The Naked Gun (2025)
The Naked Gun (2025) – A Riotous Return to Absurdity and Laughs
 |
| Theaterical Release Poster |
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Writers: Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, David Zucker (original series)
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Hader
Genre: Action / Comedy / Parody
Runtime: 112 minutes
Language: English
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Lonely Island Classics
Synopsis
Frank Drebin is back—but not exactly. In this reimagining of the classic Naked Gun franchise, Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., the equally clueless son of the legendary police detective. When a plot to steal a top-secret AI-powered weapon unfolds in the heart of Los Angeles, Drebin Jr. finds himself caught in a whirlwind of missteps, explosions, and miscommunications. The result? A hilarious, action-packed ride that never takes itself seriously—and that’s the point.
A Legacy of Laughter: Background & Inspiration
The original Naked Gun (1988) starred Leslie Nielsen and became a cultural icon for slapstick comedy. With sight gags, wordplay, and completely ludicrous setups, it inspired an entire genre of parodies. The 2025 revival pays homage while updating the humor for a new generation. The writing team includes members of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and SNL, blending nostalgia with modern absurdity.
Liam Neeson was a controversial but surprisingly effective choice. Originally approached as a joke, his deadpan delivery became a perfect match for the Drebin character. According to the producers, Neeson said yes after reading only five pages of the script.
Performances That Bring the Madness
Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. – He delivers comedy with the same gravitas he brought to Taken. His sheer seriousness in ridiculous situations turns every scene into comic gold.
Pamela Anderson as Mayor Vicki Velvet – A politically incorrect, no-nonsense city leader who secretly writes erotic novels. Her deadpan delivery and surprising emotional beats add layers to the madness.
Kevin Hart as Officer Ronnie Slick – Drebin’s fast-talking partner who’s convinced he’s the brains of the operation. His chemistry with Neeson is electric, balancing chaos and wit.
Tiffany Haddish as Agent Blaze Monroe – A hard-hitting, rule-breaking FBI agent who’s always one step ahead… or behind. Her comic timing shines.
Bill Hader as villain Dr. Max Dread – A disgraced neuroscientist turned villain with a flair for Shakespearean drama. His monologues are deliberately overwritten and over-acted, to hilarious effect.
Direction, Style, and Pacing
Akiva Schaffer brings his Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping sensibilities to the franchise. The movie moves quickly, barely giving viewers time to process one joke before the next one hits. Whether it’s a banana peel gag or a perfectly timed double entendre, the film throws everything at the wall—and most of it sticks.
The set design, props, and visual jokes are straight from the Zucker playbook. From exploding cupcakes to sentient urinals, the film is crammed with visual gags that reward rewatching.
Hidden Details & Easter Eggs
- O.J. Simpson’s character Nordberg is referenced via a picture in the police department that reads: “Missing in Action – Possibly in a Juice Bar.”
- Cameo overload: Weird Al Yankovic, Keanu Reeves, Tom Brady, and even an AI-generated version of Leslie Nielsen make surprise appearances.
- Famous movie references: Taken, Speed, John Wick, The Matrix, Fast & Furious, and Airplane! all get spoofed.
- TV Tropes Alive: The film leans into classic tropes like “slow-motion walk gone wrong,” “accidental ejection seat,” and “mistaken identity via toupee.”
Deleted Scenes
- Kevin Hart’s interpretive dance: Originally meant to be a distraction during a heist, his character breaks into a full ballet. Cut for time.
- AI Gone Wild: A scene where the AI weapon tries to become a social media influencer was removed after it tested as “too plausible.”
- Neeson’s ‘Taken’ Phone Call: Drebin tries to mimic his dad’s iconic line—"I will find you…"—only to be hung up on.
On-Set Shenanigans: Funny Moments Behind the Scenes
- Liam Neeson reportedly could not keep a straight face during scenes with Hart, breaking character over 20 times in one day.
- Pamela Anderson pranked everyone by filling Neeson’s trailer with inflatable dolphins.
- Kevin Hart rewrote half of his lines on the spot, leading the crew to coin the term “Hart Attack” for his impromptu jokes.
Themes Beneath the Goofiness
While The Naked Gun (2025) is primarily a comedy, it touches on:
- Technology vs. Humanity: The AI weapon symbolizes society’s fear of intelligence replacing instinct.
- Incompetence in Power: Drebin Jr. is surrounded by equally clueless officials, reflecting a satirical take on bureaucracy.
- Nostalgia & Evolution: The film honors its roots while acknowledging today’s audience expects smarter comedy within dumb setups.
Music and Soundtrack
The score by Mark Mothersbaugh (The LEGO Movie) infuses energy and nostalgia, mixing orchestral bombast with synth beats. Featured songs include:
- “I Will Survive” (performed during a slow-mo foot chase)
- “Eye of the Tiger” (karaoke version by Kevin Hart)
- “Let’s Get It On” (played during a misunderstanding involving massage chairs)
Cinematography and Effects
Despite being a comedy, the film doesn’t skimp on action. The car chases are outrageous yet well-crafted. Explosions happen unexpectedly—and sometimes unnecessarily.
- Choreographed chaos: The final fight in a museum of glass sculptures becomes a ballet of destruction.
- Innovative camera tricks: One scene is shot entirely from the perspective of a dog wearing a GoPro.
Audience Reactions and Critical Reception
The Naked Gun (2025) received a standing ovation at its SXSW premiere. Critics praised the film’s fearless commitment to idiocy.
"Liam Neeson has never been funnier. A masterclass in parody." – Rolling Stone
"Anarchic brilliance. Zucker would be proud." – Variety
"This is the dumbest smart movie of the year—and I loved every second of it." – IGN
Audience reactions were equally enthusiastic:
- “I laughed so hard I cried.”
- “Can’t believe Liam Neeson did that in a tutu!”
- “This is the reboot we didn’t know we needed.”
Awards and Recognition
- SXSW 2025: Best Ensemble Comedy Cast
- MTV Movie Awards (2025): Best On-Screen Duo (Neeson & Hart)
- Golden Globes 2026 Nominee: Best Actor in a Comedy (Liam Neeson)
- Critics Choice Award Nominee: Best Comedy Screenplay
Final Verdict
The Naked Gun (2025) does what few reboots manage to do—it honors its source material without being beholden to it. Liam Neeson leads a cast that fully embraces the madness. Every scene is designed to get a laugh, whether through sight, sound, or sheer absurdity.
If you're looking for two hours of smartly stupid comedy that wears its idiocy like a badge of honor, this is your film. It's the kind of movie you watch once to laugh, and again to catch the 50 jokes you missed the first time.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
This is comedy gold, rebooted, repackaged, and ready to wreak havoc.
Comments
Post a Comment