Recent cinematic releases offer a diverse viewing experience, ranging from a highly anticipated comedy reboot featuring an unexpected star to a critical documentary exploring the dark underbelly of a controversial industry, and a heartwarming stop-motion animation championing environmental protection.

First up is the remake of the classic comedy, THE NAKED GUN (15), clocking in at 85 minutes and earning a stellar five-star review. Liam Neeson, a name synonymous with action-packed thrillers like the Taken series and serious dramas such as Schindler’s List, proves to be a surprising comedic revelation. As Lt Frank Drebin Jr, son of the original character played by the late Leslie Nielsen, Neeson’s performance is marked by an uncanny ability to maintain a straight face while delivering absurd humor, reminiscent of Nielsen himself. His chemistry with co-star Pamela Anderson, who plays Beth Davenport, is palpable both on and off-screen, adding a layer of charming interaction as she guides the bumbling detective through a dastardly plot. Producers Seth MacFarlane and director Akiva Schaffer wisely preserve the winning formula of the 1988 original, filling the film with a mix of corny and edgier jokes, a hallmark of director David Zucker’s previous works. Despite a few gags missing their mark, the sheer volume and rapid-fire delivery ensure constant laughter, making it a highly enjoyable watch that even sparks a desire for a sequel.

In stark contrast to the comedic romp is the documentary DOGSPIRACY (12A), a 98-minute film that received a two-star rating. Jumping on the trend of “-spiracy” titled films, this documentary, fronted by British vet Dr Marc Abraham, purports to expose the “dark forces” maintaining the existence of cruel puppy farms. While the intention to shed light on dogs kept in filthy, cramped conditions is noble, the film falls short in its execution. The reviewer expressed disappointment in the apparent lack of secured rights to show readily available, hard-hitting footage of such atrocities, often resorting to showing Dr Abraham watching content on a laptop from an unrevealing angle. Although some disturbing images from Eastern European farms are included, the primary focus shifts to the US, where Dr Abraham is seen visiting an Amish puppy mill described as “spotless” with heated floors. Ultimately, the documentary is critiqued as not being the “hard-hitting” exposé it aims to be, leaving the reviewer feeling “sold a pup.”

Finally, SAVAGES (PG), an 87-minute stop-motion animation, garnered a three-star review, blending visual splendor with an urgent environmental message. Directed by Claude Barras, known for “My Life As A Courgette,” this film shifts from an orphanage setting to the endangered rainforests of Borneo. The narrative centers on Kéria, a spirited teenager living on the edge of the forest, whose father reluctantly works for a palm-oil plantation. Her world is reshaped by the arrival of her young cousin Selaï, whose home has been destroyed. Together with Oshi, an orphaned orangutan, they embark on an adventure that seamlessly weaves environmental urgency with personal discovery. While the antagonists, swaggering plantation bosses, are depicted in broad strokes, the film’s inherent honesty maintains its compelling nature. The locals’ symbolic stand, armed only with harmless blowpipe darts, epitomizes defiance against greed and intimidation. “Savages” is lauded for its clever fusion of charm, ecological awareness, and cultural respect, establishing itself as a winning, albeit somewhat conventional, addition to contemporary animation.