Paramount is reviving the beloved comedy franchise The Naked Gun, with Liam Neeson stepping into the shoes of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the offspring of the iconic Frank Drebin played by Leslie Nielsen. Joining him in this humorous escapade is the one and only Pamela Anderson. As the fourth entry in the series—three decades since the last flick in 1994—this film is helmed by Akiva Schaffer, collaborating with Dan Gregor and Doug Maud on the script. Schaffer, part of the comedy group The Lonely Island, mirrors the creative spirit of the original film team: David, Jerry Zucker, and Jim Abrahams. The saga kicked off with The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! in 1988, followed by the sequel in 1991, The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear.
In addition to Neeson and Anderson, the new film features a solid cast, including Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston.
As reviews roll in, Schaffer’s creation has been awarded a commendable 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78 on Metacritic as of Wednesday. Fans will finally get to see it in theaters this Friday.
Here’s a sneak peek at what critics are saying about the film:
The Hollywood Reporter’s film critic David Rooney returns the praise, highlighting Neeson’s unexpectedly impressive comedic chops. He notes how Neeson, historically known for his dramatic roles, manages to balance seriousness with humor as Frank Jr. goes after criminals. Critics say he and Anderson share a great chemistry, making their onscreen dynamic fun. However, Rooney admits that while there are laughs to be found, he wished the film showcased a bit more consistency and assurance in its comedic pacing. The review acknowledges moments of both clever and controversial humor reminiscent of the original Naked Gun, contributing to its nostalgic charm.
Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson praises the reboot by expressing how certain jokes pay homage to the original film, considering it a triumph that honors its predecessor. Lawson notes, “Although the original is still king, this revival makes a commendable effort to channel that comedy spirit.” He appreciates Schaffer’s vision but advises that there were stumbles along the way as the new generation transitions comedic styles after a prolonged break.
On the topic of reboots, Associated Press’s Jake Coyle observes, “While Neeson has a passionate drive for the role, it doesn’t fully resonate with his spirit.” Coyle suggests that the film serves as a gentle nudge to revisit the classic.
Vulture and New York Magazine’s Bilge Ebiri comments that albeit building toward a grand finale, the film doesn’t quite catch the same thrill as the original. Despite this, the film s ds in staying true to the essence of earlier installments.
Meanwhile, Rolling Stone’s David Fear offers a critical view, suggesting that a comedy, much like a marathon, requires balance, and the frenetic pace set in the initial portion struggles to sustain itself through the entire runtime.
And finally, Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian bluntly admits, “There’s no compelling reason for this reboot beyond wanting to entertain—it’s fun, light, and fade-worthy.”
TheNew York Post s Johnny Oleksinski dubs it “the year’s biggest comedic surprise,” celebrating the film’s array of nonstop jokes that range from silly to absolutely absurd.
