DVD Corner

The Naked Gun (2025) Blu-ray Review

No Zuckers, no Nielsen, no thanks.  

Based on David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams’ TV show “Police Squad!” and the film trilogy that followed, 2025’s “The Naked Gun” is a continuation of the film series that follows Frank Drebin’s son Frank Drebin Jr. (an LAPD Lt.). In this outing (now penned by Akiva Schaffer, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand), Frank investigates an alleged suicide of a software engineer (Simon), a missing P.L.O.T. Device (which turns humans into primitives), and a shady big tech big wig (Richard). Frank also finds himself falling for Simon’s sister Beth (an author who is also looking into her brother’s death).

When it comes to spoofs and parodies, few have done it better than the Zucker Brothers and Jim Abrahams. Not only are the trio responsible for one of the funniest films ever made with “Airplane!,” but they created the “Police Squad!” and “The Naked Gun” franchise. It’s strange that Paramount went on to make a new installment without their involvement. Instead, Akiva Schaffer takes on directorial duties while Seth MacFarlane acts as a producer. The result? While it was a box office hit, 2025’s “The Naked Gun” is a misfire.

As one might expect, this new incarnation follows in its predecessor’s footsteps with plenty of comedic hijinks, sight gags, destruction, inner monologues, and jokes about O.J. Simpson, an owl, coffee cups, and Clippy. The problem is the comedy just feels too basic and on the nose. It misses that Zucker/Abrahams and Nielsen touch. You honestly see funnier daily memes on the internet. The jokes often feel like retreads too. The entire snowman bit is merely a “Jack Frost” rip-off. The only gag that really had me laughing is one that Schaffer actually fought for- the “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” TiVo bit. It’s random, niche, and entirely weird, but it’s actually unique.

A fine cast was assembled here with Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, Kevin Durand and CCH Pounder. Neeson is best known for dramatic and action roles, but he does a solid job here. He plays it straight and serious which makes his scenes more amusing. Pamela Anderson continues her career renaissance and shows she has range. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A-

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. Grade: A

Extras:
* Digital copy
* 16 deleted/alternate/extended scenes.
* Outtake montage and WWFC outtakes.
* “A Legacy Of Laughter” is about the franchise and this new installment.
* “Son Of A (Naked) Gun”- A featurette about Liam Neeson.
* “The Funny Femme Fatale” is all about Pamela Anderson.
* “The Really Unusual Suspects” focuses on the supporting cast.
* “On Set Of A Set Within A Set That’s In A Set” is about the interrogation scene.
* “Dropping The Balls” revolves around the mixed martial arts sequence.

November 11, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Police Squad!, The Naked Gun, The Naked Gun (2025) Blu-ray Review