Legacy sequels in the comedy space are a risky business. The tonal absurdity of '90s spoof comedies doesn't always translate well in today's media landscape, where irony is layered, self-awareness is expected, and the meme cycle moves faster than any punchline. Comedies in general haven't been drawing huge box office returns lately, and the slapstick-heavy spoof—once a genre mainstay—has been mostly dormant. So, reviving The Naked Gun in 2025? That's a bold move.

Even bolder is the fact that this franchise isn't just any old property—it's tied to an icon. Leslie Nielsen didn't just star in The Naked Gun; he defined its very tone. Frank Drebin, with his deadpan sincerity in the middle of absolute absurdity, became one of the most recognizable comedic characters of his time. So when this reboot/sequel was announced, I was skeptical. Can anyone else really step into those shoes, or even adjacent ones?

But then I saw Seth MacFarlane and Akiva Schaffer were involved. MacFarlane, for all his polarizing tendencies, knows his way around fast-paced, reference-heavy humor. And Schaffer, whose Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is one of the best comedies of the past decade, has a strong track record for finding just the right balance between parody and character. Their involvement gave me hope that this might actually work—not just as a nostalgic throwback, but as a genuinely funny film in its own right.

What really sold me, though, was the casting of Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. I've seen enough to know Liam Neeson possesses a particular set of skills—some of them deadly, and some of them surprisingly hilarious. If you've ever seen his bit on Life's Too Short with Ricky Gervais, where he tries to break into improv comedy with the same intensity he brings to Taken, then you already know: this man's straight-faced delivery is a comedic weapon.

And in The Naked Gun, he's in peak form. Neeson plays Drebin Jr. with the kind of stoic confidence that makes every ridiculous line land even harder. Lines like, "I see you served 20 years for man's laughter. Must've been some joke," are delivered with such unflinching seriousness that they become instantly hysterical. He pairs those with heartfelt, grounded reactions to completely nonsensical scenarios, and the result hits the exact tone this franchise needs. He's not attempting to mimic Nielsen—who brought a sort of aw-shucks earnestness to the role—but instead brings a more hard-nosed, intense energy to Drebin Jr. Neeson's Drebin is edgier and more severe. Yet, he still nails the deadpan timing and absurdist rhythm that made the originals work so well.

The film itself is surprisingly faithful to that tone. It doesn't attempt to modernize or "update" the comedy style in a way that might alienate longtime fans. Instead, it doubles down on the formula: rapid-fire gags, slapstick set pieces, punny wordplay, and an avalanche of innuendo. In other words, it's precisely what a Naked Gun movie should be.

There are plenty of references to other films throughout—Double Indemnity, Mission: Impossible, and plenty more. Sometimes these nods are overt, but more often they come in the form of visual callbacks, clever dialogue twists, or reimagined action set pieces filtered through slapstick. It's never trying to out-cool the films it references; it's just here to poke fun in the most loving, ridiculous way possible.

Supporting the chaos is a cast that seems fully game. Paul Walter Hauser pops up in a small but memorable role and nails every beat he's given. He's one of those guys you just want more of—his natural timing and slightly bewildered demeanor make him perfect for this world, and it's a shame he doesn't have more to do. That said, his presence still adds texture to the comedy ensemble and boosts some of the film's best non-Drebin moments.

But the real standout is Pamela Anderson, who turns in what might be the most unexpectedly delightful performance of the film. She's a total scene-stealer. Her chemistry with Neeson is shockingly good, and she brings a comic energy that's both self-aware and committed. Anderson dives into the role without a hint of self-consciousness, fully embracing the slapstick and absurdity. There's a scene where she breaks into spontaneous scatting that had me crying. Every time she's on screen, the film lifts just a little higher.

Not all gags will land, but that's built into the laugh-a-minute formula. If something doesn't work, you're already onto the next one before it has a chance to linger.

And while I loved the film and genuinely hope it finds success, I know that won't be easy. There are real obstacles in the way of this movie's potential impact. Comedy legacy sequels are notoriously tricky, and this one—while accessible to fans of absurdist humor—isn't exactly a four-quadrant film. It's not a raunchy sex comedy from start to finish, but it does carry on the franchise's tradition of sexual innuendo and tongue-in-cheek risqué humor. That alone might turn away family audiences or at least limit its broader appeal. It's proudly dumb and kind of niche, which makes it a hard sell in a market dominated by superheroes, dinosaurs, and racecars. The Naked Gun may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate the lost art of the spoof comedy, it's a triumphant return to form.