All the screenshots in this post were taken directly from the movie by me.
Naked Gun is one of the most solid comedies I've ever seen, which is particularly surprising considering it was released more than 30 years ago, and films of this genre generally don't survive the test of time with much grace.
Ironically, this isn't because the style of humor is timeless; in fact, quite the opposite. Starring the excellent Leslie Nielsen and directed by David Zucker, Naked Gun connects us with a form of comedy that simply doesn't exist today, deeply rooted in slapstick and absurdism, but delivering each of its gags and lines with a sincerity that, at its worst, at least makes us smile.
I decided to give it a chance because of the recent announcement of a remake starring Liam Neeson, a film I have a lot of faith in based on what I've seen in their professional filmmaking. However, I doubt they'll be able to replicate the nostalgic vibes that a film like this brings to the table.
The premise is simple and irreverent: while Lieutenant Frank is investigating an assassination attempt involving his friend (played by O.J. Simpson, somewhat curiously), he ends up uncovering a plot to assassinate the Queen of England. Therefore, he takes matters into his own hands to try to reveal who is behind it all.
The true brilliance of Naked Gun lies in its pace, fast-paced but organized, and riddled with jokes that are barely a couple of seconds apart.
Leslie Gun is a machine who turns the script into hilarious moments, whether it's speaking and delivering a line or using her own flair to generate comedy.
With a running time of just 1 hour and 25 minutes, Naked Gun manages to keep us hooked and leaves us wanting more, a need I know will be met by its sequels, which also have very good critical acclaim.
It can be vulgar, but it never feels truly vulgar. It's neat, agile, and full of memorable moments.
This score was taken directly from my Letterboxd account.
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