In 2022, actor Liam Neeson discussed his future projects during a Zoom interview for his action film Memory, expressing a desire to explore comedy rather than continuing with his action roles. He revealed hopes for a Naked Gun sequel, a project being developed by Seth MacFarlane. Now, three years later, The Naked Gun sequel has arrived, delivering uproarious humor that honors the legacy of the original films and marks Liam Neeson’s comedic comeback film with infectious energy.
A Wildly Unconventional Police Story
The movie opens with a standard bank robbery, but quickly veers into absurd territory when a little girl removes a mask to reveal herself as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., played by Neeson and the son of the original franchise’s iconic detective. He swiftly neutralizes the robbers with exaggerated, comical flair. Under the direction of Akiva Schaffer and the writing team of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, the film embraces a deliberately over-the-top style, blending slapstick, self-awareness, and illogical humor to recreate the original Naked Gun’s distinctive comedy tone.
Neeson Fully Embraces Comic Ridiculousness
The sequel pays homage to the original films’ playful antics, including the humorous use of obvious dummies instead of actors, capturing that same spirit of zaniness. This film marks a new phase for Neeson, who rose to prominence as an action star from 2008’s Taken through many projects until recent performances like The Ice Road and Memory, which saw a decline in critical reception. The Naked Gun provides Neeson with a fresh platform to display his comedic timing and deadpan style, revitalizing his screen presence in a way that stands apart from his often intense, action-oriented roles.
Seth MacFarlane’s Influence and Clever Casting
Producer and creator Seth MacFarlane, who previously collaborated with Neeson on various projects including A Million Ways to Die in the West, Family Guy episodes, and Ted 2, brought him on board knowing his ability to blend seriousness with absurdity. A notable comedic moment in Ted 2, where Neeson buys a box of Trix cereal amidst high stakes, demonstrated his aptitude for humor through understated delivery. This approach continues in The Naked Gun, where Neeson’s familiar, low-toned menace contrasts hilariously with absurd, silly dialogue.
Neeson’s Surprise Screening Appearance and On-Screen Dynamic
During a surprise screening, Neeson appeared in person to remind the audience humorously, “You’d better laugh,” maintaining his signature growl. In the film, he adopts a deadpan performance style, avoiding overtly comedic acting to enhance the humor naturally, following a tradition among top comedic actors who deliver punchlines with straight-faced sincerity. The writers cleverly expand on The Naked Gun’s classic literal humor while adding fresh twists to keep viewers engaged and amused.
Bringing The LEGO Movie’s Humor to Life
Previously, Neeson voiced a comedic cop character in The LEGO Movie, but this sequel allows him to embody such a role in live action. Much like Leslie Nielsen’s original Frank Drebin, Neeson’s character remains oblivious to the chaos erupting around him, often fueled by his own actions, blending cluelessness with occasional purposeful comedic moments. Pamela Anderson, another notable presence in the cast, shines in a rare comedic role that complements her recent dramatic work and past brief forays into humor.
On-Screen Chemistry and Supporting Cast Highlights
Neeson and Anderson’s characters share notable chemistry, especially evident in a romantic montage that highlights their comedic rapport. Their collaboration has extended beyond the screen into a real-life romance. Among the supporting cast, Paul Walter Hauser stands out as Captain Ed Hocken Jr., delivering memorable comedic moments. Danny Huston, known for villain roles, embraces a more ludicrous persona here, contributing to the overall goofy tone of the film. The cast’s enthusiasm is palpable, enhancing the film’s joyful and lively atmosphere.
Plot Takes a Backseat to Comedy Gags
The storyline revolves around high-stakes global threats featuring a device reminiscent of Kingsman: The Secret Service, but it serves mostly as a framework for nonstop jokes rather than narrative depth. Unlike other recent comedy sequels such as Happy Gilmore 2, which leaned heavily on nostalgia and celebrity cameos to generate laughs, The Naked Gun keeps the pace brisk at 85 minutes and delivers mostly original humor while still nodding to the franchise’s past and comedic tradition.
Intelligent References and Musical Easter Eggs
The film includes both overt and subtle references designed to reward fans without alienating newcomers. In one quick cameo, the audience response was muted, suggesting it may have been too brief for full effect. Another standout moment references a scene from Mission: Impossible – Fallout, enhanced by a clever musical nod from Lorne Balfe, the composer for both films, who cheekily integrates his own score as part of the gag. These layers add to the film’s rich texture of humor and homage.
A Noteworthy Legacy Sequel Worth Seeing
The Naked Gun sequel ranks among the best comedy continuations, skillfully balancing reverence for its roots with fresh, contemporary humor. It stands as a thoughtful reboot that honors Leslie Nielsen’s legacy while showcasing Liam Neeson’s unexpected and effective shift into comedy. The film’s brisk runtime and relentless gags make it an entertaining choice for fans of the genre and the franchise alike, best enjoyed casually with simple snacks like a chili dog and coffee for full effect.
Critical Response
Reflecting its success, the film earned an 8 out of 10 rating, indicating a “Great” reception. This score acknowledges some minor flaws but confirms that the film achieves its intended goal, leaving a memorable and positive impression on audiences and critics.
