One ofAdam Sandler’s most underrated and divisive comedies is finally returning to streaming this February. Sandler’s run of comedies from 1995 to 2008 is nothing short of legendary. Within that time, the actor and writer releasedHappy Gilmore,The Wedding Singer,The Waterboy,Punch-Drunk-Love(admittedly, not a comedy, but still worth noting),50 First Dates,The Longest Yard, andYou Don’t Mess with the Zohan(this writer’s personal favorite). But, the film that kicked it all off wasBilly Madison, and it’s finally coming back to streaming.
Billy Madisonarrives on Hulu on Feb. 1; it was directed by Tamra Davis, and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy (Happy Gilmore) and is one of Sandler’s most underrated comedies. Released in 1995, the film follows 27-year-old Billy Madison (Sandler) who is set to take over his father’s hotel empire. However, his father (Darren McGavin) has one demand before he inherits the fortune: for his son to go back and finish school. But, he doesn’t mean college. Instead,Billy has to repeat grades one to twelve. The official plot description reads:
“In order to inherit his fed-up father Brian’s hotel empire, immature and lazy Billy Madison must repeat grades one through twelve all over again. The further Billy progresses, the harder his hated rival Eric Gordon tries to stop him.”
Billy Madisonwasn’t well received by criticsupon its release; the film sits at a lousy 40% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many critics wrote the film off as a blatant rip-off of theDumb and Dumberformula, following the idiotic adventures of an even more idiotic lead character. However, the film was a hit with fans and holds amuch stronger audience score of 79%, as many can appreciate the comedy for the ridiculous goofball comedy it’s trying to be.Billy Madisonis also a modest hit on Letterboxd, holding a decent 3 star average rating from users.
Adam Sandler is Reprising One of His Best Roles in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’
A year afterBilly Madisonhit theaters, Adam Sandler released arguably his best comedy to date, the golf-focusedHappy Gilmore. Almost 30 years later, Sandler is returning to the green for a second time withHappy Gilmore 2, which is set to release on Netflixthis July, according to Adam Sandler. Although, a concrete release date hasn’t been unveiled by the streamer yet.
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There’s a lot to be excited about withHappy Gilmore 2.Christopher McDonald is returning as Gilmore’s rival, Shooter McGavin, and Julie Bowen reprising her role as Gilmore’s love-interest, now-wife, Virginia Venit. Most importantly, Ben Stiller is returning as the dictatorial care home worker Hal L.
Alongside the returning cast,Happy Gilmore 2will also starMargaret Qualley, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Bad Bunny, and includes a (not so) secret cameo fromEminem. Thefirst teaser forHappy Gilmore 2was released to celebrate the new year. While it is far from a full trailer, it has given fans theirfirst official look at Gilmore and his signature drive technique in action once again.
Billy Madison
