The release of “ Happy Gilmore 2 ,” the Netflix sequel to the 1996 comedy hit, is just days away. While Hollywood hot shots might be sweating audience awareness polls or gauging social media chatter, Tim Herlihy — who co-wrote both films with star Adam Sandler — has a more pressing concern: catching up with yard work at his quiet Connecticut home.

SPOILERS* The director of the Adam Sandler comedy has defended the move, saying: ‘I knew that people could get over it’

Ethan Anderton of SlashFilm says Happy Gilmore 2 takes a big swing but completely whiffs it by doing something unforgivable in the opening sequence from which it can never recover. The sequel is, per the critic, “a poor excuse for nostalgic comedy, and you'd have more fun getting a colonoscopy with a rake.” Anderton gives it a 2 out of 10, writing:

Jena Sims exclusive tells PEOPLE that it was 'so special' to introduce her 1-year-old son Crew to Adam Sandler while on the set of 'Happy Gilmore 2' with husband and pro golfer Brooks Koepka.

Adam Sandler returns in Happy Gilmore 2 and Jenna Ortega stars alongside Paul Rudd in the horror-comedy Death of a Unicorn — just two of the buzzy titles debuting the week of July 21.

Happy Gilmore 2 takes a shocking turn in the first few minutes, and the movie has a tough time recovering, but director Kyle Newacheck defends the choice.

Spoilers below for “Happy Gilmore 2.” The Adam Sandler sequel, now streaming on Netflix, has left viewers outraged because one beloved character from the original 1996 sports comedy classic is killed off in the film’s first few minutes.