Despite its cult status as a legendary golf comedy, the short game of Dennis Dugan’s Happy Gilmore (B-) is a lot of sputter before it sparks. The film is a vehicle for Adam Sandler whose latest variation an his signature angry man-child finds him recoiling from a stillborn career as a hockey player to find he’s potentially more adept at clubbing golf balls. Part loving lark to life on the fairway, part caddy smack down with rage-fueled rants and pratfalls, the film is funniest in its absurdist moments involving fights with alligators in hazards and surly game show hosts partnered for pro/am competition. The film features a lively golf ball POV, nifty needle drops and even a sweet love story with Julie Bowen. Much of the humor comes from unconventional activities on the greens as our hero endeavors to save his grandma’s house from foreclosure by accumulating tournament season winnings. The supporting cast of Christopher McDonald as a rival and Carl Weathers as a coach/mentor stand out among Sandler series regulars. Amidst the juvenile humor, there’s a good deal of heart and a fun finale as the title character eschews ice for slice and ultimately hits it big.