Title: The Naked Gun
MPA Rating: PG-13
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser
Runtime: 1 hr 25 mins

What It Is: Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr. (Neeson) of Police Squad is the kind of guy who believes laws are more like “guidelines.” He also seems to have an unhealthy relationship with chili dogs. When he’s put on a case (as punishment) to investigate a car crash, the rabbit hole turns out to go much deeper than anyone thought. Now, Frank is being asked by the crash victim’s sister, Beth, to help solve the case and figure out who killed her brother. But can he get out of his own way—and put down the damn chili dogs, Frank?

What We Think: This is the funniest damn movie I’ve seen all year. Liam Neeson absolutely nails the absurd humor and sight gags that have made this series legendary. Obviously, no one can replace Leslie Nielsen, but Neeson brings something new to the role. He’s got a ruggedness that Nielsen never really had. When he punches a guy in the face—even for comedic purposes—you believe he can actually win the fight. It was also such a nice surprise to see Pamela Anderson back on the big screen. I never saw The Last Showgirl (thanks for reviewing that one, Nick)! She’s so charming and was definitely missed overall.

Our Grade: A, There were times I missed a joke because I was still laughing at the last one. Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, and director Akiva Schaffer wrote a script that fires off gags at a mile a minute—and every single one lands. Even a joke that revisits an old Austin Powers bit hits perfectly thanks to its modernization. See this film as soon as you can—it’s incredible. I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. It’s just as silly and sharp as the three previous ridiculous comedies in the series. I’ve often said some things don’t need sequels or remakes, but this isn’t one of them. Let’s do it again, Akiva Schaffer!