The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

6/10

Starring          

Leslie Nielsen

 

Directed by David Zucker

 

One of the major challenges I have with this movie is that it takes the job of Police Officer Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) so far that he becomes everything. He’s a secret agent, a detective, and also does undercover work — all to an extent I felt could have been toned down.

This is a slapstick comedy that goes over the top at every chance it gets, but then has some moments of subtle comedy that is done to land the needed punches. It includes many visual and verbal puns and gags. But what I love most about this movie is how it takes its time to build a scene, then just drops the jokes on you while you're waiting for something serious to happen. The movie features fantastic acting from Nielsen and many of the supporting characters, and it has a range of cameos.

The film is based on the character portrayed by Nielsen in the television series Police Squad! and is written by the same people who worked on the same series. I haven’t seen that series, but this movie is said to be a continuation of it.

Now, if you want to watch and enjoy this movie, always pay attention to the background and surroundings in the scenes. There are times when things are happening that you’ll find funny.

The oblivious way Frank acts, how he’s so out of touch with reality and how to behave, is what drives the comedy of this movie. We watch Frank come back from foiling a plan by America’s who's who enemies to see his friend in the hospital after he got shot while investigating a drug deal.

So Frank has to solve this case, and he has limited time to do it too, as the Queen of England is coming and all the men of the Police Squad need to be focused on that. Frank has to solve this case before she arrives. We watch Frank and so many comical situations play out before us as he tries to bring the bad guy to justice.

I also noticed the movie has some scenes that don’t matter or conversations that don’t add comedy. As you’d expect in a movie like this, not all the comedy will land for everyone. But still, this is a nice movie for everyone to see, and you’ll love the way it ends.

This was the movie that led to the other Naked Gun movies released in the 90s. I do recommend you see this.