"Happy Gilmore 2" sets new Netflix viewing record

The movie sees Sandler reprise the role of the hockey player turned golfer alongside his usual cadre of hangers on, celebrity sycophants, and family members. During the week of July 21 through July 27, and bear in mind "Happy Sandler 2" hit the service on July 25, it generated 46.7 million views. It was the biggest movie on Netflix, and that is also the biggest "opening weekend" for a Netflix movie. The original "Happy Gilmore," also on Netflix (in the United States, at least), was third in the top 10 among movies.

Netflix clearly got what it wanted out of "Happy Gilmore 2," even if the movie was more cameo-laden nostalgia play than groundbreaking comedy. Either way, a hit is a hit. 

While the lackluster nature of "Happy Gilmore 2" is apparent, we do wish that it had been a theatrical release. Comedy movies have become an endangered species (something the marketing for "The Naked Gun" has embraced), so it feels a little disheartening for Netflix to be trumpeting a big "opening weekend" for "Happy Gilmore 2." The streaming service is helping to, seemingly with active intent, diminish the theatrical experience. 

This also will do nothing to pump the brakes on legacy sequels. The biggest Netflix debut is now a half-baked sequel to a decades-old sports comedy. Well, at least Netflix subscribers can also watch "Happy Gilmore."

(h/t Variety)