler's movies, the cheap joke is the best joke, and the school cafeteria belly laughter is real and wonderful. Think about the star for a moment and where he is now. After years and years of pushing it away, Sandler's recent forays into auteurism have fulfilled the tantalizing promise of Punch-Drunk Love and Funny People. Even in his screwiest of comedies, he showed off the volcanic range and crestfallen heart of a truly generational actor. Uncut Gems in particular felt like an answered prayer. Watching the Sandman getting sandbagged down with heartless 2010s Netflix comedies made you question if he had finally just settled. The grand pleasure is that Happy Gilmore 2 shows that even a new Sandler Netflix comedy can make you scream-laugh to the point of waking up your dog and bothering your neighbors. By plowing shamelessly into the original film beat-for-beat but still awakening something oddly profound on the passage of time with how so many of the 1996 film's actors have departed from this golf course for the other, Happy Gilmore 2 plays as both a Happy Madison fan convention smorgasbord and a group hug for the past, present and future. Happy Gilmore 2 also arrives like a godsend in a world where studio comedies have fallen to the wayside. Consider that modern comedy has mainly shifted into other genres and into the indie space, where witty banter and situational ironies tend to rule the day. They're incredibly funny, but the other side of the spectrum, the kind that studios used to pump out in the summer with the Sandlers of the world for mass appeal, have nearly gone extinct. Perhaps that makes a big, doofy Happy Gilmore sequel all the more commendable with its themes of mourning the people we've lost and saving the traditions we care about while we have them. The film's villain is a tech-bro who wants to turn golf into a glitzy rizz-fest with color-run fireworks and brash stunts to appeal to the TikTokers and Twitch streamers who don't have time for the love of the game. As much as you absolutely cannot read any supremely deep text in a movie where a honey-drenched Travis Kelce gets attacked by a bear in Bad Bunny's "happy place" dream, you feel the Sandler-dad wisdom trying to slap around the young'uns a bit to appreciate the old ways and cherish the familial bonds that keep them aflame. Happy Gilmore 2 is the funniest movie of the year so far by default, if only because no other movies really try to go for laugh-a-minute comedy like this any longer. The new Naked Gun movie will surely challenge it, but why can't the audiences of today get their own Happy Gilmores and Frank Drebins to cherish anew? It's an unfortunate irony that the surest bet at getting a major comedy project off the ground in 2025 is to dust off an old character and put a new shine on them to appeal to nostalgic business sense. No, Happy Gilmore 2 can't stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its predecessor because that's outright impossible. However, it can bundle in the laughter in equal measure and mess around so much with the very nature of a legacy sequel that some of its most shameless callbacks feel inspired, almost a parody of its serious brethren. Yes, there is infinitely more integrity with Chubbs Peterson having a son who works at a mini-golf course who also has a fake hand than whatever the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hook was with Shea Whigham being Jon Voight's kid out of nowhere. Those two movies mirror each other. Tom Cruise's sacrifice-for-the-movies adrenaline and Christopher McQuarrie's James Cameron/Brian De Palma-tinged set-piece excellence go blow-for-blow with Sandler's ageless comedic timing and immaculate facial expressions and his and co-writer Tim Herlihy's masterful ability to mine nonstop gags out of the most ludicrous visuals. Watching Cruise's underwater submarine ballet in the latest Mission: Impossible is incredible; watching golfer John Daly try to drink booze out of an antique cuckoo clock is, too. Where Happy Gilmore 2 succeeds and the latest Mission: Impossible fails all has to do with the approach. The latter is bound to sincerity in its most cringey throwbacks because it's downright, well, impossible to wink a bit at the audience at how silly this all is. A Sandler comedy has the freedom to have its nostalgia cake and throw it across the room to instigate a food fight. During a scene at a graveyard, headstones of characters long gone from the original start popping up in spades. A few of those would have induced eye-rolls; a bunch of those, even of the most random side characters, makes for great meta-humor. Comedies give you the ability to check yourself a bit, as the wedgie-giving ombudsman comes in to readily acknowledge a lot of this is looney tunes. A streak of sadness dyes the current, as the reason Happy falls off the golfing map is the kind of shock revelation a Happy Madison production probably doesn't aim for 10 years ago. The world kept spinning while Gilmore was swatting golf balls with a hockey goon's might, and it wasn't always kind to our favorite golfer like we might have hoped. Dad-Sandler has always been the most sentimental version of himself, and his kids aging right in front of his eyes and starting to leave the nest seems to weigh on him and his renewed take on Gilmore. This and Wes Anderson's excellent The Phoenician Scheme both dive into similar subject matter with equal gusto, of a father reckoning with his children and his place in providing for them. There's a world-weariness to Happy this time around in the way Sandler carries him that both compels the film's most jarring narrative choice and grounds some of the film's far, far sillier antics. That approach gives Sandler's performance added gravitas and the entire film around him a paternal watchfulness that would've played as unearned earlier in his filmography. There is no doubting Sandler's commitment to the project as you might could have in the past; he's all in, and so is everyone around him. The older Sandler has gotten, the more his traveling-theater approach to making movies has taken on new meaning. Even in his biggest comedic misfires, the community Sandler keeps with him on his Happy Madison projects has always endeared. He takes care of his own, and that love shows through here more so than in any other project he's ever worked on. The rampant cameos would be gratuitous if the people staffing them didn't seem so genuinely thrilled to be there. Christopher McDonald's Shooter McGavin getting dragged back into the fold would feel forced if McDonald didn't treat the role like it was the true opportunity of a lifetime. There's no way in heck Verne Lundquist wears that blazer in the film's third act if he's not tickled to be back in this world. Heck, all of the brand-name golfers in the cast seem to relish the chance to act with Sandler and actually buy into the material. Do you know how much of a comedic achievement it is that three of the funniest people in this movie are Daly, Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris? Daly plays with the kind of comedic fire that we sometimes praise to the extent of pushing them into awards talk; he's really that inspired with his fearlessness to be as zany as possible. Sure, Happy Gilmore 2 is still a legacy sequel at its core, replete with brand endorsements and adorned with Super Bowl-commercial rascality. However, it's the rare legacy sequel that feels purposeful and human-driven. The film reaches for real profundity, as much as you can find in a Happy Madison movie. It's a movie with a good soul, as affably crude and dingy as Sandler's landmark works and operating with the same level of zeal. Does all of it work as well as it could? Nah. Does every joke land? Probably not. Is it messy? Most certainly; all of Sandler's comedies have been to a degree. However, it's still so much better than so many other films like it. The world is a better place when Sandler is making comedies like this. Hubie Halloween felt like a nice change of pace, and Happy Gilmore 2 feels like the grand return to that high-wire fire hydrant style of Sandler funny business. It's painfully fully and surprisingly wistful for its place in time. We need Sandler to keep tapping into his dramatic potential; it's why his decision to work with Noah Baumbach again on Jay Kelly is so encouraging. However, we also need Sandler firmly planting his feet in the comedic worlds where he's the smartest idiot in the room with a heart of gold, and we all love him for it. Watching Sandler succeed with everyone cheering him on as those signature Happy Gilmore needle drops hit might make you just a wee bit misty... and not because it's an uncaring algorithm programming "Nostalgic Feelz" for the most basic audience possible. When it's earned and it's real, there's nothing like going back to your happy place with the people you love.
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Matches Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes Score on Release Day, Find Out
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has matched the score of Thunderbolts* on Rotten Tomatoes. The Pedro Pascal starrer, which released today, July 25, went on to gain 88% from the critics on the tomatoes meter and 93% from the audience on the popcorn meter, which is the same as Thunderbolts*. The latter film was dropped in theaters on May 2, 2025, and was well-lauded by the fans of Marvel. The movie starred Sebastian Stan and Florence Pugh, amongst others. The ratings for both the superhero films are considered to be great. The audience verdict is out It has been a great year for Marvel so far. The studios have managed to pull themselves back up after a terrible previous phase, which included movies like Thor: Love and Thunder and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The fans are loving the stories and new faces taking over the franchise and powering it up with their brilliant acting skills. Speaking of new faces, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby have impressed the viewers of Fantastic Four with their presence onscreen, and the results are quite visible in the data provided above. Moreover, Stan and Florence Pugh's latest film worked as the revival of Marvel. The reviews garnered by Thunderbolts* were excellent, and the cast went on to call themselves the 'New Avengers.' According to the media reports, the Thunderbolts as well as the first family of Marvel will join some of the original Avengers in the Doomsday to fight the evil of Victor Von Doom. The other cast members of Avengers: Doomsday include Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and others. Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is running successfully in theaters. Thunderbolts* will soon be available to stream on OTT.
Extra.ie
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who will play Voldemort in the new Harry Potter series?
HBO have reportedly found who will play Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter series. The newest adaptation of the wizard book series recently showed off photos of Dominic McLoughlin on set as Harry, and Nick Frost playing Hagrid on set. But despite the cast pretty much confirmed for all roles, one name is yet to be attached to the most important character in the series — Voldemort. While HBO reportedly have cast the Dark Lord, they want to keep him a secret — but hasn't stopped the rumour mill, with several names being floated as to who could play him; including one of our own. Once again, Cillian Murphy is being floated to play a villain. Pic: Brian McEvoy When you win an Oscar, you immediately become a hot commodity — with Cillian being a hot favourite to take over the role. Fans of the series are already on board with Cillian potentially being Voldemort, including the film series' villain Ralph Fiennes, who gave his seal of approval on the Corkonian taking on the role. 'Cillian is a fantastic actor,' Ralph said. 'That's a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favour of Cillian. Yeah.' The Welsh actor has played villains before, with some reckoning that he'd be a perfect fit for Voldemort. Pic: Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock Whether Batman or Bateman, Christian Bale is able to play heroes and villains well — and why not play one of the most well known villains in the world? Christian has played villains in his most recent films, including Gorr the God butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder, and is set to play Frankenstein's Monster in The Bride!, the most recent adaptation of Bride of Frankenstein. So surely he can make room to play another bad guy! Matt has played villains before, with people wondering if he'd be the actor to take on the role. Pic: Eyepix Group / MilestoneMedia/PA Images Having a history with HBO in playing Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Matt Smith has also been a name that could play Tom Riddle that's been floating about in Internet circles. And again, why not? While he may be best known as The Doctor, Matt has had no issue playing a villain — perhaps he could be on board to take on the role of He Who Shall Not Be Named. And yet, some are clamouring for the original Voldemort himself, Ralph Fiennes, to reprise his role. Pic: Brian McEvoy And yet, despite all that, some people would like the original Voldemort to reprise his role. Playing the role of Voldemort from 2005 to 2011 across four films, many associate the villain role with Ralph. However, he has kept mum on if he'd reprise the role; but gave good advice to whomever will take on the role of the evil wizard. 'Make sure you can handle the long flowing robes and don't trip over them,' Ralph said. 'Practice your long flowing robe walk.' Fair enough.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Batman Begins' actor Christian Bale spotted with family to support daughter Luka at Rome Fashion show
British actor Christian Bale and his family have made a rare public appearance together. The actor extended support to his daughter Luka, 20, as she walked in a fashion show in Italy. Bale shares a daughter, Luk, and a son, 11, with wife Sibi Bale . The Dark Knight actor was spotted attending Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda show in Rome, Italy, on Monday, July 14, to support his daughter Luka. He could be seen sporting a shaved head and dark suit, posing next to his wife, Sibi Bale. On the other side of Sibi, the couple's 11-year-old son was seen wearing a suit similar to his dad's and walking with his parents into the show. This was not Luka's first appearance at Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda show. Previously, she also modeled in the fashion house's 2021 show, and the following year, she attended their presentation with her parents and younger brother. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science PGDM MBA Leadership Healthcare Data Analytics MCA healthcare Management Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Product Management Operations Management Public Policy CXO Project Management Cybersecurity Technology Digital Marketing Data Science Degree Others Finance others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details 'A big thank you @dolcegabbana for such a beautiful night,' Luka wrote on Instagram. 'I am beyond grateful. :)'. In December 2022, Bale told PEOPLE at the The Pale Blue Eye premiere that his kids don't usually watch his films. "Not often, no," Bale said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These 11 Everyday Foods Might Be the Key to Knee Pain Relief Undo "They get to enjoy some of them. They really encouraged me to go make [Thor: Love and Thunder]. They really wanted that, and I enjoyed that, and I appreciate that they did ask me to go do that," he further explained. "What I like thinking about is that I'm hoping in the years to come they will come to appreciate these films even if they don't right I'm not sure that any dad's kids really ever enjoy watching their dad in a film, because I'm their dad," he added. Live Events Bale and his family are often known for staying relatively private, but he gave his kids a sweet shout-out during his acceptance speech at the 2019 Golden Globes, even using their nicknames. "And thank you for our beautiful children, Banana and Burrito,' Bale said. 'They've given me a love and a soul I never thought possible," he continued.
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Christian Bale's entire family stuns in all-black for rare public appearance at D&G couture show
Christian Bale traded the shadows for the spotlight, and it wasn't for a film premiere. The notoriously private actor made a rare public appearance in Rome on July 14, stepping out with his wife Sibi Blazic and their children to support daughter Luka Bale, 20, as she walked in Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda fashion show. Bale, 51, cut a sharp figure in an all-black suit as he held hands with Blazic, his wife of 25 years. Their 11-year-old son, Rex Bale, also suited up for the occasion, trailing close behind the couple. The family later posed for photos alongside designer Domenico Dolce, making for a rare and elegant public portrait. Luka, who made her modeling debut at the same event in 2021, returned to the Alta Moda runway with poise and confidence, clearly earning her place among celebrity fashion royalty. Though both children have appeared in Bale's 2022 Marvel film Thor: Love and Thunder, Luka and Rex have largely grown up out of the public eye. In fact, fans only learned the correct name of Bale's son in 2024 after his rep clarified that 'Joseph', long assumed by the internet, was incorrect. Rex was properly credited in the Marvel film, as was Luka, who was previously listed in Bale's 2016 racing drama Ford v Ferrari. Despite Bale's longtime aversion to fame, he's made it clear that family comes first. 'I'm not going to miss her growing up for anything, not even for Batman,' he once told British GQ about his daughter. For one night in Rome, the Bale family embraced the flashbulbs, and let Luka shine.
