Films are something that we all look towards for escapism – the action, the humour, the romance, the animation. Sometimes these can hold so much more meaning then just an image on a screen and create narratives and memories in our own lives. Welcome to the sister article to Music Memories where we take a look at some of these personal stories attached to films.

Film: Happy Gilmore
Original Release Date: 1996

There was a time when Adam Sandler was not a household name in the United Kingdom – when internet was not really a thing in the nineties and early noughties things like Saturday Night Live sort of didn’t really make it across the pond so we didn’t know his comedic history. So when films like this were around, they were so random and very unique.

I think this was the first film I ever saw of Adam Sandler and I saw it from a very young age – I think when I first watched it a lot of the jokes went over my head but I really loved the film – it was energetic, erratic and Adam Sandler was very different. The anger issues in it made the film and it was so hilarious.

I watched this film a lot as a kid I loved it so much. It was just so random and also I suppose only America could create a film like that – when you are under ten years old it gives you a perspective that that is what you can expect living in the states – it is big, it is bold, it is a place where these unique characters exist.

I haven’t seen this film in years and really want to as it will bring back memories of laughter and enjoyment. Thinking about it, I think this may of been the first time I saw Ice Hockey. It is weird isn’t it when you look back later in life.

Facts About Happy Gilmore

• Bob Barker wasn’t sure if he wanted to be in the movie. When he learned that he was going to win the fight with Adam Sandler, he accepted the role.
• Adam Sandler’s favorite role and movie of his own.
• In real life, Adam Sandler is terrible at both hockey and golf.
• To help promote the movie, Adam Sandler made a cameo appearance on The Price is Right (1972), Episode #24.98 (1996) during the “Showcase Showdown.” The clip of Sandler fighting host Bob Barker was shown to the studio audience.
• This film was rewritten by Judd Apatow, which went uncredited.