In 2022, during a Zoom interview about his action film Memory, Liam Neeson revealed his ambitions to explore comedy with a new Naked Gun movie, produced by Seth MacFarlane. Now, three years later, The Naked Gun sequel is finally here, blending absurd humor with Neeson’s trademark deadpan style, creating a comedy that honors the original series while standing on its own as one of the funniest films in recent memory.
A Fresh Take on Classic Police Squad Humor
The film starts with what appears to be an ordinary bank heist, but quickly abandons any pretense of realism. A young girl with a lollipop removes her mask to reveal Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., played by Neeson, the son of the iconic character from the original movies. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, who co-wrote the script with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, the movie immediately sets a wildly exaggerated tone, favoring slapstick and self-aware wit over traditional storytelling. Its overt goofiness and playful disregard for logic become its defining traits.
Neeson Shines in a Role Tailored for His Unique Style
Much like Leslie Nielsen’s portrayal in the original Police Squad films, the movie includes moments of intentionally clumsy and ridiculous physical comedy, such as substituting obvious dummies for real actors. This serves as a loving tribute while allowing Neeson to display his comedic range, delivering some of his most absurd and entertaining performances yet. From his rise as an action star starting with Taken in 2008 to his recent struggles with several less successful action movies, Neeson’s turn here feels like a reinvention, reaffirming his talents beyond the action genre.
Producer Seth MacFarlane’s Strategic Casting Choice
Having collaborated with Neeson on A Million Ways to Die in the West, Family Guy, and Ted 2, Seth MacFarlane understands how to harness Neeson’s deadpan delivery for comedy. A memorable scene in Ted 2, where Neeson intensely shops for cereal under absurdly high stakes, showcased his ability to turn serious intensity into humor. In The Naked Gun, Neeson’s unchanged serious demeanor amid ridiculous situations becomes the core of the film’s comedy, proving that his understated, menacing voice only amplifies the laughs.
Neeson’s Surprise Appearance and On-Screen Chemistry
At a screening, Neeson made a surprise visit, promising the audience a movie without zombies, superheroes, or Pedro Pascal, and leaned in with his signature growl saying,
“You’d better laugh,”
—Liam Neeson, Actor acknowledging the film’s humor demands. His low-key performance, coupled with impeccable timing, anchors the movie’s wildly inventive jokes. The script never relies solely on nostalgia, instead building fresh humor that both honors and expands on The Naked Gun’s style.
Supporting Cast Brings Depth and Humor
Neeson’s live-action comedic cop character echoes his voice role from The LEGO Movie, portraying Frank Drebin Jr. as endearingly oblivious to the chaos around him. Pamela Anderson, who has recently shifted toward more humorous roles following dramatic work in The Last Showgirl, shines alongside Neeson both on-screen and off, as their work on this film has blossomed into a real-life romance. Their characters’ romantic montage is a highlight of the movie’s humor and charm.
Paul Walter Hauser, fresh off comedic success in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, joins as Captain Ed Hocken Jr. and delivers several laughs. Danny Huston, known for serious villain roles, embraces a ridiculous caricature here, adding to the film’s playful tone. The camaraderie among the cast clearly made filming enjoyable, contributing to the film’s infectious energy.
The Story Embraces Comedy over Complexity
The plot itself is reminiscent of spy thriller devices, sharing similarities with Kingsman: The Secret Service’s narrative tools. While the stakes verge on world-ending, the movie prioritizes nonstop gags instead of a tightly woven story. Unlike recent comedy sequels such as Happy Gilmore 2, which faltered by leaning too heavily on cameos and callbacks, The Naked Gun keeps its pace brisk at approximately 85 minutes. Most jokes are original, even if some familiar elements and clever nods to the original films remain.
Smart References and Musical Homages Enhance the Fun
The film contains subtle easter eggs meant to reward attentive viewers, including a rapid cameo that passed unnoticed by some audiences and a deeper reference to Mission: Impossible – Fallout. This latter scene layers humor with a wink to Lorne Balfe, who composed scores for both Fallout and The Naked Gun, playfully incorporating his own music in a self-aware musical tribute. These intricate touches add additional comedic depth and encourage repeat viewings.
A Comedy Sequel that Lives Up to Its Legacy
The Naked Gun marks a triumphant comedic return, blending legacy material with fresh humor and energized performances. It skillfully balances respect for its source material with its own invented gags, delivering a movie best enjoyed with a casual snack and plenty of laughter. This sequel not only satisfies longtime fans but also introduces the franchise’s absurd charm to new audiences, promising to secure its place among the best comedy sequels in recent years.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Enjoyment
Reflecting its success, the film received a score of 8 out of 10 from ComingSoon, a rating that indicates the film is great and achieves its artistic goals effectively while leaving a lasting impression. Minor flaws aside, The Naked Gun’s ability to merge intense absurdity with precise comedic timing confirms it as a standout in today’s comedy landscape.
