As someone who watched, and continues to watch, Airplane!, The Naked Gun and The Naked Gun 2 1/2, I had many concerns that a legacy sequel of The Naked Gun franchise would work. It helped that I enjoyed the trailer and that some of the promotional videos employed to sell this sequel managed to pique my interest, but at the same time, I had my reservations that a classic spoof would work in 2025. It pleases me tremendously that I can honestly say that the new addition to The Naked Gun franchise is a winner, and is a hilarious one at that. The filmmakers behind this movie have managed to capture some of the comic magic that made the previous films work so well, while also bringing some modern sensibilities that blend in wonderfully. The Naked Gun (2025) is a fun and often uproarious spoof film that should have its audiences laughing so hard that they cry.
What makes this movie work so well is the lead performance of Liam Neeson, who brings his brand of self-serious deadpan that is different from Leslie Nielsen’s, but works perfectly. Neeson stars as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, Jr, the head of Police Squad, a special division of the police department that deals with the most challenging of crimes. Though Drebin is a skilled fighter, he isn’t exactly the smartest and is often the clumsiest detective, but his heart remains true to his moral convictions.
After attempting to thwart an intense bank robbery, Drebin’s overzealousness puts him into hot water, while the real villains, led by tech mogul Richard Caine (Danny Huston), plot to eliminate those whom he and his wealthy associates deem unworthy of existence in the world. Drebin reluctantly teams up with Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson), a fictional crime author whose brother was killed as Caine attempts to carry out his plans to fruition. Frank must use his skills and wits to stop Caine before it is too late.
While the plot of this movie is rather basic and ridiculous, this does not matter in the big scheme of things. It is all about the journey, and this journey is one hilarious ride. Written and directed by Akiva Schaffer, who co-wrote with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, The Naked Gun is a movie we haven’t experienced in such a long time.
Schaffer and his writers, along with the cast, capture lightning in a bottle that hasn’t been captured for decades. While not all of the jokes land beautifully, enough do to make this such a fun time at the cinema. The mixture of topical humor and call-backs to the classic Naked Gun movies works exceptionally. Even a stolen gag from one of the Austin Powers movies plays out hilariously because the filmmakers and cast know precisely how to put a fresh spin on it.
As I previously stated, the casting of Liam Neeson is a winning choice. He can poke fun at his Taken action hero character, while also embracing what makes the original Frank Drebin character so funny. Pamela Anderson, who impressed me last year in The Last Showgirl, proves that she can also do comedy and performs superbly with Neeson as a love interest, but also someone who has stakes in this plot. Danny Huston, who is also mostly known for serious roles, does a tremendous job as the villain, Richard Caine. He fits in beautifully, much like previous Naked Gun villain actors Ricardo Montalban and Robert Goulet.
I had an absolute blast with this film that feels like a throwback to classic spoofs from this franchise, among others. Fans of the previous Naked Gun movies, along with Airplane!, should have a wonderful time laughing and smiling throughout this often ludicrous comedy.