This week in cinema offers a diverse trio of films, ranging from a highly anticipated comedic reboot starring an unlikely duo, to a poignant stop-motion animation with an environmental message, and a documentary delving into the controversial world of puppy farms. Reviewers Grant Rollings and Linda Marric provide their insights into these varied cinematic experiences.

Leading the lineup is the remake of THE NAKED GUN (15), clocking in at 85 minutes and earning a stellar five-star rating. Liam Neeson, stepping into the shoes of Lt Frank Drebin Jr, son of Leslie Nielsen's original character, is lauded for his surprisingly hilarious performance. Best known for his action roles, Neeson proves to be a comedy genius, much like Nielsen, by being funny without overtly trying. His offscreen and onscreen chemistry with Pamela Anderson, who portrays Beth Davenport, is highlighted as particularly impressive, with Anderson "smouldering as she paws at her handsome co-star." Producer Seth MacFarlane and director Akiva Schaffer are credited for successfully updating the winning formula of the 1988 original, filling the film with both corny and edgier jokes that justify its 15 certification. Scenes like Drebin's literal interpretation of "take a chair" and an X-rated infrared camera incident are cited as examples of the rapid-fire humor that left the reviewer laughing more than in years, even prompting hopes for a sequel.

In a contrasting vein, SAVAGES (PG) is an 87-minute stop-motion animation from director Claude Barras, receiving three stars. This follow-up to "My Life As A Courgette" swaps the orphanage setting for the endangered rainforests of Borneo, delivering an urgent call to protect nature. The narrative centers on Kéria, a spirited teenager living with her widowed father, who works for a palm-oil plantation. Her world is disrupted when her young cousin Selaï, whose home is destroyed, moves in. Together with Oshi, an orphaned orangutan, they embark on an adventure that masterfully blends environmental urgency with personal discovery. While the plantation bosses are portrayed as broad, swaggering villains, the film maintains its compelling nature through honesty. The locals' stand, armed with harmless dart-firing blowpipes, symbolizes defiance against greed. Linda Marric praises "Savages" for its clever combination of charm, ecological awareness, and cultural respect, deeming it a winning, albeit slightly conventional, addition to contemporary animation.

Finally, the documentary DOGSPIRACY (12A) runs for 98 minutes and earns a two-star rating. This film, which joins other "piracy" titled documentaries like "Seaspiracy" and "Cowspiracy," aims to expose the "dark forces" that British vet Dr Marc Abraham believes sustain the puppy farm industry. While the documentary sets out to reveal the cruel conditions of such trade, the reviewer, Grant Rollings, expresses disappointment that it largely fails to deliver hard-hitting evidence. Instead of footage of undercover animal rights campaigners, viewers see Dr Abraham watching material on his laptop from an unrevealing angle. Despite some disturbing images from Eastern Europe, the film's focus shifts to the US, showcasing a spotless Amish puppy mill with heated floors, which ultimately undermined the expected exposé. Rollings concludes by feeling "sold a pup," indicating a significant letdown in the film's ability to live up to its investigative promise.