The Naked Gun (2025) is a beautifully absurd film that had me and everyone in the theater laughing in tears. It is both a continuation and reboot to the original franchise that introduces a new generation of characters, which still honors the classic formula of deadpan delivery, absurd plotlines, and visual gags that gave the original its significance. It was like a breath of fresh air in a lackluster era of Hollywood which felt seriously rich in soul. I can’t even joke; my face was hurting from laughing and smiling throughout the entire movie! Initially, I was apprehensive about the movie because it starred faces I’ve honestly grown tired of seeing in Hollywood, notably Neeson and Huston. It is a star-studded cast with Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin, Jr. and Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport. Additionally, Seth MacFarlane is part of the production with Fuzzy Door Productions in partnership with Paramount Pictures. Even though I didn’t care for Neeson having the main role, his acting wasn’t washed up at all and was far better seeing him in a comedy—same with Huston. The production was ripe with cameos with Busta Rhymes as a bank robber, “Weird Al” Yankovic as himself, Cody Rhodes as a bartender, even ring announcer Bruce Buffer, and so many more. To me, this is what genuinely gave this movie its soul, with its cultural relevancy and space for diverse interests.
Even as a gay man, I have to say that Pamela Anderson was absolutely gorgeous and so sexy in this film! I say that because that is exactly how she set out to present herself as the femme fatale in this movie, and she nailed it! Even though her talks with the media around aging gracefully are viral, it felt she authentically elevated the Hollywood beauty standard that she so virtuously chooses to be buoyed by. She completely sold the dumb blonde trope, and the movie wouldn’t have had its charm without her!
The absurdism has to be deeply appreciated, and if you like slapstick humor, dumb jokes, obscure references, and old-style physical comedy, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this reality-bending movie. I really appreciated that, despite being outrageously stupid, the movie had an overarching story that felt naturally paced and unfolded flawlessly. Honestly, it was a fantastic nod to today’s political climate in America—with billionaires, the powers they wield, and how they choose to use them. I particularly noticed and liked how the level of laughter expected from each joke was carefully curated; so, while you are continuously laughing, it ranges from light giggles to belly-breathers.
It is not really something you can only halfway watch. The movie definitely demands your attention in order to fully enjoy it. There were a few times I looked away to say something to my boyfriend and completely missed a joke that had everyone else in shambles. There was often background hilarity happening while the main characters were doing their own thing, and there were many running jokes throughout the film, like the gag involving Chief Davis’ (CCH Pounder) perpetually sleeping husband.
There were a few peak moments in the film for me! Notably, an unexpectedly obscure nod to Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) that actually motivated me to watch the episode it referenced when I got home! I wholeheartedly believe Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the textbook example of peak storytelling, and it genuinely filled my heart to hear it being appreciated for what it is! Another was a riotous interrogation scene with a bank robber (Busta Rhymes), which was so delightfully idiotic you couldn’t help but die laughing. Essentially, they were watching body cam footage from Lt. Frank Drebin, Jr., and it was filled to the brim with the most gloriously boneheaded, MacFarlane-esque situation comedies you could imagine. Then there was the unforgettable fight scene when Richard Cane (Huston) gets punched in the gut and doesn’t take it very well, to say the least! Lastly is a quote that will undoubtedly live rent-free in my head, when one guy says “don’t eat it” referring to a chili dog Lt. Frank Drebin was stuffing in his face; the way everyone in the theater just busted out laughing completely sold it and everything else!
It was like watching something like a live-action Family Guy with its theme of humor and how it was delivered. This is a perfect movie to watch for a #trynottolaugh challenge. The impossibility of catching all aspects of comedy in a single viewing surely makes the rewatchability of the movie insane. If you want something that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers, The Naked Gun (2025) embodies this spirit. It’s one of those movies you finish, start mindlessly quoting, and instantly rewatch to catch more of the madness you may have missed.
