Happy Gilmore

| 1996

Directed by: Dennis Dugan

Main Plot

Happy Gilmore follows the story of an aggressive, failed hockey player who discovers a talent for golf. After his grandmother's house is threatened with foreclosure, he enters a professional golf tournament to win enough money to save it. Despite his unconventional style and behavior, his powerful drive and determination make him a crowd favorite. Along the way, he faces off against a smug, established golfer who becomes his main rival. The film blends comedy with sports drama, highlighting themes of perseverance, the importance of family, and the clash between traditional and non-traditional approaches to success. As the protagonist navigates the challenges of the golf world, he learns valuable lessons about discipline, sportsmanship, and personal growth. The story culminates in a high-stakes tournament that tests his skills and resolve, ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution.

Characters

  • Happy Gilmore, a failed hockey player, discovers his talent for golf and enters tournaments to save his grandmother's house.
  • Christopher McDonald plays Shooter McGavin, the arrogant and antagonistic golf pro who becomes the main rival to the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the plot forward.
  • Julie Bowen plays Virginia Venit, a public relations director who helps the protagonist refine his image and improve his golf game.

Ending Explained

In the final scenes, the protagonist faces off against his rival in a high-stakes golf tournament. The match is intense, with both players demonstrating their skills. The protagonist's unique, unorthodox style of play, which combines elements of hockey and golf, is put to the test. As the game progresses, the rival attempts to sabotage the protagonist by hiring a heckler to distract him. Despite these efforts, the protagonist remains focused. The climax occurs when the protagonist's ball lands on a challenging spot, obstructed by a fallen TV tower. Using his unconventional approach, he manages to make an incredible shot, sinking the ball and securing victory. This win not only earns him the tournament's grand prize but also saves his grandmother's house from foreclosure, which had been a driving motivation throughout the story. In the aftermath, the protagonist reconciles with his love interest, and they share a celebratory moment with his grandmother. The final scene shows the protagonist, his grandmother, and friends looking at the house, symbolizing the restoration of his family’s stability and happiness. This conclusion underscores themes of perseverance, the importance of family, and the triumph of an underdog.

Dennis Dugan Comedy Sport Adam Sandler Christopher McDonald Julie Bowen