The Naked Gun (2025) Early Reviews: Liam Neeson’s Comedy Reboot Sparks Laughter and Nostalgia
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The Naked Gun (2025) Early Reviews are pouring in, and the buzz is electric for this long-awaited reboot of the iconic spoof comedy franchise.
Starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s beloved character, this legacy sequel promises a fresh take on the slapstick humor that defined the original trilogy.
Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the film has already garnered praise for its relentless gags, nostalgic charm, and Neeson’s surprising comedic chops.
Below, we dive into the early reactions, key highlights, and what fans can expect when the movie hits theaters on August 1, 2025.
Why Are Critics Raving About The Naked Gun Reboot?
Early screenings of The Naked Gun (2025) have left critics and audiences in stitches, with many calling it a triumphant return to the spoof genre. Reviewers highlight the film’s ability to honor the original trilogy’s zany spirit while updating it for modern audiences.
Social media posts from industry insiders like @ErikDavis and @JimmyHemphill
praise the film’s “hundreds of gags” and “smart, hilarious” execution, with some even suggesting Neeson could deserve an Oscar for his comedic performance.
The 85-minute runtime is frequently noted for its tight pacing, ensuring a laugh-a-minute experience without overstaying its welcome.The film’s blend of physical comedy, clever wordplay, and absurd scenarios has been a standout.
Critics like @katcystephan from Variety describe it as “deliciously stupid,” a nod to the original films’ unapologetic silliness.
The casting of Neeson, known for intense action roles like Taken, alongside Pamela Anderson as femme fatale Beth, has been a revelation, with their chemistry earning widespread acclaim.
Andy Samberg, a comedy icon and collaborator of director Schaffer, called the film “pure joy,” emphasizing its wall-to-wall humor.
What Makes Liam Neeson’s Performance Stand Out?
Liam Neeson’s casting as Frank Drebin Jr. initially raised eyebrows, given his action-hero persona, but early reviews suggest he’s a perfect fit.
Critics note that Neeson plays the role with a deadpan intensity, channeling the same gravitas that made Leslie Nielsen’s performance iconic while avoiding imitation.
His ability to deliver absurd lines with sincerity, such as misreading “manslaughter” as “man’s laughter,” has been a highlight. Neeson himself expressed initial nervousness about leading a comedy, but his commitment to the role has paid off, with reviewers like
@BrandonDavisBD stating he “shouldn’t be this funny.”
Pamela Anderson’s return to comedy as Beth has also been a major talking point. Her campy, Baywatch-inspired performance complements Neeson’s straight-man delivery, creating a dynamic that critics describe as “absolutely wonderful.”
Neeson himself praised Anderson’s professionalism and comedic timing, noting in interviews that she was “terrific to work with” and predicting she’ll be a standout in the film.
How Does the Reboot Honor the Original Naked Gun Legacy?
The Naked Gun (2025) is a legacy sequel, meaning it builds on the original trilogy while introducing new characters and modern gags.
Fans of the 1988-1994 films will appreciate the callbacks and Easter eggs, though the movie is designed to stand alone for newcomers.
The reboot spoofs contemporary action and procedural genres, including references to NCIS, John Wick, and even Neeson’s own Taken series, ensuring relevance for today’s audiences.
Director Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island, maintains the franchise’s signature style of rapid-fire visual and verbal humor, which critics say feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Despite the absence of the original creators, Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker, the involvement of Schaffer and producer Seth MacFarlane has reassured fans. MacFarlane’s experience with irreverent humor and Schaffer’s knack for sharp comedy have crafted a film that reviewers say “evokes the late ’80s/early ’90s vibe perfectly.”
The supporting cast, including Paul Walter Hauser as Captain Ed Hocken Jr., CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, and Busta Rhymes, adds variety and depth to the comedic ensemble.
Is The Naked Gun (2025) the Comedy Revival Hollywood Needs?
The early buzz positions The Naked Gun (2025) as a potential game-changer for the comedy genre, which has seen a decline in theatrical releases. Critics argue that the film’s unapologetic commitment to “pure, silly spoof humor” fills a void left by the shift toward dramedies and short-form social media content.
Posts on X highlight the film’s ability to deliver “nonstop gags” without relying on offensive humor, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The positive reception, coupled with a star-studded cast and a concise runtime, suggests the reboot could spark renewed interest in spoof comedies, potentially paving the way for projects like Scary Movie 6 or a new Austin Powers film.
The film’s trailers have already generated millions of views, with fans praising its absurd setups, like Neeson’s character racing to a toilet to avoid “ruining another suit.”
Industry outlets like ScreenRant and IndieWire emphasize the film’s potential to “resurrect the parody genre” and “heal America” through laughter, underscoring its cultural significance.Early Reviews Data Table
Source | Reviewer | Key Quote | Date | Rating/Score | Highlighted Aspect |
ScreenRant | @ErikDavis | “I can finally talk about how obsessed I am with #TheNakedGun reboot. Hilarious film stuffed with hundreds of gags.” | July 16, 2025 | N/A | Hundreds of gags, Neeson and Anderson’s casting |
Variety | @katcystephan | “The Naked Gun is so deliciously stupid, and I mean that as the highest compliment.” | July 16, 2025 | N/A | True to original’s spirit |
IGN | @jeffreyvega | “They ARE making them like they used to! So many great jokes.” | July 16, 2025 | N/A | Fun filmmaking, nostalgic vibe |
JoBlo | @JimmyHemphill | “Smart and hilarious from beginning to end.” | July 15, 2025 | N/A | Neeson’s Oscar-worthy performance |
ScreenRant | @BrandonDavisBD | “Liam Neeson shouldn’t be this funny. Every bit as ridiculous & over the top.” | July 16, 2025 | N/A | Clever humor, nostalgic beats |
NextBestPicture | @NextBestPicture | “Endlessly goofy satire we rarely see anymore.” | July 17, 2025 | N/A | Neeson’s comedic brilliance |
ScreenRant | Andy Samberg | “It’s just pure joy. All jokes, wall to wall.” | July 9, 2025 | N/A | Schaffer’s direction, cast performance |
Note: Ratings/scores are not available as early reviews are primarily social media reactions and qualitative feedback.
What Can Fans Expect When The Naked Gun Hits Theaters?The Naked Gun (2025) is shaping up to be a must-see comedy, blending nostalgia with fresh humor.
Its August 1, 2025, release date positions it as a summer blockbuster, and early reactions suggest it’s a rare reboot that lives up to its predecessor’s legacy. Whether you’re a fan of the original trilogy or new to the franchise, the film promises a rollicking 85 minutes of laughter.
Some Closing Thoughts:
As the buzz continues to build, The Naked Gun could mark a triumphant return for spoof comedies, proving that Hollywood can still deliver pure, unadulterated fun.Get ready to laugh until you cry when The Naked Gun hits theaters.
With Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson leading a stellar cast, this reboot is poised to be one of 2025’s funniest films.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss the chance to experience this comedic gem on the big screen.
