Is there truly a resurgence of interest in movie sequels, and is it justified to bring back aged film series?
In the world of Hollywood, a successful revival of a beloved franchise is always a welcome sight. Such is the case with the new 2025 "Naked Gun" sequel, starring Liam Neeson and directed by Akiva Schaffer. Critics have hailed this film as a successfully entertaining revival of the franchise, standing out positively among recent legacy sequels.
The film, praised for its faithful yet fresh approach to the comedy spoof genre, delivers numerous jokes, outrageous sight gags, and a gloriously dumb, unapologetic style that recalls the spirit of the original films, while updating them for a modern audience. Compared to many legacy sequels that struggle to balance homage with innovation, this film eschews belabored backstory and quickly immerses viewers into the new protagonist’s case, allowing the humor to flow naturally without overcomplicating the plot.
Liam Neeson, known for his serious or action roles, receives acclaim for his comedic timing and self-mocking performance. Some critics even go so far as to call this film his best career move since Schindler’s List, revitalizing his reputation by showcasing his ability in a tough-guy comedy setting.
While a few jokes may be modern variations of much older gags, the sheer volume and audacity of the humor make it a "raucously funny" movie and a refreshing surprise amid a sparse theatrical comedy landscape in 2025. It may not surpass the cult status of the original trilogy, but is largely seen as a pitch-perfect revival of the spoof genre and potentially a re-launch for this style of comedy on the big screen.
The new "Naked Gun" is regarded as superior or at least notably more effective than many other recent legacy sequels by virtue of its unapologetically silly tone, effective lead performance by Neeson, and faithful yet lively homage to the original, while successfully updating the humor for contemporary audiences.
In the new version of "The Naked Gun", Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the goofy detective character. Pamela Anderson appears in the film as the femme fatale love interest. The movie is packed with jokes and, while it has a few callbacks, is full of new material.
The "Naked Gun" brings out a fun, goofy side of Pamela Anderson, and Liam Neeson's seriousness and gravity are utilized in a way that adds to the humor rather than detracting from it. This film is a testament to the power of a well-crafted comedy sequel that offers more than just nostalgia.
While some comedy legacy sequels, like the "Beverly Hills Cop" on Netflix, are not successful due to relying heavily on the nostalgia factor, "The Naked Gun" stands out as a shining example of a legacy sequel done right. It's a must-watch for fans of the original trilogy and a great introduction for newcomers to this hilarious franchise.
- The new "Naked Gun" film, with its numerous jokes, outrageous sight gags, and gloriously dumb, unapologetic style, is a fantastically entertaining addition to the movies-and-tv genre of comedy.
- The successful revival of the "Naked Gun" franchise, evident in its pitch-perfect homage to the original while updating it for modern audiences, has made a substantial contribution to the entertainment sector, providing a refreshing respite in a sparse theatrical comedy landscape in 2025.
