The highly anticipated reboot of ‘The Naked Gun,’ starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson, has arrived, sparking a wave of critical reviews. This installment pays homage to the late Leslie Nielsen, whose portrayal of Frank Drebin remains legendary. Critics are weighing in on whether the new film captures the comedic brilliance of the original while bringing fresh humor to the franchise. This article compiles initial reactions, offering a comprehensive overview of what critics are saying about ‘The Naked Gun’ and its connection to Nielsen’s legacy. Join us as we delve into the reviews and explore the blend of nostalgia and novelty in this comedic revival.
A New Chapter for ‘The Naked Gun’
More than three decades after ‘Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult’ (1994), Akiva Schaffer directs the fourth film in the series. Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island comedy trio, co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Gregor and Doug Maud. Critics note the challenge of reviving a franchise so closely associated with Leslie Nielsen’s unique comedic timing. The new film introduces Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., leading to comparisons with Nielsen’s iconic performance and discussions on whether Neeson successfully embodies the character’s deadpan humor. The original ‘Naked Gun’ films were crafted by David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams, setting a high bar for comedic excellence.
Initial Critical Reception
As of Wednesday afternoon, ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot holds a respectable 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78 on Metacritic, signaling a generally positive reception. Critics are particularly focused on Liam Neeson’s comedic performance and the film’s ability to honor the original’s spirit. However, some critics also point out that the reboot doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original’s comedic genius. The cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston, adding depth and variety to the film’s ensemble. The film’s success hinges on balancing nostalgia with fresh comedic elements.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Take
The Hollywood Reporter’s chief film critic, David Rooney, commends Liam Neeson’s surprisingly effective comedic delivery. Rooney notes that Neeson’s serious demeanor adds a subtle meta-commentary as Frank Jr. confronts criminals. He also highlights the chemistry between Neeson and Pamela Anderson. Rooney writes, “The actor’s dead serious delivery provides a subtle meta underlay as Frank Jr. takes down bad guys and tackles a master criminal.” While acknowledging some inconsistencies in the film’s entertainment value and plotting, Rooney concludes that the inspired humor and the leads’ performances provide enough engagement for audiences, including the film’s embrace of politically incorrect humor, reminiscent of the original ‘Naked Gun’.
Entertainment Weekly’s Perspective
Entertainment Weekly’s chief critic, Richard Lawson, praises the film for moments that rival the brilliance of the 1988 original. Lawson acknowledges the original’s supremacy but credits the new version for honoring its predecessor. Lawson writes, “The greatest [jokes], though, rival the brilliance of the 1988 original. That masterpiece (yes) still prevails in any comparison, but the new version does much to honor its noble predecessor.” Lawson expresses hope for the revival of true comedy, lauding Schaffer’s perspective on the reboot. He suggests that any shortcomings may simply reflect the challenge of reigniting a comedy engine after years of dormancy, underscoring the significance of maintaining the original’s comedic essence while introducing new elements.
Associated Press’s Analysis
Jake Coyle of the Associated Press draws comparisons between Liam Neeson and Leslie Nielsen, noting that Nielsen’s comedic timing was deeply ingrained in his persona. Coyle writes, “Nielsen wasn’t just delivering a line with perfect deadpan. He was self-actualizing.” He suggests that Neeson’s performance, while committed, doesn’t quite capture the same essence, despite the phonetic connection. Coyle concludes that the new ‘Naked Gun’ may inspire viewers to revisit the original. This review emphasizes the enduring impact of Leslie Nielsen’s performance and the difficulty of replicating his unique comedic presence.
Vulture’s Assessment
Bilge Ebiri, writing for Vulture and New York Magazine, observes that the new film remains true to the spirit of its predecessors, building to a grand comic finale. Ebiri writes, “Like its previous iterations, The Naked Gun builds to a grand comic finale, though this one never quite achieves the climactic delirium of the original.” While noting that it doesn’t surpass the original’s climax, Ebiri highlights the film’s success in maintaining the tone and style of the earlier movies. This perspective acknowledges the challenge of matching the original’s iconic moments while appreciating the reboot’s fidelity to the series’ comedic roots.
Final Verdict
Critics offer varied perspectives on the 2025 ‘Naked Gun’ reboot, with particular attention to Liam Neeson’s performance and the film’s connection to Leslie Nielsen’s legacy. While some reviewers praise Neeson’s comedic delivery and the film’s ability to honor the original’s spirit, others find that it falls short of the original’s comedic heights. Overall, the film appears to strike a balance between nostalgia and novelty, providing audiences with an entertaining experience that pays tribute to the iconic Leslie Nielsen while carving out its own identity. As more reviews emerge, the film’s long-term impact on the comedy genre and its place within the ‘Naked Gun’ franchise will become clearer. The critical conversation highlights the enduring influence of Leslie Nielsen and the inherent challenges in reviving a beloved comedy series.
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