The Naked Gun (2025) - Film Review

      The Naked Gun, 2025.

      Directed by Akiva Schaffer.

      Featuring Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, Michael Beasley, Cody Rhodes, Busta Rhymes, Jason MacDonald, Moses Jones, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Dave Bautista, Priscilla Presley, Wilbur Fitzgerald, David Lengel, Jon Anik, Michael Bisping, Bruce Buffer, Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, Brandon Moreno, and Joseph Benavidez.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Only one individual possesses the necessary skills to lead the Police Squad and save the world. Following in his father’s footsteps, Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (brilliantly portrayed by Liam Neeson, who employs his serious demeanor for comedic effect through clever wordplay and slapstick) admires his father's portrait on the wall (previously represented by the late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen). Under the direction of Akiva Schaffer (a member of the Lonely Island and responsible for arguably the funniest film of the last decade, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and screenwriters Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, this moment serves as a self-aware commentary about being like his father, yet also different. This sets the tone for this “new version” of The Naked Gun, technically the fourth installment of the series (originating from Police Squad, created by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker).

      The outcome is an endlessly quotable addition filled with humor that recognizes the essence of what makes Frank Drebin and these law-enforcement parodies funny. It adheres to the established format while forging its own path and leaning into a subversive parody of Liam Neeson’s approximately 20-year stint as an improbable action star (which is made even funnier by a powerful score from Lorne Balfe that often seems ready to transition into the Terminator theme during the live-action Saturday morning cartoon-style fight sequences). The timing for this satire is also impeccable, as that persona has become rather overused. Perhaps the next stage in the esteemed actor’s career lies in comedy. Audiences should eagerly embrace this and flock to theaters, potentially reviving the comedy genre as it nears an end due to streaming dominance.

      That’s essentially all one needs to understand about The Naked Gun: it features farcical, occasionally crude humor derived from literal interpretations and general idiocy as Frank Drebin Jr., reassigned to look into car accidents after causing a wildly exaggerated scene while intervening in a bank robbery involving the theft of a gadget named PLOT Device, finds himself caught in a much larger conspiracy. This occurs after he jumps to conclusions upon glancing at a particularly gruesome vehicle crash and mistakenly categorizing the death as a suicide. The only remaining family member is a sister named Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson, perfectly cast and thoroughly enjoying her role), who persuades Frank to investigate further.

      Frank's pursuit leads him into the world of billionaire tech mogul Richard Cane (Danny Huston, another actor who humorously plays off his usual persona), who creates a device called a “Calm Up” intended to reduce people’s cognitive functions to a primitive state. Together, Frank and Beth (who he humorously misnames to distract others) hunt for clues while awkwardly flirting (complete with an outrageous fantasy dream sequence). Meanwhile, Richard believes that presenting Frank with an electric car might persuade him to cease his investigation, triggering a series of amusing running gags every time Frank uses it.

      Beyond the dialogue-driven humor and hilarious recurring jokes that catch you off guard (one involving coffee repeatedly making an appearance), the filmmakers also derive laughs from contemporary police technology, such as body cameras, with Frank's superiors at one point reviewing embarrassing footage that could have served as its own wildly entertaining film. They do not shy away from jokes addressing police brutality, particularly against unarmed Black individuals, creating one of the most significant punchlines. However, it would have been preferable if the filmmakers had pushed the boundaries further on topical issues, given society's current critical perspective regarding law enforcement.

      While The Naked Gun wisely avoids typical nostalgia-driven pitfalls (prioritizing honoring the original films' structure rather than merely imitating them, such as a comical climax at a sporting event), it is disappointing to cast Paul Walter Hauser, arguably the funniest working actor in Hollywood today, in a legacy role as Ed Hocken Jr. with limited opportunities. However, he does make the most of his screen time, whether through delivering slapstick humor, assisting Frank in silly disguises, or easing tensions between Frank and Chief Davis (CCH Pounder), who insists that Frank stop investigating the case and connects it back to the previously mentioned bank heist.

      Despite minor complaints, The Naked Gun delivers the silly, foolish enjoyment one expects. It's hard to envision a more