'The Naked Gun' (2025) Review: Liam Neeson Revives the Spoof Genre with Hilarious, High-Speed Mayhem
- Dan Bremner
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
By Dan Bremner - July 30, 2025
The spoof genre is one I hold dear to my heart, growing up watching the original Naked Gun trilogy, Airplane and even Scary Movie on a loop, so it has been such a shame that the genre has died out. And comedy has been reduced to mostly streaming slop. While I was initially apprehensive about this long gestating reboot of The Naked Gun, which has gone through several iterations before finally making it to the big screen, it turns out the franchise was in the right hands.
Following the genius marketing, which involved a couple of banger trailers, a hilarious PSA from Liam Neeson about saving comedy theatrically, and now even has its own Only Fans account, the film itself lives up to one of the best marketing campaigns in years and more. I've also been an avid advocate for Liam Neeson to do more comedy since his brief appearances in both Life's Too Short and Ted 2, and this shows I was right. He really should have been making comedies for the past decade instead of all these dreadful VOD thrillers only your divorced dad would recommend.
Akiva Schaffer’s (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers) direction unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire comedy, with inventive slapstick gags and over-the-top action that feel like a vibrant revival of the spoof genre. From Drebin’s physics-defying gunplay to accidental limb-ripping chaos, the film’s 85-minute runtime crackles with absurd energy, never stopping for one second without a joke going by.
Liam Neeson in a Comedy? Yes – And He Nails It
The narrative, a murder mystery to save the police department, serves as a sturdy scaffold for relentless jokes, visual puns, wordplay, and ridiculous scenarios that feel true to the original’s spirit. This self-aware “Lega-sequel” avoids cynical rehashing, instead spoofing contemporary action tropes and films like Kingsman and Mission: Impossible with clever, unexpected twists. The film pays heartfelt tribute to its roots, respecting the original’s legacy while carving a distinct path. Its refusal to recycle old jokes or lean on nostalgia makes it a refreshing reboot, though its breakneck pace occasionally risks overwhelming viewers with its dense gag barrage. Also, do not worry, there is no undead ghoulish CGI appearance from Leslie Nielsen here.
Is 'The Naked Gun' (2025) Family-Friendly or Full of Crude Jokes?
The film’s action sequences are a comedic triumph, blending creative beatdowns with visual gags that defy logic, like a gun ammo clip being used like a yo-yo in a particularly outrageous scene and Drebin punching out a never-ending chain of goons. These frequently hilarious, silly set pieces honor the franchise’s legacy while delivering fresh, unpredictable laughs that demand a rewatch to catch every nuance.
Liam Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. is a revelation, transforming his hard-edged action persona into a deadpan, bumbling detective with infectious glee. His best performance in years, Neeson’s commitment to the absurdity, free of the weary detachment seen in lesser roles, makes Drebin Jr. a worthy heir to the franchise’s comedic crown. Never being a shallow copy of Leslie Nielsen's iconic role but making it his own take on the material.
The supporting cast, including Pamela Anderson’s vivacious turn featuring fantastic chemistry with Neeson, Paul Walter Hauser’s quirky sidekick, and CCH Pounder’s commanding presence as she drags round her sleeping husband, dives into the silliness with gusto. Their locked-in performances elevate the material, creating a chaotic ensemble that complements Neeson’s hapless hero. If there's one weak link in the cast, it's unfortunately the villain in Danny Huston, who has his moments of comedy, but ultimately just comes off as a bit generic.
Unlike many modern comedies, the film earns its 15 rating with playful innuendos and one bold visual gag, staying accessible and family-friendly without relying overly crude humour. This restraint keeps the comedy sharp and universal, evoking the original trilogy’s charm while feeling fresh for modern audiences. A joy, as I was half expecting the crude and sweary version of The Naked Gun in the vein of 2017’s forgotten Baywatch reboot.
Final Verdict: Should You See 'The Naked Gun' (2025) in Theatres?
The Naked Gun is a joyous, laugh-packed reboot, revitalizing the spoof genre with Neeson’s comedic brilliance and Schaffer’s inventive direction. A cure for streaming comedy’s malaise, it’s a riotous gem that begs for sequels and a big-screen revival of the spoof genre.
'The Naked Gun' releases in cinemas August 1
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