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Naked Gun's Hilarious Return: Liam Neeson & Pamela Anderson Ignite Chemistry

Published 6 days ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Naked Gun's Hilarious Return: Liam Neeson & Pamela Anderson Ignite Chemistry

The 2025 remake of "The Naked Gun" boldly revives a beloved comedy classic, with Liam Neeson stepping into the iconic role of Frank Drebin Jr., son of Leslie Nielsen’s original accident-prone detective. The film opens with a self-aware sequence where Neeson addresses the scarcity of comedies, setting the stage for a remarkably funny cinematic experience. Neeson, renowned for his serious roles, demonstrates surprising comedic genius, mastering the art of being funny without overtly trying, much like his predecessor. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Pamela Anderson, playing the sultry Beth Davenport, is a standout success, providing both romantic sparks and comedic interplay.

The plot sees Los Angeles cop Frank Drebin Jr. investigating a mysterious death at an electric car firm, leading him and Beth to uncover a dastardly plot orchestrated by tech firm boss Richard Cane, brilliantly portrayed by Danny Huston. However, the storyline intentionally takes a backseat, serving merely as a framework for an relentless barrage of gags. The film is packed with both edgy humor, including jokes at the expense of OJ Simpson and Bill Cosby, and classic corny lines such as Drebin telling Beth to "take a chair" and her walking off with a stool. It also features a plethora of pratfalls that pay homage to the original's chaotic charm, where Drebin remains oblivious to the mayhem he leaves behind. The humor comes thick and fast, making it nearly impossible to resist laughing aloud. Despite initial skepticism about the viability of such old-school, cheesy humor in a modern context, the remake proves to be a refreshing alternative to contemporary meta-comedies, successfully saving comedy as promised. Producer Seth MacFarlane and director Akiva Schaffer have meticulously preserved the original's winning formula, while David Zucker's influence on adult comedic material is evident, earning the film a 15 certification. The film's comedic success has even sparked hopes for a sequel.

In a different cinematic vein, the documentary "Dogspiracy" delves into the controversial world of puppy farms. The film's title, reminiscent of "Seaspiracy" and "Cowspiracy," signals its intent to expose a "conspiracy" involving "dark forces" that keep the cruel puppy trade in business. British vet Dr. Marc Abraham fronts the film, aiming to reveal the often-filthy and cramped conditions in which dogs are kept. However, the documentary falls short of its potential, lacking extensive undercover footage that would visually expose the abuses. Instead, it often shows Dr. Abraham merely watching such material on his laptop, or focusing on surprisingly clean Amish puppy mills in the US, diminishing its intended hard-hitting impact and leaving some viewers feeling "sold a pup."

Meanwhile, "Savages," a heartfelt stop-motion animation from director Claude Barras, known for "My Life As A Courgette," offers an urgent call to protect the rainforests of Borneo. The film follows Kéria, a spirited teenager living with her widowed father, who reluctantly works for a palm-oil plantation. Kéria's life changes with the arrival of her young cousin Selaï, whose home was destroyed, and an orphaned orangutan named Oshi. Together, the trio embarks on an adventure that blends environmental urgency with personal discovery. While the villains, swaggering plantation bosses, are rendered in broad strokes, the film's honesty, charm, ecological awareness, and cultural respect make it a compelling and winning addition to contemporary animation, symbolizing defiance against greed and intimidation through the locals' stand with harmless blowpipes.

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