While superheroes dominate summer movie season, another contender has quietly entered the race, and it’s coming in swinging with slapstick confidence. “The Naked Gun,” arriving August 1, will try to revive comedy at the multiplex.
Liam Neeson (the name similarity to Leslie Nielsen hasn’t gone unnoticed) steps into the shoes of Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr. He’s joined by Pamela Anderson — interestingly, once in the running for Anna Nicole Smith’s role in the third film — and Paul Walter Hauser.
According to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), the film clocks in at a breezy 84 minutes. Subtract end credits, and you’re likely looking at 80 minutes of pure gag-driven comedy.
It’s not just efficient — it’s a deliberate nod to the franchise’s roots. The original ‘Naked Gun’ trilogy always kept it tight: 85 minutes for the first two entries, 82 for the trilogy capper. This reboot (or legacy sequel, depending on who you ask) seems to understand the assignment.