YNOT at the Movies

Reboots are tricky business, especially when the original is a cult classic built on a razor-sharp blend of parody, slapstick, and deadpan perfection. That's the tightrope "The Naked Gun" (USA 2025 | 85 min.) walks as it attempts to revive one of the most beloved spoof franchises of all time.

Director Akiva Schaffer's reboot walks a fine line between affectionate homage and overstuffed misfire. While the film makes some thoughtful nods to the original—including casting the sons of the iconic characters in the same roles—it struggles to match the sharp wit and rapid-fire brilliance that made the 1988 film a classic.

Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson), the son of the legendary Police Squad officer, is now a detective himself, tasked with saving the world from a tech billionaire's diabolical plan. His mission: stop Richard Cane (Danny Huston), a cigar-smoking throwback villain with a scheme involving a "P.L.O.T. Device" meant to incite chaos and usher in his version of a better society. As Frank stumbles through increasingly ludicrous situations such as high-stakes interrogations, chaotic investigations, and awkward dates, he is joined by love interest Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson) and loyal partner Ed Hocken Jr. (Paul Walter Hauser).

Liam Neeson brings a heavyweight presence, but he plays Frank with such sincerity and seriousness that it undercuts the silliness around him. He's game for the absurdity, but he approaches each moment as if he's still in a gritty thriller, which saps the comedic tension instead of enhancing it. It's a bold casting choice that doesn't quite pay off.

Paul Walter Hauser, an actor with proven comic range, isn't given enough to do playing as Frank's loyal partner. His chemistry with Liam Neeson is promising, and he delivers when called upon, but he's too often sidelined. A missed opportunity.

Pamela Anderson, on the other hand, strikes a careful balance between sultry and silly, channeling old-school noir glamour with a touch of modern sincerity. She never pushes too hard for laughs, and that restraint gives her scenes an unexpected charm.

The film has its moments. A few visual gags and silly one-liners hit their marks, and there's some joy in watching practical effects and in-camera stunts executed with care. But the physical comedy never reaches the inspired mayhem of the original, and several set pieces feel like sketches in search of a punchline.

The plot tries to spoof modern tech paranoia, but it quickly veers into nonsense. Even though the movie leans into the ridiculous, the story lacks the internal logic that made earlier spoof comedies work. That said, a handful of sharp lines and clever sight gags provide momentary laughs.

There's plenty of love for the franchise in this film, and the decision to pass the torch from father to son, both in story and casting, is a nice touch. But homage can only carry a film so far. "The Naked Gun" has flashes of fun, but overall, the movie comes up short.

"The Naked Gun" opens in theaters on Friday, August 1, 2025.