Unless you were living under a rock, if you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, you know the name Leslie Nielsen. He was a serious dramatic actor, from the 1950s through the 1970s, but reinvented himself as a comedic genius with his iconic role in Airplane! in 1980. That film became a turning point in his career, launching him into the world of comedy and solidifying his place as the king of spoof movies. Over the next three decades, Nielsen headlined dozens of comedies and became a household name.
One of his most iconic projects was Police Squad!, a short-lived TV series that later turned into a successful film franchise called The Naked Gun. As someone who grew up watching these films on repeat, they are very near and dear to my heart. They are widely considered comedy classics, thanks in large part to the creative genius of the Zucker Brothers, who, alongside Airplane! and Top Secret!, redefined the genre with The Naked Gun and later, BASEketball.
See Also: ‘Eddington’ Review: Aster’s Crossing
So, when I heard The Naked Gun was being rebooted, I was nervous. Could this type of comedy still work in 2025? I’m thrilled to report that writers Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, and Akiva Schaffer have pulled it off. Not only does the reboot honor the legacy of the original, but it is easily one of the funniest films I’ve seen in years.
The plot, which loosely spoofs a Mission: Impossible-style setup, follows Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) as he investigates a murder that uncovers a villainous plot for world domination, led by Richard Caneto (Danny Huston). Hijinks, of course, ensue. But in true Naked Gun fashion, the less you know, the better. The jokes come at you a mile a minute. While some land better than others, overall, the hit rate is impressively high. This is the kind of film that you will want to watch again, just to catch all the gags you missed from laughing too hard the first time around. During my press screening, there were moments I couldn’t even hear the dialogue over my colleagues’ laughter.
Liam Neeson, once known for serious dramas like Schindler’s List, Kinsey, and Michael Collins, mirrors Nielsen’s career arc. After Taken turned him into an action star in 2008, Neeson’s career veered toward generic and forgettable action films and thrillers. This comedic turn as Frank Drebin Jr. is a much-needed reinvention, and Neeson absolutely nails it. He fully commits to the absurdity, delivering every slapstick beat with a wink. Comedy, especially of the physical variety, is no easy feat, but Neeson proves he’s more than up for the task.
The supporting cast is just as great. Pamela Anderson, fresh off The Last Showgirl, is even better here, earning massive laughs and showcasing some fantastic chemistry with Neeson. Their on-screen dynamic is comedy gold.
Paul Walter Hauser continues to be one of the best character actors working today. While he hasn’t yet had that one role to make him a household name, he’s consistently a standout in every project he’s in, including Fantastic Four. As Capt. Ed Hocken Jr., Hauser hits every comedic beat with lots of charisma and energy. This role almost feels tailor-made for him.
And then there’s Danny Huston, who dives headfirst into the lunacy of his villainous role. His performance as Richard Caneto is ridiculous in all the right ways. The climactic showdown with Frank is one of the most brilliantly dumb and dare I say it, expertly executed sequences I’ve seen in ages. Without spoiling anything, it hilariously deconstructs the ridiculousness of the typical buildup of action movies.
Several scenes are destined to become memes and part of popular culture. My three personal favorites? The interrogation scene, the snowman moment, and the club sequence. Each one of these had me in stitches. And for fans of the original trilogy, there’s a celebrity cameo that serves as a perfect nod to a long-running gag. I don’t know if newcomers will get the joke, but diehards will absolutely appreciate it.
In a time when great theatrical comedies are few and far between, The Naked Gun reboot is a triumphant return to form. I genuinely hope it exceeds box office expectations, because this deserves to be the start of a new trilogy. We need to laugh now more than ever. This film reminds us of the joy that a well-crafted comedy can bring. It’s absurd, heartfelt, brilliantly stupid, and, above all else, funny as hell. I doubt we’ll get another comedy this good for quite some time. So do yourself a favor, and rush out to the theater to see The Naked Gun.
The Naked Gun opens in theaters on August 1, 2025.
