I grew up watching Police Squad! and then later the Naked Gun movies, and for me, Leslie Nielsen was always the standout. His deadpan delivery and absolute commitment to absurdity were iconic. The Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker team brought us something completely fresh at the time—a pitch-perfect parody of cop dramas that never took itself seriously and yet managed to land laugh after laugh. Those movies became comedy classics for a reason, and they still make me laugh out loud today.
So, when news broke about a new Naked Gun movie—a legacy sequel of sorts—with Liam Neeson stepping into the shoes of Frank Drebin’s son, I was sceptical. Would it hold up without Nielsen or the original creators directly involved? Could it recapture the same irreverent spirit that made the originals so memorable?
To my surprise and delight, the answer is yes. The new Naked Gun works. It’s sharper and more polished in terms of production values, but it still retains the same chaotic, gag-a-minute energy that fans know and love. Neeson, playing the straight-faced son of Frank Drebin, nails the deadpan delivery that’s essential to making this kind of humour work. He doesn’t try to copy Nielsen—he makes the role his own while honouring the style.
Pamela Anderson is also a major highlight. She plays her part with such over-the-top earnestness that she fits perfectly into this wacky universe. Together, Neeson and Anderson steal nearly every scene, anchoring the comedy with unexpected chemistry and an unwavering commitment to the bit.
The film doesn’t shy away from ridiculousness—expect groan-worthy one-liners, visual gags, and self-aware moments like characters calling out a “blatant plot device.” But that’s the beauty of it. The comedy is broad but smart in its stupidity, just like the originals. During my screening, the audience was laughing throughout, which is rare these days.
Longtime fans will appreciate the callbacks and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout—references to Police Squad! and the earlier films are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be caught by sharp-eyed viewers.
This type of comedy won’t be for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s unapologetically goofy, proudly lowbrow, and refreshingly fun. If you need a hearty laugh and some old-school parody magic, this 1 hour and 25 minutes will do the trick.
Oh, and make sure you stay for the end credits scene—you won’t regret it.
A Hilariously Worthy Return That Has Plenty of Laughs
Movie title: The Naked Gun (2025)
Movie description: Only one man has the particular set of skills - to lead Police Squad and save the world.
Date published: August 4, 2025
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 25m
Director(s): Akiva Schaffer
Actor(s): Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston
Genre: Parody, Slapstick, Comedy
Summary
The Naked Gun is back—and surprisingly hilarious! Liam Neeson delivers deadpan gold as Frank Drebin’s son in a legacy sequel that works: classic gags, great cameos, and nonstop laughs. Don’t miss the end credits scene!
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
