Absurdity Reloaded
The Naked Gun series makes a chaotic return in 2025, with director Akiva Schaffer delivering the fourth entry in the beloved parody franchise. This time, Liam Neeson steps into the lead as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the legendary cop, tasked with saving the Police Squad from closure by cracking a high-stakes case.
At just 1 hour 25 minutes, the film feels brisk, though the opening minutes stumble with a slightly delayed comedic spark. Once it finds its rhythm, it fully embraces the franchiseโs trademark absurdity โ physical gags, exaggerated action, and jokes that thrive precisely because they ignore logic.
Neeson, best known for his action-drama roles, takes a few scenes to adjust to the ridiculous tone, but his deadpan delivery eventually clicks, lending unexpected charm to the chaos. Pamela Anderson, returning to the big screen after a long hiatus, sparks nostalgia, even in a limited role. The supporting cast โ Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, and Danny Huston โ keep the energy high, each leaning into the parody with enthusiasm.
Stylistically, the film sticks to its roots: bright visuals, outrageous stunts, and comedic setups that seem ripped from a cartoon. Some jokes miss the mark, and the humor will feel dated to those unfamiliar with the original trilogy, but for fans, itโs a welcome throwback.
With a $42 million budget and Paramount Pictures backing, The Naked Gun (2025) never tries to be more than what it is โ a light, silly, and unapologetically illogical comedy. If youโre here for deep storytelling or subtle humor, youโll be disappointed. But if youโre ready to suspend reason and enjoy the nonsense, youโll leave grinning.
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โโ (7/10) โ Best enjoyed by fans of the franchise or anyone craving pure, logic-free fun.