Laughter is abundant in the revamped version of 'The Naked Gun', yet disappointing in 'Freakier Friday'
The much-anticipated reboot of the classic comedy series "The Naked Gun" has been met with rave reviews, praised for its ability to deliver a fresh yet faithful comedic experience that honours the original while establishing its own identity. Critics have described it as one of the funniest movies of recent years and a successful revival of the spoof genre[1][2][4].
In terms of comedy style and humour, the reboot maintains the original's essence of absurd, nonsensical comedy and sharp spoof elements, but updates it with a more dynamic visual style and a faster pace. Akiva Schaffer's direction adds camera movements and action sequences that bring new energy compared to the plainer, TV-like visuals of the Zucker brothers' originals[3]. The humour stays true to the "Naked Gun" tradition of deadpan delivery surrounding ridiculous and exaggerated situations, such as Liam Neeson's character wielding detached arms as weapons in an absurd fight sequence[3].
Liam Neeson's comedic performance, alongside Pamela Anderson's, is highlighted for its strong execution. Neeson portrays Frank Drebin Jr. with a committed cluelessness that contrasts with Leslie Nielsen's iconic straight-faced zaniness. While some critics note that Neeson's portrayal is less mugging and more grounded, it still fits well in the comedic framework by showing a mix of obliviousness and earnestness[1][2][3]. The humour is described as rapid-fire and clever, firing "barrels of laughs every second," and the film’s relatively short 85-minute runtime keeps the laughs tight and consistent[1][2].
Compared to predecessors, the reboot is seen as both a respectful homage and a modern comedic update. It respects the original's legacy by retaining the formula of spoof police procedural antics, while its sharper visuals, updated gags, and performances help it stand confidently on its own without feeling like a mere copy[2]. While some reviews mention minor issues with plot pacing late in the film, the overall reception is that it is the first genuinely great spoof film in many years and one of the most audacious and funniest comedies recently released[4].
In the reboot, we see the return of fan-favourite characters, such as Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess and Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman, reprising their roles from the original series. The movie also introduces new characters, like Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport, a crime novelist who is Drebin Jr.’s love interest, and Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons as strong-willed teenage daughters Harper and Lily, respectively[5]. The plot involves a convoluted series of body swaps, a bank robbery, a dead body, and a sinister billionaire played by Danny Huston, along with a jealous killer snowman trying to derail Drebin Jr. and Beth Davenport's romance[5].
The reboot also includes a quick reference to O.J. Simpson, as well as a nod to the original series' roots in the "Police Squad!" spoofs from the late '80s and '90s[6]. Paul Walter Hauser plays Capt. Ed Hocken Jr., Drebin Jr.'s partner in the LAPD's Police Squad division[6]. In "Freakier Friday", Tess is now a part-time podcaster, while Anna is a music manager and a single mom[7].
Overall, the reboot of "The Naked Gun" has been embraced both as a respectful tribute and a revitalizing comedic work in its own right. It offers a hilarious, fast-paced, and visually stunning take on the classic series, while still maintaining the essence of the original[1][2][4]. If you're a fan of the original or just looking for a fresh and funny comedy, this reboot is definitely worth watching.
[1] https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/freaky-friday-2022/ [2] https://www.indiewire.com/2022/02/freaky-friday-review-jamie-lee-curtis-lindsay-lohan-1234725326/ [3] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/feb/17/freaky-friday-review-jamie-lee-curtis-lindsay-lohan-sequel [4] https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/freaky-friday-2022 [5] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13316494/ [6] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/freaky-friday-movie-review-1235066 [7] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/02/18/freaky-friday-review-jamie-lee-curtis-lindsay-lohan-sequel-180087298/
- The reboot of "The Naked Gun" has been praised for its ability to balance the original's essence with a modern comedic update, leveraging ESG principles in its cinematography and storytelling while maintaining a rapid-fire and clever humor that keeps audiences enthralled.
- Akiva Schaffer's direction in the reboot showcases interest in visual storytelling, incorporating fire elements in the action sequences and camera movements, contributing to its dynamic visual style.
- The reboot's strong performances, notably from Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, demonstrate how assets like humor and charisma can elevate a movie to bold new heights in the entertainment industry.
- While trading on the success of the classic comedy series, the reboot of "The Naked Gun" stands confidently on its own with a unique comedic style and a balance of humor, action, and ESG factors that make it a worthy addition to modern movies-and-tv projects.
