Happy Gilmore

Rating: Null/10 (1 October 2014)

A statement made in the spectacular comedy Happy Gilmore is harder to accomplish than originally thought by the main character. "Just let me put the ball in the hole" (Happy Gilmore). Adam Sandler is Happy Gilmore; he is a hockey player turn professional golfer in a matter of days. Gilmore is forced to find a way to make a lot money to save his grandmother's house. His Grandmother is his only known living relative. In the movie, Happy discovers that he can hit a golf ball more than four hundred and fifty yards, which if farther than anyone has ever seen. However, the golf course Happy brings unsportsman like conduct and rowdy fans to the sport of golf. His loud fans and his own outrageous out bursts make for a great comedic movie, making Happy Gilmore a must see for comedy fans.
One of the areas the movie shows a comedic tone is with Happy's outrageous outbursts. In a hockey game, it is not uncommon for players to slam each other around, or even throw a few punches. However, in golf a player must hold their anger and frustration inside and act gentlemanly. The best way to explain how Happy acts is: "a man who's persistently angry, both lashing out at and fueling his rage towards his physical outlets" (What Would I Do Differently). Happy is seen in the movie breaking objects, punching the other golfers, swearing at the ball, and celebrating his good shots with ridiculous dances. On several occasions he punches people for mocking him or making fun of him. Other comedic parts come from when he yells at the golf ball for not going in the hole. The people in the crowd are stunned that a man would have the audacity to say such terrible things on the golf course. The president of the golf association meets with the head of personal affairs asking for Gilmore to be kicked off the tour. The head of personal affairs will not allow this because Happy is bringing in many more new fans to the sport of golf. Happy is allowed to stay, but only if he remains able to control himself. He is able to maintain his new gentler attitude for a bit, but finally after one of the fans is especially rude towards him, and his playing partner makes an insulting remark, he cracks and gets into a fight with none other than Bob Barker, his partner in the match. His actions get Happy suspended for one month, but the new fans love the fighting and hockey-like atmosphere so they continue to show up to golf tournaments. Many of the new fans now see golf as hockey, a sport that can be tailgated and celebrated, all due to Happy Gilmore's wild antics. Hockey is known for hard hitting and fights on the ice. Golf on the other hand is thought to be more of as a gentleman's sport; there is etiquette to how one must behave while others play. "Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise" (USGA). When at a tournament and a player is hitting the ball the spectators are expected to be silent and considerate. In the movie Happy's fans either do not know this piece of important information, or simply just do not care. They are all loud and bring noisemakers to the course and play them as though they were at a hockey game. Being loud and obnoxious is disruptive to all the veteran players who are not used to such shenanigans. The fans bring beach balls they bounce around during the game, again something one does not see at a golf event. Although all the fans are ridiculous it makes for a great comedy. It shows a different side of golf that is never seen. The movie shows how golf would be different if people treated the sport like hockey or football, where tailgating and being obnoxious is allowed. The sport of golf would be much different if people were allowed to act the way Gilmore's fans did on the golf course. The reason this movie is a must see for comedy goers is because the movie shows the differences between two widely different sports. The way Happy acts is different from the way a golfer is suppose to act, and this contrast makes the movie hilarious.