“The Naked Gun” Review: Liam Neeson Leads a Hilariously Chaotic Comeback

Liam Neeson is a comedic revelation in The Naked Gun.

The Naked Gun is back, and against all odds, it’s hilarious. Opening August 1, 2025, this reboot revives the beloved slapstick franchise. A new face joins the Police Squad legacy with Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. What could’ve been a cringeworthy cash grab instead delivers a surprisingly sharp, goofball comedy that honors the original while blazing its own ridiculous trail.

Directed by SNL veteran Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and produced by Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy), The Naked Gun is loaded with visual gags, clever callbacks, and just enough self-awareness to make even the most skeptical fans laugh out loud. Neeson fully embraces the absurdity, proving he’s got comedic chops as Drebin Jr.—a lovable, clueless detective determined to save the world in all the wrong ways.

Liam Neeson Brings the Laughs

Let’s be honest: no one had “Liam Neeson, comedy icon” on their 2025 bingo card, but here we are. His deadpan delivery, total commitment to the bit, and willingness to lean into physical comedy make him a perfect fit for this next-gen Drebin. He’s not trying to imitate Leslie Nielsen—he’s carving out his own hilarious version, and it works.

A Solid Cast and Standout Chemistry

Pamela Anderson is pitch-perfect as Neeson’s romantic counterpart, and their unexpected chemistry is a highlight of the film. The supporting cast delivers too, especially Paul Walter Hauser, who absolutely nails every line and moment he’s given. He brings a goofy charm that fits the world perfectly. I sincerely hope he sticks around for future sequels—he’s a major asset to the comedic energy of the film.

CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Liza Koshy, and even wrestler-turned-actor Cody Rhodes round out a wildly fun ensemble. Plus, keep an eye out for a brief cameo from Priscilla Presley that ties the franchise together with a wink and a nod.

The Naked Gun is Nostalgic Without Being Stuck in the Past

While longtime fans will find plenty of easter eggs and deep-cut references (seriously, bring a checklist), what’s most impressive is how this reboot manages to stand on its own. Schaffer and MacFarlane walk a fine line between honoring the past and creating something fresh—and they stick the landing. Whether or not you’ve seen the original trilogy, this one still hits.

The gags come fast and furious. Some land perfectly, others pass by so quickly they’re easy to miss. However, the sheer volume of jokes means there’s always another laugh around the corner. From absurd action sequences to blink-and-you ’ll-miss-it sight gags, this is comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously and thrives because of it.

It’s refreshing to see a big-screen comedy go all-in on physical humor, absurd setups, and pure silliness—especially when it’s done this well. The Naked Gun doesn’t just reboot a franchise; it revives an entire subgenre.

Verdict

I give The Naked Gun 4 out of 5 stars. It is a laugh-packed revival that proves Liam Neeson can do more than just threaten people over the phone—he can absolutely deliver a punchline. Let’s hope a sequel is already in the works.

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