The Naked Gun Review
I actually really do love the original Naked Gun movies. There’s something truly special about the original film and the Police Squad show is also rather entertaining. I had heard for many years that they were aiming to bring back the series and I was fairly hesitant on my thoughts surrounding this project as I really didn’t get why it was necessarily needed. Well, I’m quite glad everything worked out on this one as it’s just hilarious.
It’s a genuinely funny, modernized take on the original film and it just works. It’s got the silliness, the traditional comedy and it doesn’t hold back which I certainly appreciated. More often than not modernizing older pieces of work doesn’t pan out but I think they really nailed it here and understood exactly the type of movie they should be making.
Anyways, we’ve got Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) going out and stopping the bad guys. It’s only then that PLOT Device comes into play and he runs into a daring but equally intense Beth (Pamela Anderson). The two in their own but connected ways begin searching into what happened to Beth’s poor brother that met an untimely demise. They deal with advancing tech companies, the loss of Buffy programming and of course the problems surrounding a budding romance.
It certainly carries with it a modern visual look and a clean design. It fits with how movies are shot these days, but there is something more old school looking about the originals and that’s just probably due when they were made. Also, that I’m just used to those.
It doesn’t matter however as they fit in the same types of little silly jokes and random cut ins perfectly well here. Coffee flows endlessly, the cops all have parent issues and the wit transfers through. Comedies are meant to make you laugh and I haven’t found one this funny since Game Night from several years ago.
It’s damn funny, and most of the time it’s landing which I was impressed by. I found it even more funny that some bits went over the heads of folks in the theater and it took a second for some to get some bits. It’s clever in some moments, dumb in others but it just works and I loved it. Everyone knew what sort of film they were in and no one stood out awkwardly which I appreciated, Neeson and Anderson really nail their roles.
The Conclusion
The Naked Gun is hilarious, it’s witty and it fits right in with the classic movies being entirely on its own while still respecting the legacy of the series. Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson were perfect for this film and I really do think they nailed the vibe of the original core duo. The supporting cast got some nice comedic bits in and everyone fit perfectly into what this was supposed to be.
I do wish there were some more background things joke wise happening, but I may need replay viewings to see more. That was also such a special element of the old Leslie films was seeing stuff happening beyond the central focus.
Story wise it was a little light on narrative and the ending could have had more juice but those aspects don’t really matter a whole lot in this type of film. You want to laugh, feel like you had a great time and be left wanting to rewatch. It’s a warm feeling and one I haven’t had watching a new comedy since literally Game Night many years ago. They did a very good job with this movie and I want to see sequels. I do also sort of wish the movie started with the siren aspect, but am happy it was included.
The Naked Gun Review at Theather with Standard Viewing
Screening Provided by Paramount
Rating Overall: 8.6
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