Laughter is abundant in the revival of 'The Naked Gun', yet disappointing in the remake 'Freakier Friday'
In the Spotlight: A Fresh Take on Classic Comedy with "The Naked Gun" Reboot
The year 2025 has seen a refreshing revival of the beloved "Police Squad!" spoofs with the release of "The Naked Gun" reboot, starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. The film, which serves as both a sequel and reboot, has received positive critical reviews and grossed $59.7 million worldwide against a $42 million budget, marking a moderately successful comeback for the franchise.
The reboot, directed by Akiva Schaffer, mixes slapstick and rapid-fire gags reminiscent of the original films, while incorporating modern updates. The cast includes Pamela Anderson as crime novelist Beth Davenport and Paul Walter Hauser as Capt. Ed Hocken Jr., among others. The film's reception has been positive, resonating well as a comedic piece while honouring the spirit of the originals.
Audience anticipation for the reboot was high, especially due to Schaffer's comedic background from The Lonely Island, and the film's connection to the beloved franchise. Released theatrically on August 1, 2025, the movie is expected to be available for streaming on Paramount+, where the original trilogy also resides.
Meanwhile, "Freakier Friday" is a sequel to the 2003 film of the same name, which was a remake of a 1976 comedy. The plot involves characters switching bodies, with Tess swapping places with Lily, and Anna swapping with Harper. The movie features a convoluted setup and a lot of screaming chaos.
The film stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess, a therapist turned part-time podcaster, Lindsay Lohan as Anna, a music manager and single mom, and Julia Butters as Harper, Tess's granddaughter. Lohan's return to "Freaky Friday" is poignant as it marks a comeback to a film that made her a young star. In the sequel, Curtis seems to be in an over-the-top mode reminiscent of her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once".
The movie also features a jealous killer snowman and a sinister billionaire played by Danny Huston. Sophia Hammons plays Lily, Anna's fiancé's daughter, and Pamela Anderson plays Beth Davenport, a crime novelist.
In conclusion, the 2025 "The Naked Gun" reboot has succeeded in reviving the comedic style of the Leslie Nielsen-era Police Squad! spoofs with a fresh but respectful approach, pleasing many fans and critics, though it is more of a modest box office success rather than a blockbuster revival. On the other hand, "Freakier Friday" continues the tradition of the original with its body-swapping antics, chaotic plot, and star-studded cast.
- The 2025 film "The Naked Gun" reboot, though not a blockbuster, has shown a positive interest in ESG investing, as it aims to balance the interest of fans and critics while maintaining the original spirit of the classic comedy.
- Pamela Anderson, not only known for her role in "The Naked Gun" reboot, but also for her work in movies-and-tv, appeared in the latest yet chaotic sequel "Freakier Friday."
- As the 2025 movie release calendar reached its mid-point, there was speculation about the acquisition of credit to fund a new project for Akiva Schaffer, the director of the successful "The Naked Gun" reboot.
- In the entertainment world, discussions regarding the distribution of assets between streaming services like Paramount+ and theaters have been a heated topic, with blockbusters like "The Naked Gun" reboot serving as a point of contention.
- Taking a break from the trading floor, a passionate fan of classic comedies decided to turn his savings towards purchasing a collection of DVDs featuring iconic movies, including a copy of the original "The Naked Gun" series and the newly released reboot.
