Why The Naked Gun (2025) Might Be the Funniest Movie of the Year
Move over, slapstick amateurs, because The Naked Gun reboot (2025) has thrown its hat back in the ring. Yes, we’re talking about the long-awaited revival of one of cinema’s most hilariously absurd franchises. After a three-decade hiatus, the Drebin family legacy continues—but this time, with Liam Neeson hilariously stepping into the shoes (and deadpan humor) of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., and Pamela Anderson stealing scenes as the femme fatale who just wants to solve her brother’s murder. It’s outrageously funny, ridiculous in all the best ways, and absolutely worth the wait.
What The Naked Gun (2025) Gets Right
First things first, let’s talk about the humor. Did it stick the landing? Well, only if sticking the landing means making you laugh so hard that you’re gasping for air. Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island) directs this pure gag fest with precision, pulling off the kind of comedy that’s been sorely missing in theaters lately. It’s unapologetically goofy, with a joke-per-minute ratio that feels like a callback to the franchise’s heyday. At times, you barely have enough time to recover from one bit before being barreled over by the next one. Forget subtlety; this is a comedy that knows exactly what it is and leans all the way in.
And then there’s Liam Neeson. Known for his grizzled, action-hero persona, Neeson hilariously weaponizes his dry sense of humor, creating a deadpan version of Frank Drebin Jr. that somehow both parodies his Taken toughness and feels like a loving tribute to Leslie Nielsen (RIP, comedic legend). Watching Neeson perfectly deliver some of the dumbest lines with the utmost seriousness is comedy gold.
Pamela Anderson, on the other hand, brings exactly the kind of energy you’d expect from a femme fatale in The Naked Gun universe. Sultry, silly, and completely all-in, she subverts the classic archetype while gamely participating in absurd setups. Add an unexpected emotional drive (solving her brother’s murder) and you’ve got a character who feels oddly layered in a movie that’s otherwise focused on how many times it can make you laugh before the credits roll.
Cameos Galore and That Sweet Nostalgia Hit
Okay, can we talk about the cameos? This movie doesn’t shy away from pulling in surprises. Priscilla Presley is back as Jane, now the mother of Frank Jr., and it’s a delight to see her deadpan magic once again. “Weird Al” Yankovic makes another quirky appearance that only he could pull off, and yes, Leslie Nielsen himself even makes a tasteful and brilliant cameo that ties the entire franchise together in a way that’ll hit longtime fans right in the feels. Trust me, you’ll want to stay through the credits for this one.
Oh, and if you thought the original Naked Gun (1988) gags were outrageous, this reboot unequivocally doubles down. From call-backs to the first film (cue the bumbling police procedural parody) to fresh modern takes, it captures the charm of the originals while keeping things relevant. For anyone itching for a nostalgia-laden laugh-fest, this movie might just be your holy grail.
How Does It Compare to the Originals?
Look, no one’s saying it’s easy to follow up on what Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker accomplished back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Those films shaped what we think of as parody films today. And yet, The Naked Gun (2025) somehow manages to feel both faithful and fresh. While the tone and humor pay homage to its predecessors, this sequel takes bold creative risks, incorporating biting modern humor while never feeling like it’s trying too hard to be “current.”
Some jokes may not land with every audience member, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. The franchise has always been about throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. Sure, not every gag is a slam dunk, but enough of them are laugh-out-loud funny that you won’t care about the misfires.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. If you’re a fan of old-school spoof comedies or you just need a break from self-serious blockbusters, The Naked Gun (2025) is the laugh-out-loud comedy we’ve been waiting for. Between Liam Neeson proving he’s got incredible comedic chops, Pamela Anderson’s scene-stealing brilliance, and enough absurd cameos to keep you guessing, it delivers on every front.
It’s not just a revival; it’s a love letter to the franchise that hits the same goofy, irreverent notes that made the originals timeless. And yes, Leslie Nielsen would absolutely be proud.
Go see it in theaters when it releases on August 1, and don’t forget to stay through the credits. Trust me, you’ll leave with sore cheeks and a whole lot of nostalgia.
