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‘The Naked Gun’ Remake Unleashes Hilarious Chaos: Neeson & Anderson's Off-the-Charts Chemistry Steals the Show

Published 5 days ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
‘The Naked Gun’ Remake Unleashes Hilarious Chaos: Neeson & Anderson's Off-the-Charts Chemistry Steals the Show

The highly anticipated remake of 'The Naked Gun' has been lauded as a comedic triumph, proving it takes considerable bravery to revive a beloved classic like the 1988 original starring Leslie Nielsen. Liam Neeson steps into the iconic shoes of Frank Drebin Jr., son of the original's accident-prone detective, while Pamela Anderson takes on the role of the sultry Beth Davenport. This new iteration has been hailed as one of the funniest films in years, effectively saving comedy in a landscape increasingly devoid of it.

The plot sees Frank Drebin Jr., a Los Angeles cop, delve into the mysterious death of an employee at an electric car firm. This investigation leads him to Beth Davenport and eventually uncovers a dastardly plot orchestrated by tech firm boss Richard Cane, brilliantly portrayed by Danny Huston. A surprising and highly successful element of the film is the palpable on-screen chemistry between Neeson and Anderson, which has been cited as one of 2025's most unexpected casting successes. Neeson, known for his tough-guy roles in films like 'Taken,' remarkably embodies the bumbling, straight-faced comedic genius akin to Leslie Nielsen, keeping a poker face through even the most absurd scenarios.

The film deliberately downplays its storyline, using gags like a bank robber stealing a 'P.L.O.T. Device' to signal that every element is designed for maximum laughter. It features a diverse range of humor, from edgy jokes referencing figures like OJ Simpson and Bill Cosby, to corny one-liners and an abundance of pratfalls that pay homage to the original film's chaotic style. Producer Seth MacFarlane and director Akiva Schaffer are credited with not altering the winning formula too much, ensuring a barrage of gags that keep audiences laughing. Its adult material earns it a 15 certification, but its old-school, cheesy humor is presented as a refreshing alternative to modern meta-comedies.

In contrast, 'Dogspiracy' is a documentary fronted by British vet Dr. Marc Abraham, purporting to expose a 'conspiracy' of 'dark forces' that keep cruel puppy farms in business. Much like other 'conspiracy' titled films, it aims to shine a light on a hidden world, in this case, the often-filthy and cramped conditions in which dogs are kept.

However, the documentary faces criticism for its execution. Reviewers note a significant lack of hard-hitting undercover footage, instead showing Dr. Abraham watching such material on a laptop in a cafe, revealing little to the audience. While some disturbing images from Eastern Europe are included, the film predominantly focuses on the US, where Dr. Abraham visits an 'Amish puppy mill' surprisingly depicted as spotless and featuring heated floors. Ultimately, the film is described as failing to be the hard-hitting exposé it promises, leaving viewers feeling 'sold a pup'.

'Savages' offers a different cinematic experience, as a stop-motion animation from 'My Life As A Courgette' director Claude Barras. This heartfelt film serves as an urgent call to protect the rainforests, specifically set in Borneo, swapping the orphanage setting of Barras's previous work for endangered natural habitats.

The narrative follows Kéria, a spirited teenager living on the forest's edge, whose father reluctantly works for a palm-oil plantation. Her world changes when her young cousin Selaï, whose home has been destroyed, moves in. Together with Oshi, an orphaned orangutan, they embark on an adventure that masterfully blends environmental urgency with profound personal discovery. The film's villains—swaggering plantation bosses—are painted in broad strokes, yet the story maintains its compelling nature through its honesty. The locals' stand, armed with harmless dart-firing blowpipes, becomes a powerful symbol of defiance against greed and intimidation. 'Savages' is praised for its clever fusion of charm, ecological awareness, and cultural respect, making it a noteworthy, if somewhat conventional, addition to contemporary animation.

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