The latest addition to the Naked Gun franchise, released in 2025, stars Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., marking the actor’s first full-length comedy role. This installment carries forward the franchise’s signature style of slapstick and visual humor set against a parody of police procedurals, with Neeson’s comedic performance serving as the film‘s central appeal. Although the movie stays true to the original tone of the series, it struggles with repetitive jokes and lacks a clear new direction within the franchise’s legacy.
Plot Overview and Franchise Continuity
The story follows Drebin Jr. as he investigates the supposed murder of a man named Davenport at the request of his sister, Beth Davenport, played by Pamela Anderson. True to the franchise’s tradition, serious detective work is absent; instead, the humor arises from Drebin’s clumsy approach to the case. He botches clues yet accidentally manages to solve the mystery. The narrative draws heavily from the original 1988 film’s style, using silly gags and visual jokes, though this adherence leads to a feeling of stagnation rather than innovation.
Standout Performances Amplify Humor
Liam Neeson impresses with his deadpan delivery and enthusiastic physical comedy, bringing freshness to the role of Frank Drebin Jr. His chemistry with Pamela Anderson, particularly in scenes filled with sexual innuendos and playful banter, adds notable humor. For instance, one scene involving Anderson’s character cleaning Drebin’s microwave with a stick, observed by Kevin Durand’s character through binoculars, stands out for its comedic timing and adult humor. Another memorable moment features Drebin fighting a minor character in the background while Anderson’s character attempts to engage the villain in conversation, showcasing the franchise’s hallmark use of visual non-sequiturs.
Challenges with Script and Plot Devices
The film’s villain, Richard Cane, portrayed by Danny Huston, is an exaggerated, Bond-style antagonist whose over-the-top performance fits the comedic tone. However, the storyline’s reliance on a mind control device to cause chaos is a rehash of the original movie’s plot. In a time when technology, especially AI, is vastly more advanced, the film misses an opportunity to refresh this element. This is underscored by the villain’s device being explicitly named the “P.L.O.T. Device,” which appears to acknowledge the lack of originality in the premise.
The Comedy’s Reliance on Familiar Gags Diminishes Impact
Much of the film’s humor comes from visual gags and slapstick routines that defined the franchise, but the repetition of these elements leads to diminishing returns as the movie progresses. While many jokes land successfully at first, the film loses momentum toward the end, suffering from an unclear purpose. The attempt to frame the film as a legacy sequel is weakly supported, with only one significant visual gag tying it to previous entries in the series.
The Significance of Neeson’s Role and What Lies Ahead
Liam Neeson’s spirited debut in comedy demonstrates his range and helps carry the film through its weaker moments. His portrayal of Frank Drebin Jr. offers a new face for the franchise that may appeal to both new audiences and longtime fans. Nevertheless, the film’s dependence on recycled jokes may limit its broader appeal and longevity. For the Naked Gun series to remain relevant, future installments will likely need to innovate both plot and comedic approach while preserving the quirkiness that fans expect.
