The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad
Amazon.co.uk Review
Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker, the creative troika behind Airplane!, scored another hit with this big-screen adaptation of their short-lived television show Police Squad!. Deadpan as ever, Leslie Nielsen revives his TV role of Lt Frank Drebin, the idiot with a detective’s badge. The jokes come thick and fast, gathering a momentum that lasts until the final act. Ricardo Montalban is a perfect foil as a villain whose aquarium is invaded by Drebin during routine questioning, and George Kennedy is delightful in a self-parodying part as an earnest but obtuse lawman. There’s a hilarious bit when Drebin–wearing a live police wire while going to the bathroom–can be overheard over the loudspeakers at a speech given by a flustered mayor (Nancy Marchand). And yes, that’s OJ Simpson as a detective who ends up on the wrong side of numerous Drebin blunders. –Tom Keogh, Amazon.com
Not to be confused with a 1956 film of the same name, ‘The Naked Gun’ is an 80-minute version of a ‘Police Squad’ episode, and it’s just as funny as the original TV series. Leslie Nielsen, the ultimate straight-faced comic, returns as the bumbling Frank Drebbin in a movie where he exposes a plot to assassinate the Queen (yes, of England). The supporting cast is truly bizarre, featuring Weird Al Yankovic, Priscilla Presley and OJ Simpson (before all that murder-trial business). The list of good quotes is endless, but my favourite is an exchange between Drebbin and the city’s mayor. Frank echoes Dirty Harry, saying, “When I see five weirdos stabbing a guy in broad daylight, I shoot the bastards. That’s my policy.” The Mayor responds: “That was a ‘Shakespeare In The Park’ production, you moron! You killed five actors!”.
Rating: 5 / 5
When all’s said and done, this film boils down to one simple fact; if you hate the humour presented by the Zucker brothers and Abrahams then you’re simply going to hate this film. If you love the humour then certainly you’re going to love the film, but you’re probably also going to appreciate the significance of the film in the history of cinematic comedies.
This is more than a film of one-liners and slapstick gags (although lets face it, it is jam packed full of rip tickling jokes) there is also some of the sharpest observational humour around and even then there is room for some memorable spoofing swipes at other films.
There’s no real reason to discuss the plot, that is simply a vehicle to hang all the funny situations and brilliant pranks onto, and similarly you can’t really criticise any of the cast for their performances as it’s really a time to forget acting skills and just give a hammed up pantomime performance.
Leslie Neilson is brilliant in this type of film and although it basically prevented him ever widening his acting horizons (did he actually ever try?) his is the master of his craft in this one. Well supported by a rare old mix of actors including the lovely Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy, Ricardo Montalban and even wooden old O.J. Simpson is acceptable in this.
One final point, whilst some films from the 80’s have aged horribly badly over the years, this one comes out very well indeed. The fact is, it should actually age very badly indeed (just take the first scene where the world’s “tyrants” are gathered round the table) but instead, it this respect, it comes over as a lovely whimsical look back on old times.
Rating: 5 / 5
If you love Airplane then you will certainly love this film. A total spoof full of bad one liners and great gags that will have you rolling on the floor in fits of laughter. The story is not relevant as you will be to busy laughing.
Rating: 4 / 5
Naked Gun is one of the funniest films ever made!
It is definately worth seeing as it is extremely funny.
Rating: 4 / 5
I watched this after watching the other 2 in the series, and so I was slightly disappointed, but then the other 2 Naked gun films were incredibly funny, and this raised my expectation a bit. However, this is also very very funny, it probably that the other films, were just as funny, and I hadn’t laughs as much in ages.
This film throws sense, plot and to some extent taste out of the window, and just concentrates on making you laugh, which is does all the way through. Great film, just buy it if you want a laugh.
Rating: 5 / 5