Naked Gun Reboot: A New Look

So, I was part of The Naked Gun franchise. Yeah, I had to shell out $20.49 for tickets, but what really got me was that my friends Dan Gregor and Doug Mand co-wrote and co-produced the 2025 reboot. It’s kind of surreal.

Imagine being in a situation where you think, “If people don’t like this, how will I ever get my money back?” Maybe through Venmo? I’m not quite sure how refunds work in Hollywood.

It’s interesting how the film captures the essence of Neeson’s action-hero persona. You’ll definitely want to watch out for the “Bodycam” scene. His performance is, well, intriguing—like a shade of gray that somehow makes sense through a comedic lens.

Reflecting on Comedy

In my book, That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, I delve into what I call “post-maltem,” discussing the so-called death of comedy and, more positively, the potential for its rebirth. It’s been three years since that book came out. In that time, we’ve seen shifts in cultural attitudes, and, well, a sort of resurgence in comedy thanks to online creators.

It’s almost a paradox; the industry flourished while grappling with the very things that once stifled it. Think about how podcasters turned into creators, capturing audiences in ways that traditional outlets struggled to. Sure, it’s easier for comedians to produce content now, but then there’s the issue of algorithms, which can be a trap for creativity, as Mark Maron pointed out recently.

The Reboot Challenge

Funny enough, one genre that hasn’t quite made a comeback is feature-length comedies. So, the challenge is significant for Gregor and Doug in crafting the latest Naked Gun film, especially with manager Akiba Shaffer and the rest of the team.

Rebooting during a time when audiences may, or may not, be tired of reboots seems like risky business. Honestly, revamping a classic like The Naked Gun feels almost daunting.

So, I found myself in Manhattan, staring at the screen in an AMC theater in Times Square. And honestly, a little worried—what if I hated it? I’d have to wrangle my parking expenses as part of the deal.

Watch Party Dynamics

Gregor, hailing from Long Island and a NYU grad, organized a watch party for friends in New York. Meanwhile, Doug, from Philadelphia and also an NYU alum, hosted his own gathering there. I have this wild feeling that it might turn into a bit of a party, maybe even a “Naked Gun” riot.

The three of us randomly crossed paths at NYU, performing with an improv group called the Hammerkatz before moving to the Upright Citizen Brigade Theatre. It was a nostalgic trip back to Theater 17 for the 7 PM screening, reminding me of the friends who supported us over two decades of ups and downs.

Personal Experience

I intended to keep to myself at the screening, but Gregor had me sitting right beside him, literally next to the son of a notable figure. Sure, it was a prime seat, but wow, the pressure that came with that! In the past, if I felt disappointed by a friend’s performance, I’d play it off with a quip stolen from Matt Besser: “You looked like you were having fun there.” All too familiar, you know?

But, I didn’t have to use that line this time. I actually enjoyed it. For the entire hour and twenty-five minutes—and then some during the credits—I was genuinely laughing, to the point where tears were in my eyes.

Crafting Humor

The reboot packs in a remarkable number of jokes, and let me tell you, when you’re laughing, it’s easy to miss something fresh. That’s a clever move on their part, ensuring audiences feel the need to return for a second viewing to catch what they might have overlooked.

I’d love to share my favorite gags, but I won’t spoil them here. The film successfully taps into visual comedy, puns, and the straight-faced delivery of ridiculous—and sometimes crude—lines. It’s a fantastic homage to the original.

David Zucker, one of the original co-creators, may have had reservations, considering the reboot is quite literally his brainchild. But I think he’ll be pleased to see it well-grown into something entertaining.

Unique Casting Choices

Let’s clear this up: Liam Neeson is not Leslie Nielsen. Neeson brings a different kind of intensity to the role. I do remember him stepping into comedic territory in the HBO series “Life’s Too Short,” where he had a memorable cameo. That left me wondering if he could carry an entire comedy on his own.

How interesting it is that The Naked Gun turns such a serious actor into a source of laughter. In an interview, Gregor mentioned the challenge of finding the “stupidest thing” to say to Neeson, which is something you don’t come across every day.

And the bodycam scene? That’s a performance with its own unique spin. There’s a certain humor that’s almost indescribable—one that even touches on the absurd. Busta Rhymes also makes an appearance in that scene, adding some comedic flavor.

Chemistry on Screen

Now, about Neeson’s chemistry with Pamela Anderson—it’s striking. I was surprised to see her in the film, and she absolutely holds her own. Anderson exudes grace while navigating the complexities of aging in the public eye, making her interactions with Neeson notably funny.

And then there’s Danny Houston, who nails the villain role. His plot is so engaging that it could easily serve as the foundation for a spinoff.

If you’re pondering whether the “Naked Gun” can keep you guessing, I’ll say this: if you think you can predict the punchline, you might just be pleasantly surprised when it doesn’t go as expected.

Once you experience “The Naked Gun,” you’re likely going to want to watch it again. Just remember: no refunds.