The Naked Gun Reboot Revives a Classic Favorite Joke
Reviving Classic Comedy: Liam Neeson in “The Naked Gun” Brings Laughter and Nostalgia
Liam Neeson Breathes New Life into a Comedy Classic
The 2025 movie lineup has delivered numerous notable films, but few have matched the uproarious and side-splitting hilarity of “The Naked Gun.” Starring Liam Neeson, this sequel to the iconic “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad” reimagines the original in a way that both honors and updates Leslie Nielsen’s beloved film. Among the comedic gems, director Akiva Schaffer seems to nod to the legendary Austin Powers series, drawing a clever parallel between these two cherished franchises.
Parody and Homage: A Comedic Symphony
Comedy, especially in spoof films, thrives on shared jokes and gags. “The Naked Gun” embraces this tradition, crafting scenes that humorously echo and enhance memorable moments from its predecessors, including the Austin Powers films. This interplay of humor has cemented both franchises’ legacies in the comedic landscape.
Over-The-Top Humor in an Infrared Scene
The trailer for “The Naked Gun” teased an unforgettable infrared camera gag, with a henchman spying on Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson’s Beth Davenport in the midst of seemingly innocent household tasks. As the scene plays out in the film, actions such as cleaning the oven and basting a turkey take on comically suggestive undertones, pushing the limits of parody. This sequence is a bold, over-the-top version of the iconic shadow scene in “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” elevating the humor to new heights.
Recurring Gags: A Tradition of Borrowing Laughs
It’s not the first time “The Naked Gun” and Austin Powers have exchanged comedic elements. The “evacuation complete” gag from “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” is reminiscent of a similar joke in the first Police Squad movie. Leslie Nielsen’s character, Frank Drebin, famously forgot to mute his microphone during a press conference bathroom break, while Austin Powers humorously showcased Mike Myers’ character enduring a lengthy restroom stop after thawing from his cryogenic sleep.
Comedy’s Ageless Appeal
There’s something timeless and universal about these humorous exchanges. For fans of both “The Naked Gun” and Austin Powers, these shared comedic elements offer a nostalgic blend of crude yet cleverly constructed humor. As someone whose appreciation for such jokes has remained steadfast since adolescence, it’s clear that these parody films still hold the power to delight audiences with their irreverent charm and creativity. Indeed, the continued presence of such humor is a welcome addition to the cinematic landscape.
