The Naked Gun (2025) - Full Review
The long-awaited reboot of The Naked Gun has finally arrived in theaters, bringing back the slapstick style that made the original trilogy beloved. With Liam Neeson stepping into the shoes of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson in a standout role as Beth Davenport, the film faces the challenge of balancing homage with a modern sensibility.
At a brisk 85 minutes, it promises a tightly paced experience filled with absurd gags, sight jokes, and irreverent humor. But does it succeed in recapturing the magic of the originals?
Performances and Tone
Liam Neeson is the biggest surprise here. Known mostly for his dramatic action roles, Neeson’s deadpan delivery and serious demeanor make every ridiculous situation even funnier. Like the late Leslie Nielsen, he understands that the comedy works best when the lead plays it straight.
Pamela Anderson is equally impressive, playing Beth Davenport with sharp comedic timing and self-awareness. She brings unexpected depth to the role and shares great on-screen chemistry with Neeson. Together, they anchor the film emotionally while fully embracing the absurdity of the script.
The supporting cast leans into parody with over-the-top performances that keep the film’s energy high. While not every joke lands, the ensemble’s commitment to the material ensures a steady stream of laughs.
Comedy and Writing
The Naked Gun reboot embraces the same formula that made the originals work: rapid-fire sight gags, clever wordplay, and slapstick chaos. There are background jokes hidden in nearly every frame, rewarding viewers who pay attention.
While much of the comedy lands, the writing doesn’t always reach the sharp wit or manic energy of the original Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker films. Some jokes feel recycled, and a few scenes in the final act lose momentum. Still, for audiences craving a return to theatrical comedies, the film delivers plenty of genuinely funny moments.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Akiva Schaffer (known for The Lonely Island projects) brings a polished visual style to the reboot. Unlike the rough-around-the-edges charm of the originals, this version is visually slick and modern.
The cinematography embraces bright, clean visuals that showcase the elaborate set pieces and sight gags. Camera movements are purposeful, framing jokes for maximum impact. The reboot may lack the gritty aesthetic of the ‘80s and ‘90s comedies, but the visual clarity allows every gag to land.
Editing and Pacing
At 85 minutes, the film wastes no time. The editing keeps the momentum high, cutting quickly from one joke to the next. This fast-paced rhythm mirrors the editing style of the originals and prevents the comedy from overstaying its welcome.
The timing of sight gags and reaction shots is especially strong, a testament to the importance of editing in comedy. Even jokes that might fall flat on paper often succeed thanks to clever cuts and visual juxtapositions.
How It Connects to Today’s Video Production
For video professionals, The Naked Gun reboot serves as a masterclass in comedic framing and timing. Each gag is carefully blocked and choreographed, showing how much thought goes into what might seem like chaotic humor.
It also highlights how deadpan performances can amplify visual jokes, a lesson worth applying in commercials, branded content, and even short-form social videos. The film’s use of clean cinematography and tight editing demonstrates how style and structure can make or break comedy.
Verdict
The Naked Gun (2025) isn’t perfect, but it is a welcome return to theatrical comedy. Liam Neeson proves he can be a truly funny leading man, and Pamela Anderson delivers one of her most charismatic performances to date.
The film doesn’t fully reach the anarchic brilliance of the originals, and a few jokes feel predictable, particularly in the third act. But it delivers consistent laughs, sharp performances, and a reminder of how much we’ve missed this kind of comedy in theaters.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A consistently funny, tightly paced reboot that honors the spirit of the originals without completely reinventing the formula.
Relevance for Video Production Professionals:
The film is a great study in comedic blocking, camera framing, and editing rhythm. If you work in video production and want to see how comedic timing is built from script to final cut, The Naked Gun is worth a trip to the theater.
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