The Naked Gun
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
Who would have predicted that we would still be talking about Leslie Nielsen’s police parody almost 40 years after it broke onto screens in 1988? Yet, here we are chatting about The Naked Gun franchise as Seth MacFarlane takes up the challenge of reimagining this farcical adventure onto the streets of Los Angeles with Liam Neeson (The Ice Road) playing Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr.
As the son of Lieutenant Drebin, the police officer has become infamous for his hard-hitting tactics and ability to get his man. Until he is sidelined by Police Chief Davis (CCH Pounder) after he uses his over-the-top methods to thwart a bank heist that ends up being a cover for the apprehension of a gadget called the P.L.O.T. Device. As things begin to unfold around this unusual robbery, Tech billionaire Richard Cane (Danny Huston) devises a plan for the apparatus to turn humanity back into its primal state. Except for the device’s inventor’s sister, Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson), who does all she can to keep Cane from his evil plans by getting Drebin involved in the investigation.
The biggest challenge of writing the summary for the film is that it sounds like a serious crime drama. Still, director Akiva Schaffer’s (Palm Springs) film is not serious on any level. As a self-aware parody of the genre and as a homage to the original David Zucker films, this story can only be described as ridiculous and, at times, hilarious. Each turn invites a different twist to this familiar troupe that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, looking for the next joke. While most of the comedy is reliant on sight gags and prat falls, multiple viewings will be required to capture every comedic turn.
Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson and the rest of the cast go along with the deadpan delivery of this farcical screenplay and do Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley proud along the way. Granted, many of the jokes head into the realm of the crass and mature, making this movie best suited for adults. Yet, Seth MacFarlane and company proved that comedy still has a place in cinemas and may have rebooted another franchise along with Neeson’s career. The Naked Gun is mindful of what it is meant to do as a parody by making people laugh, mocking the absurdity of society and proving that comedies still can have a place in theatres.
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Reel Dialogue: Laughter is a gift from God
What we can understand from the beginning of God’s story is that we are created in God’s image. This statement does not mean we take on the same physical characteristics as God. Still, it does show that we share many of his attributes. As we delve further into this topic, some of the things that are given to us by God are our emotions and our outward expression of them. Suppose people think about this idea at all. In that case, most tend to automatically think of love, joy and sorrow as some of the shared traits we have with the creator of the universe. All of these are lovely aspects, but does this statement mean that God has a sense of humour, and does he really laugh?
To see his sense of humour, look no further than the platypus or the creative nature of the guy who sits at the desk next to you at work. This is the beauty of what many comedic films and shows offer to audiences, taking the ordinary and mundane and showing the humour that can be found in every aspect of life. Comedy may not be listed amongst the spiritual gifts, but it is a gift that is evident in how some people can tell a joke or not.
More evidence of this fact is found in the Bible, where it says throughout the Psalms and Proverbs that God laughs. It usually occurs due to the foolishness of mankind, but he does laugh. The Bible shows humanity that we are allowed to express ourselves in the same manner.
As a form of emotional release, an expression of joy, or even to laugh at a well-told joke, laughter is a gift from God that is underutilised in so many people’s lives, and that is unfortunate. Laughter is a gift that should regularly be opened to be genuinely appreciated.
