The Naked Gun 2025 brings back the slapstick chaos we loved, but does it hit the bullseye or miss the mark? After decades without Frank Drebin, this reboot attempts to capture the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker magic with a new lead and modern sensibilities. The big question remains: can anyone fill Leslie Nielsen's shoes?

Basic Film Information

• Movie Title: The Naked Gun 2025
• Director: Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping)
• Key Cast: Liam Neeson (Frank Drebin Jr.), Pamela Anderson (Jane Drebin), Paul Walter Hauser (Ed Hocken), plus cameos from original cast members
• Genre: Comedy, Crime, Spoof
• Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
• Release Date: July 18, 2025
• Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual material, partial nudity, language and some violence

Liam Neeson takes on the unexpected comedic role as Detective Frank Drebin Jr., bringing his particular set of skills to the world of absurd police work. The film tries to balance nostalgic callbacks with fresh jokes, creating a mixed bag of genuine laughs and forced humor that will divide fans and newcomers alike.

Story Overview: The Setup Without Spoilers

The film introduces us to Frank Drebin Jr., son of the legendary police lieutenant, who's trying to step out of his father's shadow while working as a serious, no-nonsense detective. The central problem he faces is living up to an impossible legacy while dealing with a police force that expects him to be as bumbling as his father.

When a mysterious criminal mastermind begins targeting city officials with increasingly absurd assassination attempts, Drebin Jr. finds himself reluctantly paired with Ed Hocken's son, creating an unlikely duo that must stop the plot before the mayor becomes the next victim. The twist? The criminal's methods are so ridiculous that only someone who thinks in equally absurd ways can solve the case.

The initial conflict revolves around Drebin Jr.'s struggle to embrace his inherited talent for chaotic problem-solving while maintaining his professional dignity. His straight-laced approach consistently backfires, forcing him to gradually accept that sometimes, the dumbest solution might be the right one.

Personal Analysis and Feelings

Overall Enjoyment: A Mixed Bag of Laughs

I wanted to love this movie more than I actually did. As a huge fan of the original trilogy, I went in with cautious optimism. The film has moments of genuine hilarity that capture the spirit of the classics, but it also suffers from trying too hard to please both old fans and new audiences. The 1 hour 58 minute runtime feels excessive for a comedy, with some jokes overstaying their welcome.

The biggest challenge the film faces is the inevitable comparison to Leslie Nielsen's iconic performance. While Liam Neeson brings his own charm, the ghost of Nielsen looms large over every scene. The film works best when it stops trying to replicate the original and finds its own voice in the second half.

Highlights and Standout Elements

Liam Neeson's surprising comedic timing proves to be the film's strongest asset. His deadpan delivery of absurd lines works better than expected, particularly when he's allowed to channel his action-hero persona into ridiculous situations. The contrast between his typical tough-guy image and the silly material creates some memorable moments.

The visual gags and background jokes maintain the Zucker-style comedy that made the original so rewatchable. Sharp-eyed viewers will catch multiple jokes happening simultaneously in the frame, encouraging repeated viewings. The production design team clearly understood the assignment, creating a world where anything can happen.

Pamela Anderson's return as Jane Drebin provides some heartfelt moments that connect the new film to the original universe. Her chemistry with Neeson feels genuine, and she serves as an important bridge between the two eras of Naked Gun humor.

The third-act set pieces recapture the chaotic energy of the classics, with a spectacularly absurd sequence at a political rally that features the film's best physical comedy. When the movie stops worrying about legacy and just embraces the madness, it truly shines.

Weaknesses and Concerns

The film struggles to find its identity in the first act, awkwardly balancing nostalgia with new ideas. The cameos from original cast members feel more obligatory than organic, and the script seems unsure whether it's a reboot, sequel, or reimagining.

Some jokes feel dated despite the modern setting. The spoof genre has evolved since the 90s, and certain gags that would have killed in 1988 now feel predictable. The film occasionally relies on references rather than original humor, which may not land with younger audiences unfamiliar with the source material.

The runtime is problematic for a comedy of this type. At nearly two hours, the film overstays its welcome by about twenty minutes. The middle section sags under the weight of unnecessary subplots that could have been trimmed for a tighter, funnier experience.

Supporting characters lack the charm of the original's ensemble. While Paul Walter Hauser has his moments, the police squad doesn't capture the same chemistry that made the first films so memorable. The villain's motivation also feels underwhelming compared to the classic antagonists.

Score: 6.5/10 ★★★☆☆

The Naked Gun 2025 is a decent comedy that will please casual viewers but may disappoint hardcore fans of the original. It has enough laughs to justify a watch, but fails to reach the heights of its predecessors.

Perfect For:

• Viewers looking for light, undemanding comedy
• Liam Neeson fans curious to see him in a different role
• People unfamiliar with the original films
• Those who enjoy spoof comedies like "The Spy Who Dumped Me"

Not Recommended For:

• Purists who consider the original trilogy sacred
• Viewers expecting Leslie Nielsen-level comedy genius
• Anyone seeking sophisticated or subtle humor
• People who dislike physical comedy and slapstick

Recommendation:

Wait for streaming rather than rushing to theaters. This is the kind of movie that plays better at home where expectations are lower. Watch it with friends who enjoy silly comedies, but don't go in expecting to relive the magic of the original. If you're curious about Liam Neeson's comedic abilities, it's worth a look, but temper your expectations.

For more reviews of comedy reboots and Liam Neeson films, check out CineWatched. If you're interested in how this compares to other comedy sequels, read our article on successful franchise revivals.

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References & Links

• Watch The Naked Gun 2025 in theaters starting July 18, 2025
• Learn more about the original Naked Gun trilogy on Wikipedia
• Check out our review of other comedy reboots on CineWatched
• Explore more Liam Neeson films and comedy movie reviews at CineWatched