The Naked Gun 2025

The Naked Gun (2025)

A Refreshingly Silly Return to Police Squad

★★★☆☆

Liam Neeson proves the franchise is in safe, deadpan hands.

An unabashedly, refreshingly silly affair, The Naked Gun makes a welcome return in 2025. While the film is connected in legacy only, I can report that the franchise is in safe and capable hands under Seth MacFarlane’s production team. It recaptures that specific brand of "stupid-smart" comedy that has been missing from multiplexes for far too long.

"The film, clocking in at less than 90 minutes, is not at a handicap. It's an act of mercy. It allows audiences to catch their breath between laughs, and to keep the funny bone tingling. "

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Akiva Schaffer
• Starring: Liam Neeson (Frank Drebin Jr.), Pamela Anderson
• Supporting: Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston
• Writers: Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, Akiva Schaffer

The Vision

Major kudos must go to Director Akiva Schaffer. This type of humor is notoriously difficult to pull off, yet Schaffer finds the perfect balance of visual gags, biting dialogue, and extreme situations. Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, the runtime is an act of mercy that keeps the energy high and the gag-per-minute ratio at an exhausting, delightful level.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Neeson Pivot: Neeson was initially nervous about the role, but Schaffer insisted his "deadly serious" action persona was the perfect fuel for Frank Drebin Jr.
• Pamela's Noir Roots: Pamela Anderson's character is a direct homage to the classic "femme fatale" archetypes of 1940s Film Noir.
• Lonely Island DNA: Director Akiva Schaffer brought in several Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping collaborators to sharpen the film's comedic timing.
• Classic Cameos: Hardcore fans should keep their eyes peeled for original Police Squad! bit players during the precinct background scenes.

✅ Pros

• Liam Neeson’s perfect, aloof, straight-laced take on the role.
• Rapid-fire gags that demand multiple viewings to catch everything.
• Pamela Anderson is surprisingly effective and genuinely funny.

❌ Cons

• Some modern meta-jokes lack the timeless quality of the original.
• Occasionally struggles to step out of Leslie Nielsen's shadow.

🏆 Final Verdict

A worthy successor that respects its roots while carving out its own goofy identity. Liam Neeson is the comedic hero we didn't know we needed. Shirley, you can't be serious about missing this one.

View original review on Letterboxd