The reboot of the slapstick comedy franchise has long been in the works. Apparently, the franchise’s original creators, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, even wrote a script back in 2018 that’s meant to be a spoof of the Bourne and Mission: Impossible franchise. This 2025 one isn’t exactly a spoof of the Bond franchise, though the poster gives a comical nod to 1983’s Octopussy. I enjoyed the original Naked Gun movie, and I’m immediately on board for this one when I saw Liam Neeson got cast as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s character.

I think it’s brilliant to tailor the story to Neeson’s particular set of skills, and the movie amusingly pokes fun at his reputation as a B-movie action star. Even Neeson’s casting is somewhat of an inside joke since people frequently mix up his name with Nielsen’s. I’ve seen my share of Neeson-in-action movies that are way too serious, so it’s nice to see the Irish actor having a wee bit of fun this time.

Neeson is delightfully funny right from the start, fully embracing his comedic skills and knack for deadpan humor. He fits into the role of a buffoonish cop like a cozy pair of pajamas, or even a schoolgirl miniskirt! It helps that he still has a boyish charm and appears 20 years younger than his actual age of 72 (at the time of filming).

Produced by Seth MacFarlane, this reboot is directed by Akiva Schaffer (who’s directed some SNL TV specials and the Brooklyn Nine-Nine series), and it pretty much keeps the goofy and absurd spirit of the original. I was already chuckling and snorting five or so minutes into the movie when they show a literal plot device, ha! The movie gave a brilliantly funny nod to the previous cast, especially when Moses Jones looks at a memorial plaque for O.J. Simpson’s character Nordberg from the previous films, then shakes his head while looking at the camera.

The coffee thing turns into a running gag, getting more absurd each time it pops up. At one point, someone even gives Frank coffee while he visits a crime scene, and again while he’s driving. Of course, it’s not a Naked Gun movie without the slapstick action, and Neeson is completely game with that. There’s an extended um, naked joke at Frank’s expense at an MMA event. Yet Neeson is also completely convincing as a brute cop who could rough up a WWE star (Cody Rhodes in a cameo as a bartender).

Pamela Anderson is perfectly cast as Beth Davenport, a femme fatale of sorts whose brother is found dead in a brutal car crash. She has a sweet chemistry with Neeson, and it seems the budding romance carries over off-screen as well. Paul Walter Hauser makes for a good screen partner for Neeson, though his character, Ed, is the straight-laced one, and he’s mostly reacting to Frank’s foolishness. The supporting cast is pretty crackin’: CCH Pounder as Frank’s Police Squad boss Davis, Danny Huston in yet another villainous role as Richard Cane, and Kevin Durand as Cane’s hapless henchman. Huston gets a chance to display his comic chops as well, though Cane’s nefarious plan is straight out of a deranged Bond villain’s playbook. As much as I like Huston, I kind of wish they’d cast Neeson’s bestie Ciarán Hinds in his role, as I’d love to see him do more comedy.

I have to admit that some of the off-color jokes laden with sexual innuendos can be rather cringeworthy (I could do without the snowman threesome, yikes!). The part where Duran’s character spies on Frank and Beth using an infra-red camera, believing they’re engaging in vulgar activities, isn’t anything new (I’m certain it’s a running gag in the Austin Powers flicks). The most hilarious moments are when Frank is totally oblivious of his surroundings, mostly when he’s behind the wheel, and then casually points fingers at everyone else for his blunders.

Schaffer co-wrote the script with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, and they fire the comedic bits on full cylinders. Props to the team as they manage to pack a bunch of hilarious gags and even a decent story (yes, there is actually a plot here) within a tight 85-minute running time. Of course, the plot in question is less important than the raucous gags and silly one-liners, and the writers are well aware of that.

The Naked Gun is deliberately outlandish and over the top—it’s a droll crowd-pleaser and the kind of fun escape we could all use more of. Watch for a perfectly-timed cameo towards the end that got a rousing reaction from the audience. It was a fun time at the movies, and I wouldn’t even mind seeing it again once it’s out on streaming. Maybe Neeson will trade in the action-packed franchise for more comedy down the line? Here’s hoping!

What are your thoughts on this movie and/or The Naked Gun franchise?