Neeson is a worthy sub for Nielsen in a successful Naked Gun reboot
FILM REVIEW
The Naked Gun (2025)
3.5 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
The Naked Gun (2025)
3.5 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the comedic brilliance of Leslie Nielsen and his unforgettable contribution to The Naked Gun trilogy. While the films are inherently hysterical, it was Nielsen’s impeccable timing, deadpan delivery, and larger-than-life persona that truly defined the series. Since his passing in 2010, fans have wondered—could anyone ever honor the legacy of the original and reintroduce The Naked Gun to a new generation?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
Liam Neeson steps into the spotlight as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Nielsen’s iconic character. In a fitting tribute, the film even features the children of the original cast working at the police station, all trying to make their parents proud. And yes, there’s even a clever nod to O.J. Simpson, one of the franchise’s most memorable original cast members.
photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
True to the spirit of the originals, The Naked Gun reboot delivers the kind of absurd chaos you’d expect from the Drebin name. This time around, Frank Jr. is pulled from his duties and reassigned—only to uncover that there's more going on beneath the surface. Along the way, he meets Beth Davenport (played by Pamela Anderson), and the two quickly become a comedic match made in cinematic heaven—with rumors of chemistry off-screen as well.
Clocking in at around 1 hour and 20 minutes, the film knows exactly what it is: a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud comedy that never overstays its welcome. Over 30 years have passed since The Naked Gun 33 1/3, and it's exciting to see how this new take will resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the franchise. Hopefully, it inspires some to revisit the 1988 original and its sequels.
The chemistry between Neeson and Anderson is surprisingly charming, and the film stays true to what made the originals so beloved—ridiculous gags, offbeat characters, and moments so silly they’re brilliant. One quick heads-up: the movie is rated PG-13 and includes a scene heavy with innuendo, so parents might want to keep that in mind if bringing younger teens.
All in all, this reboot is a fun ride that honors the original without trying to outdo it—and that’s exactly why it works. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the laugh-filled chaos.
Clocking in at around 1 hour and 20 minutes, the film knows exactly what it is: a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud comedy that never overstays its welcome. Over 30 years have passed since The Naked Gun 33 1/3, and it's exciting to see how this new take will resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the franchise. Hopefully, it inspires some to revisit the 1988 original and its sequels.
The chemistry between Neeson and Anderson is surprisingly charming, and the film stays true to what made the originals so beloved—ridiculous gags, offbeat characters, and moments so silly they’re brilliant. One quick heads-up: the movie is rated PG-13 and includes a scene heavy with innuendo, so parents might want to keep that in mind if bringing younger teens.
All in all, this reboot is a fun ride that honors the original without trying to outdo it—and that’s exactly why it works. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the laugh-filled chaos.
The Naked Gun
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 1
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 1