The revival of a beloved comedy franchise often sparks debate, yet Paramount’s audacious reboot of “The Naked Gun” starring Liam Neeson is poised to redefine big-screen comedy. With a PSA-style campaign imploring audiences to save the genre, this film bravely confronts the dwindling presence of theatrical comedies, aiming to prove that shared laughter in a cinema remains irreplaceable amidst an era dominated by smaller screens and streaming platforms.
At the helm of this comedic resurgence is director and co-writer Akiva Schaffer, a pivotal figure in internet short-form video history. As a member of The Lonely Island, Schaffer’s groundbreaking work with “Lazy Sunday” on SNL heralded the age of viral content, bringing YouTube into the mainstream. His expertise in crafting concise, impactful, and widely shareable humor uniquely positions him to inject a fresh, contemporary sensibility into the classic “The Naked Gun” formula.
The film’s humor feels like a natural evolution from the iconic slapstick and wordplay of Jim Abrahams and brothers David and Jerry Zucker, the original creators behind “The Naked Gun,” “Airplane!,” and “Top Secret!” Both The Lonely Island and the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker trio share the significant characteristic of being comedy ensembles forged by childhood friendships, suggesting a shared comedic DNA that makes Schaffer’s vision a perfect match for this property. This continuation of a distinctive comedic style promises a reboot that honors its roots while forging new ground.
While Leslie Nielsen immortalized Detective Frank Drebin, Liam Neeson now steps into the shoes of his equally hapless son, Frank Drebin Jr. Neeson, known for his prolific career in B-movie action films, seizes this opportunity to humorously deconstruct his own cinematic oeuvre. His willingness to lampoon his established tough-guy persona provides an unexpected layer of self-aware comedy, turning his casting into an inflection point for both his career and the comedy film’s satirical tone.
The creative team behind this comedy film reboot uninhibitedly throws every conceivable gag at the screen, resulting in an impressively high hit rate. The film’s most memorable moments often spring from its more outrageous and unexpected tangents, demonstrating a fearless approach to humor. A particular highlight, the romantic ski weekend montage featuring a possessed snowman, stands out as an almost indescribable yet unforgettable homage, possibly to the Wham! “Last Christmas” music video.
Beyond its rampant absurdity and reality-bending humor, “The Naked Gun” is surprisingly laced with incisive cultural commentary. The narrative follows Frank Drebin Jr. as he inadvertently stumbles upon an apocalyptic conspiracy, linking a seemingly random bank robbery to a mysterious Malibu car crash. This leads him to Edentech, an electric vehicle company run by the unscrupulous billionaire Richard Cane, whose nefarious P.L.O.T. Device scheme to unleash global chaos and retreat to a bunker with other evil billionaires eerily mirrors real-world anxieties and figures, offering a sharp Elon Musk satire.
The film intelligently recontextualizes what a comedy about an inept police officer signifies in 2025 versus 1988, with Schaffer, Gregor, and Mand ensuring the police are never entirely off the hook. A gross-out sequence involving Frank’s bodycam and a joke about internal affairs investigations being akin to vacations underscore this modern perspective. Despite saving the world, Frank remains a dolt, and his heroism doesn’t absolve him of his inherent corruption, adding a subtle yet potent layer of social critique to the comedy.
A true breakout star in this ensemble is Anderson, who portrays Beth, the sister of the slain Edentech staffer. She forms a compelling alliance with Frank, and Anderson proves game for anything the script demands. Her sparkling chemistry with Neeson, who masterfully embodies the silly yet stoic Frank, is undeniable, making it impossible for audiences not to enthusiastically root for their unconventional partnership as they navigate the film’s chaotic plot.
Clocking in at 85 minutes of relentless, wall-to-wall humor, “The Naked Gun” delivers an old-fashioned comedy experience that is both raunchy and razor-sharp. Its blend of cutting satire and uproarious slapstick solidifies its place as a must-see for anyone yearning for genuine laughter. This comedy film reboot is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted humor, urging audiences to simply “come on, laugh a little. It’ll do ya good.”
