“Happy Gilmore,” released in 1996, was Sander and Herlihy’s second movie, following “Billy Madison.” Sandler was just exiting “Saturday Night Live.” Herlihy was Sandler’s roommate at New York University and became a lawyer before Sandler got him to stick to writing comedy. (You might remember the “Herlihy Boy” sketch .)

The long-awaited sequel to one of Sandler's best-loved comedy hits isn't a hole in one, but its blend of wacky gags and wistful sadness (no, really) sinks some solid shots.