The Naked Gun - Are We Allowed To Laugh Again?

Overview

This review explores the revival of classic comedy franchises, focusing on the 2025 reboot/sequel of The Naked Gun. It examines whether Hollywood can still deliver effective comedy, evaluates the performances of key actors like Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, and reflects on the broader cultural implications of comedy's resurgence.

Notable Quotes

- How the hell do you even begin to parody something that's already a parody of itself? – On the challenge of satirizing modern franchises like Star Wars.

- It takes a smart man to play dumb. And that's exactly what The Naked Gun achieves. – On the film's success in capturing the essence of slapstick humor.

- Is Hollywood finally ready to laugh at the past 10 years of insanity it’s indulged in? – Reflecting on the cultural shift in comedy.

🎭 The Revival of Comedy Franchises

- Hollywood is revisiting old comedy franchises like Happy Gilmore, Scary Movie, and Space Balls, signaling a potential shift in the entertainment landscape.

- The reviewer questions whether this trend reflects a newfound willingness to embrace humor or simply a lack of untouched genres to reboot.

🎬 The Naked Gun: A Modern Take on Slapstick

- Liam Neeson stars as Frank Drebin Jr., stepping into the shoes of Leslie Nielsen with surprising comedic timing and deadpan delivery.

- Directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island), the film balances absurd humor with a coherent, albeit intentionally ridiculous, plot.

- Running gags, absurd dialogue, and deadpan humor pay homage to the original series while keeping the tone fresh.

🌟 Standout Performances

- Liam Neeson: Unexpectedly excels in comedy, delivering outrageous lines with the gravitas of his action roles.

- Pamela Anderson: Showcases self-deprecating humor and natural chemistry with Neeson, marking a career renaissance.

- Danny Huston: Portrays the villainous tech billionaire Richard Kaine with precision, blending menace and absurdity.

🤔 Cultural Reflections on Comedy

- The reviewer notes a nostalgic longing for a time when comedy was less constrained by fear of offense.

- Questions whether this resurgence signals a cultural shift or is merely a commercial exploitation of nostalgia.

- Highlights how humor can challenge self-important narratives, suggesting comedy's return could be a subtle rebellion against recent cultural trends.

😂 The Humor That Works

- The film includes clever running jokes, such as Frank constantly receiving fresh cups of coffee and accidentally running people over while monologuing.

- Balances slapstick and absurdity without overcomplicating the plot, delivering a lighthearted and entertaining experience.

- While not groundbreaking, the humor evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic comedy styles.