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Comedy remakes rarely capture lightning in a bottle twice, but The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson defies expectations by delivering genuine belly laughs while honoring Leslie Nielsen's legendary deadpan style. As someone notoriously skeptical of remakes, I approached this film with caution—and walked away thoroughly entertained.

What makes this soft reboot work brilliantly is its understanding of what made the originals special. Casting Liam Neeson (known primarily for serious action roles) mirrors Nielsen's own career trajectory from dramatic actor to comedy icon. The film cleverly positions Neeson as Nielsen's son despite the mathematical impossibility of their ages—embracing the absurdist humor that defined the franchise. From the opening scenes to a special tribute during the credits, the movie demonstrates a deep appreciation for its source material.

The supporting cast fully commits to the absurdity, with Danny Huston particularly surprising as a villain who gets to participate in the comedy rather than just serving as the straight man. Pamela Anderson brings laughs in her scenes, and everyone on screen seems unafraid to look ridiculous—a refreshing quality in today's comedy landscape that often relies on shock value rather than cleverly constructed visual gags and physical comedy. While some jokes in the middle section feel repetitive (earning the film a 4/5 rating rather than perfect score), the strong opening and closing segments deliver consistent laughs throughout. For anyone seeking a comedy that recalls the joy of classic slapstick while feeling fresh for modern audiences, The Naked Gun proves some remakes are actually worth the price of admission. Ready for more cinematic deep dives? Subscribe to The Couch Critic for weekly reviews that go beyond the surface!

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