The cinematic landscape is currently offering a diverse array of new releases, from a highly anticipated comedic remake to a hard-hitting documentary, and a beautifully animated environmental tale. Reviews highlight the return of a beloved comedy franchise, the challenges of investigative filmmaking, and the power of stop-motion storytelling to convey urgent messages.

Leading the charge in comedy is the new remake of THE NAKED GUN (15), an 85-minute feature earning a five-star rating. Taking on the daunting task of reviving a classic, the film bravely opens with star Liam Neeson self-referentially noting the decline of comedies. Neeson, stepping into the shoes of Leslie Nielsen's iconic character as Frank Drebin Jr., portrays the accident-prone Los Angeles detective. His latest investigation into a mysterious death at an electric car firm leads him to the sultry Beth Davenport, played by Pamela Anderson. Together, they uncover a "dastardly plot" orchestrated by tech firm boss Richard Cane, brought to life by Danny Huston.

The on-screen chemistry between Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson has been cited as one of the most surprising casting successes of 2025, with their offscreen rapport translating seamlessly to the big screen. Neeson, primarily known for his serious roles in action franchises like Taken, remarkably showcases a brilliant comedic talent, being funny precisely because he doesn't try to be. This approach mirrors the late Leslie Nielsen's style from the 1988 original.

The film's humor is a deliberate homage to its predecessor, featuring an abundance of old-school, "cheesy humour" and numerous pratfalls, where Drebin Jr. remains oblivious to the chaos in his wake. It embraces both edgy jokes, including references to figures like OJ Simpson and Bill Cosby, and corny wordplay. This relentless barrage of gags, according to critics, is refreshingly effective, making it "one of the funniest films" seen in years and a "perfect alternative to all the modern meta comedies trying too hard to be clever." The film has been so well-received that there's already hope for a sequel.

In contrast to the lighthearted comedy, DOGSPIRACY (12A) is a 98-minute documentary with a two-star rating that aims to expose the cruel trade of puppy farms. Fronted by British vet Dr Marc Abraham, the film sets out to reveal the "dark forces" that perpetuate this business. However, despite its noble intentions, the documentary falls short of being hard-hitting. Critics noted a lack of direct, undercover footage revealing the terrible conditions, with much of the "readily available material" only shown through Marc watching it on his laptop. While some disturbing images from Eastern Europe are included, the film predominantly focuses on the US, surprisingly showcasing an "Amish puppy mill" that appears spotless with heated floors, leading to the critique that the film "sold a pup" and isn't the exposé one might expect.

Finally, for animation enthusiasts, SAVAGES (PG) is an 87-minute stop-motion film earning three stars, from the director Claude Barras, known for My Life As A Courgette. This heartfelt animation serves as an urgent call to protect the rainforests of Borneo. The narrative centers on Kéria, a spirited teenager living on the edge of the forest, whose widowed father reluctantly works for a palm-oil plantation. Kéria's world is changed when her young cousin Selaï, displaced after his home is destroyed, moves in. Joined by Oshi, an orphaned orangutan, the trio embarks on an adventure that deftly blends environmental urgency with personal discovery. While the "swaggering plantation bosses" are portrayed in broad strokes, the film's honesty keeps it compelling. The local inhabitants' stand, armed with harmless blowpipes, symbolizes defiance against corporate greed and intimidation. Savages is lauded for its "clever blend of charm, ecological awareness and cultural respect," making it a winning, albeit "slightly conventional," addition to contemporary animation.