The Naked Gun (2025) Review: Liam Neeson Revives Slapstick Gold with Deadpan Brilliance

When was the last time you saw a big Hollywood comedy that had you laughing out loud without relying on crude shock humor or endless pop culture references? The Naked Gun (2025) is here to change that. Directed with an eye for timing and wit, this reboot channels the spirit of the late Leslie Nielsen’s legendary Frank Drebin while finding its own rhythm in today’s cinema landscape.

Liam Neeson steps into an unexpectedly comedic role as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the original bumbling detective. The premise is simple but perfectly suited for slapstick: crime, chaos, and a detective who somehow solves everything by mistake. Yet the execution is what makes this film special.

Plot – Familiar Yet Fresh

The film opens with Drebin Jr. returning to active duty after years away from the force. A suspicious political scandal, a stolen diamond, and a dangerous international criminal are all connected in the most absurd way possible. Along the way, Drebin Jr. is joined by his loyal but equally clueless partner, played brilliantly by Paul Walter Hauser, and a charming yet mysterious character portrayed by Pamela Anderson.

The story takes wild turns, including disguises gone wrong, chase scenes that spiral into ridiculousness, and physical comedy that recalls the golden age of Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker humor. Every scene feels like it could collapse into chaos at any moment, but that’s the fun of it — and somehow, the plot still holds together.

Performances – Neeson Steals the Show

Let’s be honest: when the casting news first dropped, many people thought Liam Neeson was an odd choice for Frank Drebin’s son. Known for action films and intense thrillers, could he pull off goofy, deadpan humor? The answer is a resounding yes.

Neeson plays Drebin Jr. completely straight, which is exactly what makes the comedy work. His ability to keep a serious face while absurd things happen around him recalls Leslie Nielsen’s style in the original films. The rest of the cast matches his energy — Paul Walter Hauser brings lovable goofiness, Pamela Anderson nails her comedic timing, and the supporting actors throw themselves into the madness.

Comedy Style – Slapstick With a Modern Touch

The Naked Gun (2025) doesn’t try to be edgy or overly self-aware. Instead, it leans into classic physical humor, misunderstandings, wordplay, and visual gags. There’s a brilliant airport scene involving mistaken luggage that had the whole theater laughing, and a car chase sequence that turns into an unintentional parade float competition.

What’s refreshing is that the humor is family-friendly enough for older kids yet sharp enough for adults who loved the originals. This is the kind of comedy you can watch with your parents, your friends, or even on a date without anyone feeling uncomfortable.

Direction and Pacing – No Joke Wasted

The film moves at a brisk pace, never letting a gag overstay its welcome. The director clearly understands that the magic of slapstick lies in timing. Scenes build up to big payoffs, and even the background details hide little Easter eggs for fans of the franchise.

Cinematography plays a subtle but important role here — camera angles and edits often set up jokes before the actors even deliver the punchline. The soundtrack complements the action without being distracting, using music cues to enhance the absurdity of certain moments.

Respect for the Original – Without Copying It

One of the biggest challenges with reboots is balancing nostalgia with originality. The Naked Gun (2025) respects the original trilogy but doesn’t simply recycle old jokes. Sure, there are nods for longtime fans, like a reference to the legendary baseball stadium scene, but the humor feels fresh.

The writers understood that today’s audience needs comedy that works in both quick bursts and sustained sequences. They didn’t just modernize the setting — they modernized the rhythm of the jokes while keeping the heart of what made The Naked Gun so beloved.

Audience Reaction – Laughter From Start to Finish

Seeing this in a packed theater was a reminder of why communal movie-watching is so magical. People were laughing from the opening scene to the closing credits. In a time when comedies often underperform at the box office, it’s a joy to see audiences embracing a film that’s unapologetically silly.

The film has already performed well financially, proving there’s still a big audience for physical comedy. Word of mouth has been strong, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this reboot becomes the start of a new trilogy.

Why This Film Matters – Comedy in 2025

Comedy has been in a strange place over the past decade, with many studios hesitant to greenlight big-budget comedies. The Naked Gun (2025) shows that when you have a committed cast, sharp writing, and the courage to embrace absurdity, audiences will show up.

This film also bridges generations — older viewers get to enjoy a revival of a classic, while younger viewers discover the style of humor that made the original so iconic.

Final Verdict – A Must-See for Comedy Fans

The Naked Gun (2025) is more than just a nostalgic reboot. It’s proof that slapstick and smart stupidity still have a place in modern cinema. Liam Neeson’s comedic turn is a revelation, the supporting cast shines, and the jokes land more often than not.

If you’ve been missing comedies that deliver laugh after laugh without resorting to mean-spirited humor, this is the movie to see. It’s the kind of film you’ll want to watch again just to catch the jokes you missed the first time.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)