A fast, joke-dense revival of the spoof-comedy tradition, built for viewers who want relentless sight gags, absurd escalation, and a big-screen crowd reaction. It’s especially appealing if you miss theatrical comedies that commit fully to the bit and don’t worry about realism for a second.
The Naked Gun
Where to watch: Buy
Movie · Action · Comedy
Wed · 1h 25m
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser
Overview
Only one man has the particular set of skills... to lead Police Squad and save the world: Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. Following in his father's footsteps, he must solve a murder case to prevent Police Squad from closure.
Director
Akiva Schaffer
Cast
Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser
Curator Review
Verdict
A fast, joke-dense revival of the spoof-comedy tradition, built for viewers who want relentless sight gags, absurd escalation, and a big-screen crowd reaction. It’s especially appealing if you miss theatrical comedies that commit fully to the bit and don’t worry about realism for a second.
Best for
fans of deadpan spoof comedy
viewers who like rapid-fire visual gags
people looking for a short, crowd-pleasing theatrical comedy
audiences who enjoy legacy sequels that respect the original tone
Skip if
you prefer subtle or character-driven humor
you dislike broad slapstick and nonstop nonsense
you want a serious crime story or tight procedural logic
you are tired of legacy sequels and franchise callbacks
Overview
This is a rare modern studio comedy that understands the assignment: keep the jokes coming, keep the runtime lean, and never apologize for being ridiculous. The movie’s biggest asset is its commitment to the bit, with visual gags and throwaway lines arriving so quickly that even weak jokes are usually swept away before they can land badly.
Worth noting
Liam Neeson is a smart piece of casting because he plays the straight man with total sincerity, which gives the chaos a sturdy center. Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser help keep the ensemble loose and playful, and the film’s best moments are the ones that feel engineered for a theater full of people laughing together.
Bottom line
It’s not trying to reinvent comedy, and some of the material is more hit-or-miss than the classics it’s channeling. But as a big-budget spoof with real craft and a clear sense of timing, it feels like a welcome reminder that theatrical comedies can still work when they fully commit.
Top Letterboxd reviews
jonathan fujii (3.5★) · 14075 likes
This movie’s commitment to having a joke/sight gag every 45 seconds is unironically one of the most impressive things I’ve seen
ChrisStuckmann · 6832 likes
Hardest I’ve laughed at the theater in years. I forgot how great it is to share communal laughter with strangers. There are so many great bits that I’m struggling to remember them all. Neeson is inspired. Anderson is great. 85 minute runtime! Definitely going a second time. We NEED more theatrical comedies with actual budgets so please go to the movies and support this.
zoë rose bryant (4★) · 5615 likes
the best live action looney tunes movie ever made. neeson deserves an oscar nomination
James (Schaffrillas) (4★) · 4720 likes
Legacy sequel so good that I'm lowering my score for Happy Gilmore 2 in response