Akiva Schaffer’s latest The Naked Gun delivers a sharp, hilarious tribute to the original films, with Liam Neeson stepping into the deadpan shoes made famous by Leslie Nielsen. Alongside Pamela Anderson’s unexpected yet stellar comic turn, this film is a loving ode to classic Hollywood comedy.
Early in the movie, Frank Drebin Jr. (Neeson) addresses a photo of his father — the original Drebin played by Nielsen — saying, “I want to be just like you but different enough to be fresh and original.” It’s one of many clever meta moments that set the tone for a film packed with witty one-liners, relentless gags, and timeless deadpan humor. Impressively, the movie manages to capture the spirit of the original Naked Gun and the Austin Powers series, delivering laughs that resonate even with today’s audiences.
The story follows Drebin Jr., now a renegade cop in Police Squad, with Paul Walter Hauser as Ed Hocken Jr., son of the original’s Captain Hocken. The plot kicks off after the death of an engineer working for an electric car company. His sister Beth (Pamela Anderson) insists it was murder, with all clues pointing to billionaire Richard Cane (Danny Huston), a clear riff on tech moguls like Musk and Bezos. Drebin must break out of his comfort zone to crack the case and unravel a sinister plot — all while the jokes keep coming.
Clocking in at just 85 minutes, The Naked Gun is one of the shortest commercial films recently but manages to deliver a tight, entertaining story filled with nonstop humor. The pace never drags, and the rapid-fire jokes keep audiences on their toes throughout.
What truly sets the film apart is its commitment to Leslie Nielsen’s signature deadpan style, steering clear of crude humor and instead leaning into clever wordplay, puns, and satire. There are numerous nods to modern pop culture and a hilarious jab at action movie clichés — including a doomsday device literally named the “P.L.O.T. Device.” Notably, the loudest laughs come from a tastefully done scene involving playful misunderstandings reminiscent of Austin Powers.
Liam Neeson rises to the challenge, honoring Nielsen’s legacy without trying to replace him. His impeccable timing, sharp wit, and understated delivery never let the audience forget the original while carving out his own comedic space. The only moment you might wish for Nielsen is when imagining how the legendary actor might have approached certain scenes — but Neeson complements rather than competes.
Pamela Anderson emerges as a standout, bringing gravitas and charm to her role as Beth. Casting the 58-year-old icon as the film’s bombshell is a refreshing choice, and she demonstrates that she still commands the screen with brilliant comic timing and subtlety.
Ultimately, The Naked Gun is a nostalgic reminder of Hollywood comedy’s golden era — the days of Mel Brooks and Leslie Nielsen — before humor largely shifted toward the lowest common denominator. It’s a simple, fun film that doesn’t demand much thinking but keeps you entertained from start to finish.
Is it predictable? Yes. Is it fun? Absolutely — possibly the most fun you’ll have in a theater this year.
If you want, I can also help craft a catchy, clickable title for Reddit or social media!
