"The Naked Gun Reboot Delivers Laughs and Legacy

In 2022, director Akiva Schaffer, known for his unique brand of comedy in films such as "Hot Rod" and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping successfully brought the animated series "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers" to life in a live-action adaptation. Now, he aims for similar success with the legacy sequel "The Naked Gun," produced by Paramount Pictures. Schaffer co-wrote the script with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, which stars Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr.

Paul Walter Hauser plays Ed Hocken Jr., the son of George Kennedy's character, Drebin's colleague. Like their fathers, Drebin Jr and Hocken Jr are on the Police Squad under the tutelage of Chief Davis (CCH Pounder). The film's prologue, which is in the initial teaser trailer, sets up our plot, introducing us to bank robber Sig Gustafson (Kevin Durand), who steals a gadget called P.L.O.T. Device.

The robbery leads the police squad to investigate a death, which Drebin immediately dismisses as suicide. Still, the deceased's sister Beth (Pamela Anderson) seeks out Drebin and claims it was murder. Suspicion falls on the bad electric car manufacturer Richard Cane (Danny Huston), who quickly learn that Sig works for.  What follows is a brisk 85 minutes of sight gags, one-liners, and call-backs to the original film.

When this film was announced, it was met with plenty of jeers as no one saw the point in remaking the film, especially when the initial attempts all got stuck in development hell. However, the cinephile in me had some faith when I found out who was behind the scenes, and it would be great to see Liam Nesson somewhat go against type.

While Nesson has dabbled in comedy films before, it was never to the extent of silliness he displays here. Nesson is entirely on board with zaniness in the movie, which adds to the overall charm.  Steering the ship right behind him is the lovely Pamela Anderson, who follows up last year's critically acclaimed "The Last Showgirl" with a great comedic turn. Kudos to the writers for not turning Anderson into an oversexed cougar and giving her character some merit.

I don't want to spoil any of the film's jokes, but I will say they come at a rapid pace, and my press screening audience was in stitches for the bulk of the film. I can also assure moviegoers that the best bits weren't ruined in the trailer, although the O.J. Simpson joke should have been saved. 

In hindsight, the film shouldn't work as well as it does. Frankly, my only gripe with the film is the underusage of Paul Walter Hauser and Liza Koshy, both of whom are gifted comedic talents in their own right.

Nevertheless, with a committed performance film form, some great cameos, and laugh-out-loud moments, "The Naked Gun" is worth the trip to the theater.

Final Grade: B+

"The Naked Gun" opens in theaters tomorrow.