Liam Neeson makes a perfect transition to comedy in the new Naked Gun film. The perennial tough guy has been typecast in numerous high-concept action movies, but his latest outing is a refreshing change of pace.
The film is a farcical comedy that stars Neeson as Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr., a macho and trigger-happy cop who’s always ready for action. The ensemble cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, and Pamela Anderson, all playing their roles with straight faces that add to the comedic effect.
The movie judders from one set piece to another, with a loose plot involving dead bodies, an evil billionaire, and a budding romance between Drebin and his femme-fatale partner. The humor is quick-witted and relies on the cast’s ability to deliver ridiculous jokes in rapid succession.
Director Akiva Schaffer has proven himself with films like Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, a comedy that skewered music biopics with unapologetic cheerfulness. He brings a similar irreverent style to The Naked Gun, which is a welcome respite from the usual summer blockbuster fare.
The film’s commitment to pointlessness and absurdity is refreshing, making it an oasis in the desert of action movies. With its zany energy and plenty of laughs, The Naked Gun is a comedy that’s happy to bring joy and diversity to the silver screen.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/08/the-naked-gun-2025-movie-review-liam-neeson/683734