Preference for the Naked Gun reboot, yet acknowledgement of the original film's superiority remains intact.
The long-awaited reboot of the classic comedy franchise, The Naked Gun, has finally graced our screens, and while it may not reach the heights of the original, it sets a promising direction for the series moving forward.
The reboot, helmed by Akiva Schaffer, maintains the franchise's core comedic spirit, rooted in absurd, deadpan, nonsensical humour, much like the original films. However, it introduces a new generation of characters and a modern visual approach, all while paying homage to its predecessors.
One of the most significant changes lies in the casting. Liam Neeson steps into the shoes of Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen's original character. The reboot also introduces supporting roles played by the likes of Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser, who breathe life into new characters such as a true crime novelist and Ed Hocken Jr., respectively.
In terms of directorial style, Schaffer's approach is more dynamic compared to the original films, with swirling and swooping camera movements adding visual flair. Contrasting this, the original films, directed by David Zucker and the Zuckers, favoured a flatter, TV-like lighting and static shots.
Liam Neeson's performance as Frank Drebin Jr. is a blend of his vengeful, ultraviolent action hero persona and the obliviousness and heroism parody that the character is known for. His style is more restrained compared to Nielsen's frequent and shameless exaggerated mugging, but the reboot still offers moments of heightened, absurd physical comedy, such as improbable fight sequences involving detached limbs used as weapons.
The reboot is set in 2020s America, featuring the Internet and electric cars in its narrative. Unlike the original score from the 1988 film, the reboot does not use the iconic music, instead forging its own identity as a comedy film.
The reboot also boasts an excellent brand of comedy and quick wit, with Liam Neeson recording a hilarious, rambling love song to Pamela Anderson's character for the end credits. Nielsen, in typical fashion, invokes his own character from the original Naked Gun movies, adding a nostalgic touch to the reboot.
In summary, the 2025 reboot respects the original franchise's deadpan slapstick essence and comedic DNA while updating the style, characters, and visual approach for a new era and audience. It's a fresh take on an iconic comedy that manages to live up to its predecessors, offering a blend of the old and the new.
The reboot seamlessly blends the classic elements of movies-and-tv entertainment from the original Naked Gun franchise with a modern revamp, incorporating new characters, a dynamic directorial style, and contemporary settings. It serves as a new addition to the entertainment landscape, promising viewers a fresh take on an iconic comedy.
