Reviving slapstick on the big screen
With mainstream comedies becoming increasingly rare in theaters, the arrival of The Naked Gun reboot signals a push to bring the genre back to the big screen. The film, a revival of the 1980s and 1990s Leslie Nielsen classics, captures much of the original’s fast-paced gags, absurd situations, and physical humor.
Liam Neeson stars as Frank Drebin Jr., the bumbling son of the original character, working in the Los Angeles Police Department’s elite division. Alongside his partner, Ed Hocken Jr., he finds himself in a whimsical plot involving a bank robbery, a dead body, and an eccentric billionaire in the electric car industry. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, the film maintains the essence of the original series, including quirky references and outlandish characters such as a murderous snowman. Pamela Anderson plays Beth Davenport, Drebin’s love interest, adding both comedic and satirical moments.
A sequel that struggles to deliver
In contrast, Freakier Friday, a sequel to Freaky Friday (2003), brings back Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. This time, the body-swapping premise expands: Anna (Lohan) trades places with her daughter Harper, while Tess (Curtis) swaps with her future step-granddaughter. Although the concept aims to amplify the humor, having four swaps instead of two dilutes the comedic impact and makes the plot more convoluted.
Curtis’s performance leans into an exaggerated style, and recurring jokes about her age lessen the freshness of her role. Lohan, however, delivers a strong performance, showcasing the comedic timing and charm that once made her a star.
Final verdict
While The Naked Gun successfully revives the spirit of classic slapstick comedy, Freakier Friday falls short despite the return of its original cast. The comparison between the two highlights that physical and absurd humor can still resonate with audiences when paired with a clear and well-balanced narrative.
