It seems every classic movie gets a sequel or a reboot nowadays. The Naked Gun was bound to step up to the plate.
Thankfully, this new installment to the franchise returns with its full absurdist glory.
This installment in the franchise casts Liam Neeson as Detective Frank Drebin Junior, son of the iconic character created by comedy legend Leslie Nielsen, who- appropriately, spends part of the film seeking signs from his father.
While investigating a suspicious death, Drebin crosses paths with Beth Davenport—a glamorous mystery novelist and the sister of the deceased—whose clues lead straight to a shady tech billionaire.
I never thought I’d be writing this, but Pamela Anderson rocks this role. She proves that her standout performance in The Last Showgirl was no fluke, and we should expect more from her moving forward.
But absurd humor isn’t for everyone. Some argue that comedy should be clever and concise- not cheap, literal, or slapstick.
I’d argue that when it lands, absurd humor doesn’t just hold its own- it steals the show. Look to the original Naked Gun movies- or Airplane!, another Nielsen classic- where the most unrealistic scenarios unfold, and everyone plays it straight. That spirit guides this movie, directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island), and produced by Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad, Ted)- two proven masters of absurd comedy.
In this hybrid era of moviegoing, the constant question is “Where can I stream it?” Paramount is taking the old-fashioned approach by releasing through the theaters first.
I laud this decision. We need as many opportunities as possible to sustain the magic of going to the movies.
A good old comedy can always rally a crowd for such an occasion.
This will likely land best with longtime fans of the misadventures of the Police Squad. Viewers will find countless Easter Eggs paying tribute to the original trilogy- I particularly loved the stuffed beaver’s cameo and the blunt shade thrown at Detective Nordberg (his own son won’t even pay tribute to him- for obvious reasons).
This is a chance to introduce a new generation of comedy fans to a goldmine of laughter. The Naked Gun isn’t just a long-awaited sequel- it’s a revival of a comedic style that embraces in the absurd and doesn’t care if it makes sense.
Whether you are in it for the nostalgia or curious for old-school humor, The Naked Gun delivers- and it’s well-worth a trip to the theaters.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)