Recent cinematic releases offer a diverse palette, ranging from a highly anticipated comedy remake to an investigative documentary and a heartfelt animated call to action. Among these, "THE NAKED GUN" remake, starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, stands out as a surprising comedic triumph, while "DOGSPIRACY" aims to expose the cruelties of puppy farming, and "SAVAGES" delivers an urgent environmental message through stop-motion animation.

The return of "THE NAKED GUN" (rated 15, 85 mins) was met with initial skepticism, given the beloved status of the 1988 original featuring Leslie Nielsen. However, the remake, co-starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. (son of Nielsen's accident-prone detective) and Pamela Anderson as the sultry Beth Davenport, has been hailed as one of the funniest films in years. The film bravely opens with a meta-commentary on the scarcity of comedies, setting a high bar it remarkably clears. Neeson, known for his action roles, delivers a hilarious performance as the bumbling Los Angeles cop, effectively channeling the spirit of his predecessor by being funny without explicitly trying to be. His unexpected comedic genius, coupled with a surprising and impressive on-screen chemistry with Anderson, forms the core of the film's success. The pair's off-screen rapport, described as "giggling like school kids," clearly translates to the screen, making their casting a standout success of 2025.

The plot, involving an investigation into a mysterious death at an electric car firm that uncovers a dastardly scheme by tech boss Richard Cane (played brilliantly by Danny Huston), is intentionally secondary to the gags. The film is packed with a mix of edgy humor, including controversial jokes referencing OJ Simpson (who was in the original film) and Bill Cosby, alongside classic corny lines and numerous pratfalls that pay homage to the original's chaotic style. Director Akiva Schaffer and producer Seth MacFarlane have maintained the winning formula, ensuring that even if not all gags land, their rapid-fire delivery guarantees consistent laughter. This "old-school, cheesy humour" is presented as a refreshing alternative to modern meta-comedies, successfully saving comedy in the eyes of many critics, with some even hoping for a sequel.

Shifting gears, "DOGSPIRACY" (rated 12A, 98 mins) attempts to shed light on the dark world of puppy farms. Fronted by British vet Dr. Marc Abraham, the documentary aims to expose the "dark forces" that perpetuate this cruel trade, where dogs are often kept in filthy, cramped conditions. However, the film receives a lukewarm reception, particularly due to its apparent failure to secure rights for much-needed undercover footage. Instead, viewers are shown Marc watching such material on his laptop. While it features disturbing images from Eastern Europe, the primary focus unexpectedly shifts to the US, where Marc investigates an Amish puppy mill described as "spotless" with "heated floors," starkly contrasting the expected exposé of cruelty. The reviewer felt "sold a pup," indicating the documentary fell short of delivering a hard-hitting investigation.

Finally, "SAVAGES" (rated PG, 87 mins) offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated experience. From Claude Barras, the acclaimed director of "My Life As A Courgette," this stop-motion film beautifully blends ecological urgency with personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of the endangered rainforests of Borneo, the story follows Kéria, a spirited teenager whose father reluctantly works for a palm-oil plantation. Her world changes when her young cousin Selaï, displaced after his home is destroyed, moves in. Together with Oshi, an orphaned orangutan, they embark on an adventure to protect their environment. While the villains – swaggering plantation bosses – are broadly drawn, the film's honesty and cultural respect keep it compelling. The locals, armed with harmless blowpipes, symbolize defiance against greed and intimidation, making "Savages" a charming, if conventional, yet powerful addition to contemporary animation with its urgent call to protect the rainforest.