In a cinematic landscape flooded with nostalgia-driven reboots, The Naked Gun (2025) is hoping to manage the rare feat of feeling both fresh and faithful to a multi-decade franchise. Keeping old fans happy while introducing a new audience isn’t something we’ve seen done particularly well over the past few years, but director Akiva Schaffer (Palm Springs) and crew are hoping to do just that.
Having rewatched the first 3 Naked Gun films over the past couple of nights leading up to my screening of The Naked Gun, I was reminded of how timeless these films were. Aside from some now outdated references, their humour and wit transcends generations, making them easy recommendations for anyone to enjoy. I’d seen a few trailers for this new reboot/sequel and I was hesitant but hopeful that the same level of quality could be achieved all these years later.
From the opening credits, it’s clear the filmmakers understood exactly what made the original trilogy so beloved: unapologetically goofy slapstick, pun-heavy wordplay, and a deadpan delivery that turns the most absurd situations into comedy gold.
Everyone does an excellent job in this film but hats off to Liam Neeson who had the impossible task of stepping into the late, great Leslie Nielsen’s shoes as the bumbling but lovable son of Detective Frank Drebin, Detective Frank Drebin Jr. It’s a role that could have easily gone wrong — either by leaning too far into imitation or veering completely off course — but Neeson smashes it out of the park. His straight-faced commitment to the most ridiculous scenarios is a perfect homage to Nielsen’s legacy, while also bringing his own subtle spin to the character. He’s not trying to be Leslie Nielsen; he’s channeling the spirit of the performance, and it works beautifully.
From my seat, the atmosphere in the cinema was as much a part of the fun as the film itself. The crowd laughed consistently from start to finish — not necessarily with roaring belly laughs, but with a steady stream of chuckles that kept the energy high. That communal enjoyment made the experience all the more infectious.
Props to Pamela Anderson who also delivers a pleasant surprise with her role, getting her fair share of genuinely funny moments and proving she’s fully in on the joke. There’s a particular bar scene which is a high point for her where she stole the show. Which is no easy task considering the acting greats she was working alongside.
The film is also peppered with cameos that feel like mini punchlines of their own — WWE superstars, YouTube personalities, and even a few unexpected Hollywood names pop up in the most absurd situations, and yes – Weird Al Yankovic gets the spotlight for a brief scene. These appearances never overstay their welcome and instead serve as fun little Easter eggs for the audience. They probably won’t date as well as they were very topical, but I appreciated them.
Still, the most impressive achievement here is how well the movie captures the tone of the original trilogy. The humour is unapologetically broad, with visual gags layered on top of wordplay, and the kind of elaborate slapstick sequences that feel like lost art in modern American comedy. Of course, the style won’t be for everyone — this is tongue-in-cheek humour through and through, and if you’re not on board with its unapologetic silliness, the charm may wear thin. There were even some jokes that I was surprised went as far as they did.
If there’s one stumble, it’s in the final act. While the first two-thirds strike a balance between absurdity and story, the climax tips into such fantastical world ending territory that it feels like it wandered in from a Spy Kids movie. It’s still entertaining, but the shift is noticeable and a bit too over-the-top, even for The Naked Gun.
Ultimately, though, this reboot stands as a heartfelt love letter to the franchise rather than a cynical cash-in. Where many modern reimaginings feel hollow and corporate, The Naked Gun (2025) radiates affection for its source material. It’s a goofy, joyous, slapstick romp that honours the past while finding its own place in the present. Fans of the original will feel right at home, and newcomers may just discover why Frank Drebin’s antics have been making people laugh for decades.
Rating 8/10
