“The Naked Gun” …Does Drebin Usually Carry More Than Just One?

“The Naked Gun” Plot: A DIRECT sequel to the  1994 Naked Gun  33 1/3 film. Only one man has the particular set of skills to lead Police Squad, and that’s Lt. Frank Drebin, Jr. (Liam Neeson), the son of Frank Drebin, Sr. (R.I.P. Leslie Neilsen) & Jane Spencer-Drebin (Precilla Pressley), and save the world!

The Naked Gun …Returns!

        The Naked Gun movies hold a special place in my heart, as they were a significant part of my childhood entertainment. One of the most memorable aspects is Leslie Nielsen’s unforgettable line, “Detective Lt. Frank Drebin: Police Squad,” which captures the essence of his character. Nielsen completely owned this role, bringing a unique blend of humor and charm to his portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable detective.

          In the direct sequel, I was delighted to see that Nielsen was honored in numerous ways throughout the film. His character’s influence was palpably felt, with several mentions of him, along with his photograph displayed prominently on a wall as a reminder of his legacy. This was particularly touching as it illustrated the relationship with Frank Drebin Jr., who idolized his father and yearned to follow in his footsteps by becoming a police detective himself. It was a heartwarming tribute to the original character that added depth to the story.

Detective Frank Drebin, Jr.

         The decision to cast Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. struck me as an inspired choice. Neeson delivered a remarkable performance, seamlessly stepping into a role that many would consider daunting, given Nielsen’s legendary status. It felt as though Neeson was channeling Nielsen’s comedic genius, capturing the spirit of the character while infusing it with his flair. Despite the fact that Leslie Nielsen has sadly passed away, Neeson’s portrayal managed to evoke memories of Nielsen, making it feel as though he was filling in for him during a break in filming.

            Neeson excelled in portraying a detective who possesses a wonderfully silly, childlike innocence and an immaturity that is both endearing and hilarious. His performance brought an infectious energy that lit up the screen, filling the audience’s hearts and eyes with laughter. The combination of his talent and the character’s antics created a delightful experience that stayed true to the spirit of the original Naked Gun films.

Ready to Laugh? Out Loud, I Mean?!?!

         The comparison of these films to traditional “spoof” movies is somewhat open to interpretation, at least from my perspective. Spoof films typically exist to mock and parody the conventions of other movies, but in these particular films, some moments take a literal approach, leading to a series of hilariously ridiculous situations. These scenes are crafted to elicit genuine laughter from the audience, creating a vibrant atmosphere where viewers feel the infectious joy of the actors as they delve into their roles. It’s clear that these performers are having a blast on set, and that sense of playfulness translates directly into the viewing experience. I believe anyone who chose to see this film would agree that they found themselves laughing out loud on multiple occasions; honestly, how could anyone resist the charm and humor displayed throughout?

Beth Davenport

        Seeing Pamela Anderson Lee on the big screen again was an incredible experience. She looked stunning, even with minimal makeup. There’s no way the production would let her film this Naked Gun movie completely naturally, especially given her impressive appearance today. Her on-screen chemistry with Neeson was undeniable, and she delivered a fantastic performance as Beth Davenport. Her character was intended to mirror Jane Spencer’s role to Frank Jr.’s father.