There’s always a bit of risk when bringing back a comedy like The Naked Gun, a series so closely tied to a specific era of parody that feels almost impossible to recreate. The original films, led by Leslie Nielsen, thrived on relentless joke density and a kind of straight-faced absurdity that felt effortless. This new version knows exactly what it’s up against, and while it doesn’t quite match that level, it still manages to have a lot of fun trying.
A Familiar Set-Up, Delivered With a Twist
This reboot introduces Frank Drebin Jr., played by Liam Neeson, the son of Nielsen’s iconic detective, now working his own case involving a tech billionaire with a conveniently vague master plan and a device literally labelled “P.L.O.T.”. It’s a knowingly ridiculous set-up, and the film leans into that from the start. Along the way, Drebin crosses paths with Beth Davenport, played by Pamela Anderson, a true-crime writer drawn into the mystery, while Danny Huston plays the kind of smooth, slightly untrustworthy villain the film clearly enjoys poking fun at. The story itself is mostly just a framework for jokes, and that’s very much the point. It moves quickly, rarely pausing too long on plot, instead focusing on keeping the comedy moving.
Jokes, Gags, and the Art of Not Taking Anything Seriously
What the film gets right is its commitment to the bit. This is a world of visual gags, over-literal wordplay, background chaos, and jokes that arrive one after another, whether they land or not. If one misses, another is already on its way. Director Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island, understands the rhythm of this kind of comedy, blending classic Naked Gun style humour with more modern references. There are nods to everything from action blockbusters to pop culture staples, all filtered through that same deadpan delivery.
Some jokes are genuinely sharp, especially the more absurd visual ones, while others feel a bit lighter. But the film keeps things moving at such a pace that it rarely matters.
Liam Neeson Commits Fully, and It Works
The biggest surprise is how well Liam Neeson fits into this world. Known for his more serious roles, he plays Drebin Jr. completely straight, delivering even the most ridiculous lines with total sincerity. That contrast is where much of the humour comes from, and it works more often than not. Pamela Anderson leans into the exaggerated femme fatale energy, clearly in on the joke, while the supporting cast all play heightened versions of familiar archetypes, from over-the-top authority figures to quietly chaotic side characters. There’s a sense that everyone understands exactly what kind of film this is, and that shared tone helps carry it through.
Not Quite the Original, But Still a Good Time
It would be unrealistic to expect this version to fully match the original films. The comedy landscape has changed, and so has the way audiences respond to this kind of humour. That said, there’s enough here to make it feel worthwhile. The film may not deliver constant, wall-to-wall laughs, but it still finds plenty of moments that genuinely land, especially when it leans into its more surreal instincts. At its best, it captures flashes of what made the originals so memorable, even if it doesn’t quite sustain that level throughout.
CultureCues Final Thoughts
The Naked Gun doesn’t try to recreate the original beat for beat, and it’s better for it. Instead, it offers a modern take that keeps the spirit of the series intact while allowing room for its own style of humour. It may not reach the same heights as the originals, but it’s a lively, easy watch that proves there’s still space for this kind of comedy on the big screen.
The Naked Gun arrived in UK cinemas on Friday, 1 August 2025.