Early reviews of *The Naked Gun* suggest that big laughs are making a return to the cinema. This legacy sequel revives the comedy franchise that began with the short-lived TV show *Police Squad!* and pays tribute to the original creators – David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. Critics unanimously declare it not only the funniest movie of the year but also the first outstanding spoof film in decades. While some reviews point out flaws in the plot and pacing, especially in the final act, the majority urge audiences to experience this essential comedy in theaters.
Critics have widely shared their take on *The Naked Gun*:
“One of the funniest movies in recent history… It is just what I have been missing with comedies,” said Rachel Leishman from *The Mary Sue*.
“One of the most audacious comedies in years; one that evoked the biggest laughs of any press screening I’ve ever attended,” praised David Gonzalez of *The Cinematic Reel*.
Siddhant Adlakha from *Inverse* exclaimed, “It’s the funniest godd–n thing in years.” Meanwhile, Joey Magidson of *Awards Radar* noted, “The flick achieves what few comedies these days even attempt.”
David Rooney of *The Hollywood Reporter* remarked, “There’s enough inspired nonsense here to keep comedy-starved theatrical audiences engaged.” David Ehrlich from *IndieWire* pointed out, “Other 2025 films have jokes; this one is jokes, and most of those jokes are really, really, really f—ing funny.”
The question arises: Is this film poised to revitalize big-screen comedy? Jake Coyle from the *Associated Press* commented on the scarcity of comedy films, stating, “So it would be easy to hail *The Naked Gun* as something better than it is, since it simply existing is a cause for celebration.” Nick Schager of *The Daily Beast* stated, “Whether it can save the big-screen comedy remains to be seen, but it’s just what the summer movie season needed.”
When comparing it to the original *Naked Gun* films, William Bibbiani of *TheWrap* declared, “Akiva Schaffer’s *The Naked Gun* really is *The Naked Gun*, not some halfhearted rehash or itemized nostalgia checklist.” Aidan Kelley from *Collider* argued, “It’s arguably just as funny as the first three.”
Some critics indicated that while the charm of the original series is present, the new film is also distinct. Owen Gleiberman from *Variety* noted, “The original *Naked Gun* was hilarious… The new *Naked Gun*, by contrast, is amusing.”
On whether the spoof genre is making a comeback, Justin Clark of *Slant Magazine* asserted, “The film proves that the spoof still has life as a genre, especially for the way it ribs our love of the overblown action blockbusters.” David Gonzalez added, “Schaffer and company… resurrect a style of humor that’s been desperately missed.”
Regarding the legacy of the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team, Liz Shannon Miller from *Consequence* praised, “The relaunch of the classic comedy series captures exactly what made the original… so essential.” Siddhant Adlakha remarked, “It features as many jokes per minute as the trio’s *Airplane!* and *Top Secret!*”
Critics noted that the film does not feel like a mere commercial rehash. David Gonzalez stated, “It never feels like a tired, cash-grab legacy sequel. Instead, it plays like a genuine continuation of the series.”
As for the need to be a fan of the original films, Gonzalez reflected, “It offers a welcome new entry for a new generation,” while Justin Clark said, “This isn’t a film that plays much inside baseball.”
Laughter seems abundant, with Joey Magidson highlighting, “I can’t remember the last time I laughed this hard and this consistently in a theater.” Aidan Kelley remarked, “The *Naked Gun*’s joke-per-minute ratio is truly astounding… even the credits have jokes in them!”
On a more serious note, some critics mentioned social commentary, with Clark pointing out, “The filmmakers are smart enough to know not to kill the vibe with a state-of-humanity address.”
Liam Neeson’s portrayal has received mixed reviews; some see him as a fitting tribute to the iconic Leslie Nielsen. Gonzalez expressed, “Neeson delivers a pitch-perfect comedic performance,” while Danielle Solzman acknowledged, “Neeson isn’t Leslie Nielsen, and he doesn’t need to be—he honors the spirit without imitating it.”
Pamela Anderson has also garnered attention, with various critics noting her comedic timing and chemistry with Neeson.
Overall, while some reviewers cited pacing issues in the final act, most believe *The Naked Gun* successfully revives interest in the genre. Aidan Kelley summed it up well: “If this is the start of a new rebooted franchise’s legacy, it’d be difficult to complain.”
In terms of accolades, David Ehrlich from *IndieWire* pronounced, “The Naked Gun is almost objectively the funniest movie of the year,” and Joey Magidson furthers this sentiment stating, “It’s the funniest film of the year.”
*The Naked Gun* is set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025.
