The Naked Gun (2025) Movie Review: Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson Deliver a Hilarious Legacy Sequel

A Goofy Cop Adventure with a Modern Twist

The Naked Gun (2025) follows Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) the son of the legendary Frank Drebin originally played by Leslie Nielsen. As a member of the elite Police Squad, Drebin Jr. is notorious for his unconventional and often chaotic approach to law enforcement. The film kicks off with a bank robbery where Drebin Jr. hilariously disguises himself as a little girl to foil the criminals. During the heist a mysterious P.L.O.T. Device (Primordial Law of Toughness) is stolen by tech billionaire Richard Cane (Danny Huston) setting the stage for a larger conspiracy.

Drebin Jr. is soon demoted to traffic duty by Chief Davis (CCH Pounder) after his reckless antics draw complaints. While investigating a car crash involving a tech engineer Simon Davenport Drebin initially rules it a suicide. However Simon’s sister Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson) convinces him of foul play leading to a deeper investigation. The trail points to Cane who is plotting a sinister scheme involving mind-altering technology. With his partner Capt. Ed Hocken Jr. (Paul Walter Hauser) and Beth by his side Drebin Jr. stumbles through a series of comedic misadventures to save Los Angeles from Cane’s nefarious plans.

The plot is deliberately absurd staying true to the ZAZ formula of The Naked Gun series. It’s packed with sight gags wordplay and over-the-top scenarios such as a demonic snowman and endless cups of coffee handed to Drebin from off-screen. While the story is predictable it serves as a vehicle for the film’s relentless humour making it a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary satire.

Cast and Performances: Liam Neeson Shines, Pamela Anderson Steals the Show

Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr.

Liam Neeson, known for action-packed roles in films like Taken and Schindler’s List steps into the comedic shoes of Leslie Nielsen with remarkable ease. His deadpan delivery and gravelly voice add a unique flavour to Frank Drebin Jr. a character who is both clueless and confident. Neeson’s ability to play a serious cop while indulging in absurd antics like biting off a gun barrel or riffing on the Black Eyed Peas—is a testament to his versatility. Critics have praised his performance for paying homage to Nielsen without imitating him, creating a fresh yet familiar Drebin.

Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport

Pamela Anderson is the standout performer in The Naked Gun (2025). Playing Beth a crime writer with a knack for solving fictional mysteries Anderson brings a breathy charm and impeccable comic timing to the role. Her chemistry with Neeson is tender and hilarious, elevating scenes like the romantic interlude with a killer snowman. Anderson’s performance is a revelation proving she’s more than just a ’90s icon. Her ability to deliver zingers like “I prefer English” with a straight face makes her a highlight of the film.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast including Danny Huston as the oily villain Richard Cane Paul Walter Hauser as the straight-man Ed Hocken Jr. and CCH Pounder as the exasperated Chief Davis adds depth to the comedy. Huston’s portrayal of a tech billionaire with Elon Musk-like vibes is both sinister and absurd while Hauser’s understated performance complements Neeson’s chaos. Cameos by “Weird Al” Yankovic and Dave Bautista add extra laughs especially in the post-credits scene.

Direction and Screenplay: Akiva Schaffer’s ZAZ-Inspired Vision

Director Akiva Schaffer known for Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and his work with The Lonely Island brings a modern sensibility to the ZAZ formula. His direction is fast-paced ensuring the film’s 85-minute runtime feels brisk and engaging. Schaffer balances slapstick wordplay and visual gags with a cohesive narrative though some critics note the plot loses steam in the second half.

The screenplay co-written by Schaffer Dan Gregor and Doug Mand is packed with clever one-liners and meta references. From poking fun at action movie tropes to satirizing modern pop culture the script keeps the humour fresh while staying true to the franchise’s roots. Standout moments include a dashcam sequence and a riff on Mission: Impossible that feel both nostalgic and innovative. However some gags like the Austin Powers-inspired thermal goggles scene feel derivative and the climax could have been zanier to match the film’s tone.

Technical Aspects: A Visually Slick Comedy

The film’s technical aspects enhance its comedic appeal. Brandon Trost’s cinematography captures the noir-inspired aesthetic of the original trilogy while incorporating vibrant cartoonish elements. Bill Brzeski’s production design creates a world that’s both gritty and absurd with clever visual gags like oversized coffee cups. Lorne Balfe’s score blends classic noir themes with modern action beats complementing the film’s tone. The editing by Brian Scott Olds is slick ensuring the rapid-fire jokes land without overwhelming the audience.

The action sequences though secondary to the comedy are surprisingly well-executed. Neeson’s “gun-nastics” and slapstick stunts add a layer of physical humour that Indian audiences familiar with Bollywood’s blend of action and comedy will appreciate. The film’s PG-13 rating ensures it’s accessible to a wide audience though some crude humour may not resonate with all viewers.

Why The Naked Gun Resonates with Indian Audiences

Indian audiences have a deep love for comedy films from Bollywood classics like Gol Maal to modern hits like Hera Pheri. The Naked Gun (2025) taps into this affinity with its blend of slapstick witty dialogue and over-the-top characters. The film’s short runtime and relentless humour make it an ideal watch for family outings or group viewings in Indian theatres. Liam Neeson’s action-hero persona familiar to Indian fans through films like Taken adds a layer of familiarity while Pamela Anderson’s charm appeals to those who grew up with her Baywatch fame.

The film’s satire of tech billionaires and modern pop culture also strikes a chord in India where social media debates and startup culture are prevalent. References to coffee culture and absurd police antics feel relatable to urban Indian audiences making The Naked Gun a refreshing addition to Hollywood releases in India. However its limited buzz and showtimes in India as noted by critics may hinder its box-office performance unless word-of-mouth spreads.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Take

Strengths

• Hilarious Performances: Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson deliver standout comedic performances with Anderson stealing the show.

• Nostalgic Yet Fresh: The film pays homage to the ZAZ trilogy while updating the humour for modern audiences.

• Fast-Paced Comedy: The 85-minute runtime is packed with gags ensuring a brisk and entertaining experience.

• Clever Satire: The script’s meta references and pop culture jabs add depth to the humour.

Weaknesses

• Uneven Pacing: The second half slows down, with some gags feeling repetitive or derivative.

• Limited Buzz in India: The film’s niche appeal and limited showtimes may restrict its reach.

• Underdeveloped Supporting Roles: Characters like Ed Hocken Jr. and the villain’s henchmen lack depth.

Critical Reception: A Hit with Critics and Audiences

The Naked Gun (2025) has garnered strong praise from critics debuting with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 30 reviews later settling at 95% with 56 reviews. Critics have called it “the funniest American movie in years” and a “pitch-perfect revival of the spoof genre”. Audiences on X have echoed this sentiment with posts describing it as a laugh-out-loud experience best enjoyed in theatres. However some reviews note that the film doesn’t fully match the manic energy of the original trilogy with a few gags missing the mark.

A Must-Watch Comedy for Indian Fans

The Naked Gun (2025) is a delightful return to the spoof comedy genre blending nostalgia with modern wit. Liam Neeson’s deadpan gravitas and Pamela Anderson’s comedic charm make it a worthy successor to the original trilogy. While it has its flaws including an uneven second half and limited buzz in India the film’s relentless humour and clever gags make it a must-watch for fans of Hollywood comedies. Whether you’re a fan of the ZAZ trilogy or new to the franchise The Naked Gun delivers enough laughs to justify a trip to the theatre.