The Naked Gun: 5 Strengths and 5 Weaknesses of the Reboot

The Naked Gun is an American film that premiered on August 14, 2025. It is a reboot of the comedy franchise that was a hit during the 1980s and 1990s, originally starring Leslie Nielsen.

This new version aims to preserve the slapstick humor of the originals while introducing a fresh story and a new protagonist. The film follows Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the legendary detective Frank Drebin, as he follows in his father’s footsteps to lead the Police Squad and save the world.

Directed by Akiva Schaffer, written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, and starring Liam Neeson (Frank Drebin Jr.), Pamela Anderson (Beth Davenport), Paul Walter Hauser (Ed Hocken Jr.), and Danny Huston (Richard Cane).

The reboot has generated plenty of discussion among critics and fans, with both highlights and shortcomings worth noting.

Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr.

Casting Liam Neeson, best known for his serious action roles, as the heir to Frank Drebin was one of the film’s smartest choices. Neeson throws himself into physical comedy and absurd humor, showing impressive versatility and delivering some of the movie’s biggest laughs.

His performance, set against his action-hero reputation, adds an extra layer of humor. His deadpan seriousness turns absurd scenarios into unexpected comedic gold.

A True Homage to the Original Franchise

The film captures the essence of slapstick and visual gags that defined the original trilogy with Leslie Nielsen. Instead of trying to reinvent itself as a modern parody, it continues the same comedic style, which appeals strongly to longtime fans. That fidelity to the formula is what makes it work.

It embraces the original’s comic language: abrupt scene transitions, background gags, and characters treating absurd situations with total seriousness. By preserving this timeless style rather than chasing modern clichés, the movie feels like a genuine tribute to the originals.

Pamela Anderson’s Role

Her chemistry with Liam Neeson is excellent. She plays the femme fatale, providing a sharp contrast to the protagonist’s chaos and generating genuine humor. Anderson commits fully to the comedy, whether in physical bits or subtle jokes.

Her character nods to Jane Spencer, originally played by Priscilla Presley, but Anderson brings her own eccentric flair, making the role unique and memorable. The pairing elevates the film, with their contrasting styles creating constant laughs. She is not just a side character but a true comedic partner who understands the tone and thrives in the madness.

Action With a Comedic Twist

The movie balances comedy with over-the-top action. Car chases and fight scenes are choreographed with exaggerated humor, becoming some of the film’s highlights.

The car chases are packed with impossible stunts and gratuitous destruction, but what makes them funny is the stone-faced reactions of the characters and the impeccable timing. The fights, meanwhile, are so absurdly choreographed they look more like awkward dances than real combat. The film parodies action clichés while pulling them off with precision.

A Strong Supporting Cast

Beyond Neeson, the supporting cast adds plenty of energy to the story. Pamela Anderson shines, while the rest of the cast delivers solid performances that keep the comedy on pace.

Paul Walter Hauser brings his comedic talent to the bumbling sidekick Ed Hocken Jr., while special appearances, like wrestling star Cody Rhodes, add extra layers of humor and self-awareness that make the film even more entertaining.

A Script Lacking Originality

Although it is a reboot, the script does not take many risks or introduce much that feels new. It follows the familiar “next generation of the original” formula, which can make the story feel predictable to those who know the franchise.

The movie leans heavily on nostalgia, frequently referencing and paying tribute to the Nielsen trilogy. While this is enjoyable for longtime fans, new viewers unfamiliar with the originals may find many of the jokes and references meaningless.

An Underwhelming Villain

The antagonist, Richard Cane, lacks the charisma and presence of the villains from the original trilogy. He mainly serves as a plot device but has little comedic impact and almost no depth.

His role is simply to give Neeson something to investigate and ridicule, but he rarely engages in the comedy itself. He feels more like an obstacle than a true comedic foil. The movie focuses on absurd scenarios for the protagonist rather than building a dynamic rivalry.

Jokes That Fall Flat

Not every gag lands. Some feel forced or outdated, which disrupts the film’s rhythm. The movie tries to replicate 1980s humor, but that style may not resonate with modern audiences, who are more accustomed to irony and social satire.

Slapstick moves quickly, and when a joke fails, it fails outright. The result is a mix of hilarious moments and others that miss the mark, which may frustrate younger audiences seeking more consistent humor.

Uneven Pacing

The pacing is inconsistent. Some visual gags and quick exchanges work brilliantly, but other sections drag, hurting the overall flow.

The film falters when it slows down to build its plot. Certain scenes and action sequences, which should only bridge the jokes, run too long. The attempt to inject a layer of seriousness slows the comedy and interrupts its rhythm.

An Overload of References

At times, the movie overindulges in nods to the originals. While meant as homage, the excess comes across more as fan service than genuine comedy.

It is clear the filmmakers wanted to satisfy longtime fans, but some references—such as certain cameos—feel more like forced nostalgia triggers than genuine jokes.

One clever homage is the reimagining of the iconic “table scene,” but other callbacks add little beyond a wink to the audience.

The Naked Gun 2025 is a fun, nostalgic comedy. The film succeeds with the casting of Liam Neeson, who fully commits to comedy, and Pamela Anderson, whose chemistry with him is a highlight.

Despite its flaws, the movie delivers on its main goal: an irreverent, laugh-out-loud comedy that entertains, especially for fans of absurd humor.

While not groundbreaking, it is a faithful successor. It honors the classic trilogy with clever references and a style that preserves the franchise’s essence. Until next time!