The Naked Gun 2025 Review – Liam Neeson’s Comic Triumph

The Naked Gun franchise has long been a beloved staple of comedy cinema, with its signature blend of slapstick humor and absurdist plotlines. When news broke that a new installment, titled “The Naked Gun,” was in the works, fans were understandably both excited and apprehensive. Could a new actor truly capture the magic of the iconic Leslie Nielsen as the hapless Detective Frank Drebin?

In a surprising and delightful turn of events, the film not only meets but exceeds expectations, thanks in large part to the inspired casting of Liam Neeson in the lead role. Neeson’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and self-aware subversion of his typical action hero persona.

Embracing the Absurd: Liam Neeson’s Comedic Transformation

Liam Neeson is no stranger to action-oriented roles, having carved out a successful niche as a brooding, no-nonsense leading man in films like the Taken franchise. However, Neeson’s filmography has often been criticized for its repetitive nature, with the actor seemingly stuck in a comfort zone of playing variations on the same character.

In The Naked Gun (2025), Neeson embraces the chaos and absurdity of the role, fully committing to the slapstick antics and over-the-top delivery that made the original series so beloved. As the hapless Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the legendary detective, Neeson showcases a level of comedic chops that many may not have expected from the typically serious actor.

Neeson’s performance is a “great surprise,” as he “demonstrates this self-awareness of what he is doing in action, of how contemporary action cinema is, and he deconstructs it in a way that the comedy is spot-on.” The actor’s willingness to poke fun at his own action hero persona and the state of the genre as a whole is a key factor in the film’s success.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The Naked Gun (2025) is not merely a straightforward remake or reboot of the original series; it’s a carefully crafted homage that pays respect to the legacy of the franchise while also updating it for a modern audience. The film tries to take advantage of the same thing as Liam Neeson. You don’t expect to see this actor in a comedy.

The film strikes a delicate balance, blending nostalgic elements from the past with fresh, contemporary sensibilities. It seamlessly integrates nods to the original Naked Gun films, while also addressing the current state of the action and comedy genres in Hollywood. This hybrid approach allows the film to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike, creating a viewing experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

The Importance of Comedic Timing

• One of the key factors that made the original Naked Gun films so successful was the impeccable comedic timing of Leslie Nielsen.

• In the new installment, the filmmakers have recognized the importance of this element, and have worked tirelessly to ensure that the comedic beats land with the same precision and impact.

• The time for comedy is sacred. Stretching a narrative, opening up subplots, can completely ruin the immersion. The Naked Gun (2025) understands this principle and keeps the pacing tight, with a runtime of under 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• By focusing on a small cast of characters and avoiding the temptation to overcomplicate the plot, the film maintains a laser-sharp focus on the comedic set pieces and the chemistry between the actors.

Pamela Anderson’s Comedic Transformation

While Liam Neeson’s performance is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the film, the supporting cast also delivers standout work, particularly Pamela Anderson as the seductive Bet Davenport. Anderson’s character starts with a character that will shape her version of the femme fatale, and then she fully embraces the slapstick comedy.

Anderson’s willingness to embrace the absurdist nature of the material and her own screen persona is a testament to the film’s commitment to subverting expectations. By allowing the actress to play with and deconstruct the “femme fatale” archetype, the filmmakers create a character that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

The Challenges of Recapturing the Magic

As with any reboot or revival of a beloved franchise, The Naked Gun (2025) faced the daunting task of recapturing the magic that made the original series so iconic. The filmmakers had to navigate a delicate balance, honoring the legacy of the franchise while also updating it for a modern audience.

One of the key challenges, as I pointed out, it was finding the right actor to replace the legendary Leslie Nielsen. The decision to cast Liam Neeson, an actor primarily known for his dramatic and action-oriented roles, was a bold and unexpected choice. However, as the review demonstrates, Neeson’s performance not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering a comedic tour de force that pays homage to the original while also putting a fresh spin on the character.

The Future of Comedy in Cinema

The Naked Gun (2025) is not just a standalone film; it represents a larger conversation about the state of comedy in contemporary cinema. The film’s success (or lack thereof) could have a significant impact on the industry’s willingness to greenlight more comedic projects.

In recent years, the landscape of comedy in film has shifted, with many studios opting to release comedies directly to streaming platforms rather than in theaters. The Naked Gun (2025) could serve as a litmus test, demonstrating to producers and executives that there is still a viable audience for big-screen comedies when they are executed with the right blend of nostalgia, subversion, and comedic precision.

As I suggested, “a success could lead, perhaps, to other producers making more films of this type, as has been happening with romantic comedies. Some kind of frustration with international results could also make this film a localized experiment to be continued, perhaps with this contemporary tradition of seeing comedies only in streaming catalog films.”

A Triumphant Return to the World of The Naked Gun

In the end, The Naked Gun (2025) is a resounding success, a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the original series that manages to both honor its legacy and forge a new path forward. Liam Neeson’s standout performance, coupled with the film’s commitment to comedic timing and subversive storytelling, make it a must-see for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

As I stated, “Neeson’s work is excellent, and Pamela Anderson starts with a character that will shape her version of the femme fatale, and then she fully embraces slapstick comedy.” The film’s ability to balance nostalgia and innovation, while also addressing the current state of the comedy genre, is a testament to the skill and vision of the filmmakers.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan of The Naked Gun or simply in the mood for a good laugh, be sure to check out this delightful reboot.