Akiva Schaffer’s remake of The Naked Gun premiered on August 1st, quickly garnering enthusiastic reviews, with Liam Neeson starring as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the original character played by Leslie Nielsen. This revival of the beloved crime spoof blends Neeson’s distinct style with the iconic franchise’s trademark humor, drawing significant attention from critics and audiences alike.
Liam Neeson, widely recognized for his dramatic roles in films like Schindler’s List and Gangs of New York, has recently demonstrated a talent for comedy, showing an exceptional ability to balance serious acting with comedic timing. His participation in The Naked Gun remake highlights this versatility, creating fresh excitement around the classic series.
What Drives The Naked Gun’s High Praise and Rotten Tomatoes Score
The remake has achieved an impressive 90% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 104 reviews, a strong indicator of its widespread critical acclaim. The original franchise thrived on absurdist humor paired with Leslie Nielsen’s straight-faced delivery, a formula Schaffer and Neeson have skillfully revived.
Critics emphasize Neeson’s full commitment to every joke, whether physical antics or cleverly timed pop culture references, as a major factor behind the movie’s success. Screen Rant’s Zachary Moser observed,
“It’s with [Neeson’s] complete commitment that the most eye-rolling puns end up being deliciously funny jokes.”
This commitment helps transform the film into an energetic comedy packed with rapid-fire gags and visual humor.
Despite the overwhelming pace of jokes, the film uses only a thin storyline to connect the scenes, deliberately emphasizing continuous comedy over plot development. Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post described it as an assault of absurdity, a description that captures the film’s relentless humor style perfectly.
Appealing to Both Fans and New Viewers
While The Naked Gun remake is packed with references to the original movies, it remains accessible and entertaining for those unfamiliar with the franchise. The humor is straightforward enough to engage newcomers without relying heavily on nostalgia. Nicholas Brooks from Comic Book Resources stated,
“The Naked Gun isn’t just for longtime fans; it’s for newcomers, comedy fans, and anyone looking to put the phone down and enjoy a genuinely hilarious time at the movies.”
This inclusive approach broadens the film’s appeal beyond just established followers of the series.
A Look Back at Past Naked Gun Films and Their Reception
The original Naked Gun movies, released between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, received moderate to favorable critical scores, setting the foundation for this remake’s success. Here is an overview of the key ratings for the franchise’s previous installments in comparison to the new release:
- The Naked Gun: From the Files Of Police Squad! (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
Metacritic: 76/100
IMDb: 7.6/10 - The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
IMDb: 6.9/10 - Naked Gun 33½: The Final Insult (1994)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
IMDb: 6.5/10 - The Naked Gun (2025 remake)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Metacritic: 78/100
This fresh iteration surpasses its predecessors in critical reception, reflecting the successful modernization and revitalization efforts by the creative team.
Strong Ensemble Cast Supports the Comedy Revival
Alongside Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., Pamela Anderson joins the cast in the role of Beth, contributing to the film’s dynamic ensemble. Their performances bring both familiarity and novelty, ensuring the chemistry required for the franchise’s comedic style shines through effectively.
Why The Naked Gun Remake Matters for Comedy Fans
Achieving a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes marks The Naked Gun remake as one of the rare comedy films to gain this level of critical acclaim, signifying a major success for a genre often undervalued in contemporary cinema. Akiva Schaffer’s direction alongside Neeson’s comedic dedication has managed to strike a balance that honors the original while inviting a new audience to enjoy the zany world of the Drebin family.
This film’s strong reception suggests it could rejuvenate interest in absurdist comedies and possibly lead to future installments or spin-offs, further expanding the franchise’s legacy and influence.
