A franchise reboot that shouldn't work and partially doesn't � but Liam Neeson, playing Frank Drebin's idiot son with complete deadpan commitment, gives the film enough laughs to justify its existence as one of summer 2025's cheerfully stupid entertainments.
Drebin Jr. Reports for Duty
The original Naked Gun trilogy featuring the late Leslie Nielsen is considered untouchable by many comedy fans. Paramount's reboot was met with significant skepticism � and the result is a film that earns partial vindication through sheer commitment to its own absurdity. Liam Neeson, as Drebin's equally dense son, proves unexpectedly adept at physical comedy � the absolute certainty of his delivery translates surprisingly well to the Zucker-Abrahams comedic tradition where characters are completely sincere about everything ridiculous. Pamela Anderson's casting is both an in-joke and a genuine performance.
"Not the original, but an honest attempt. Neeson commits fully to the bit and the film lands enough gags to earn its ticket price."
� AV ClubThe Verdict
A decent reboot of an unbootable franchise. Funny when Neeson is in full deadpan mode. Lemon. Not Sergeant Pepper. But close enough for a fun summer night.
A franchise reboot that shouldn't work and partially doesn't � but Liam Neeson, playing Frank Drebin's idiot son with complete deadpan commitment, gives the film enough laughs to justify its existence as one of summer 2025's cheerfully stupid entertainments.