784. The Naked Gun (1988)

Running Time: 85 minutes
Directed By: David Zucker
Written By: Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Pat Proft, from television series by Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker
Main Cast: Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalban, George Kennedy, O.J. Simpson

FROM THE FILES OF POLICE SQUAD!

Today, with a cold setting in on my poor head, I needed something that required very little to no thought and that somehow managed to get into the pages of the "1001" book, despite being extremely stupid...but stupid in a good way. I found my film.

Frank Drebin (Nielsen) works for Police Squad, a special division of the LAPD. When Drebin's partner, Nordberg (Simpson) is critically wounded while investigating a lead, Drebin is on the case to avenge his partner's injuries. In the meantime, The Queen of England is making a special trip to the United States and Police Squad is focusing all their attention on her protection. Drebin's investigations eventually lead him to Vincent Ludwig (Montalban), who despite his notable reputation in the city, is planning to kill the Queen. Throughout Drebin's accidental findings, he manages to inch closer and closer to the truth, all while falling in love with Ludwig's assistant Jane (Presley). In truth, the plot isn't really the focal point, but instead it's the visual and verbal puns and gags that are more focused upon.

Please forgive my shabby review today, as I do have a head cold that is walloping my butt pretty good. Honestly, there's not much to say about "The Naked Gun". If you enjoy silly humor, sight gags and puns, then you're going to love it. If you're a more serious kind of guy when it comes to your movies, then you probably won't like it. There was a time that I actually really enjoyed "The Naked Gun", but I think those days are behind me. Sure it's funny and Leslie Nielsen is always good for a laugh or two, but in the end it's simply a very silly, stupid comedy, that really had no right being a part of the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book. It's sad to think that Nielsen died earlier this year and that Priscilla Presley used to be a very beautiful woman, but now she looks like a walking advertisement for a plastics factory.

RATING: 5.5/10 It's good if you're having a day like I'm having and you just need a nonsensical comedy and maybe a good laugh.

MOVIES WATCHED: 293
MOVIES LEFT TO WATCH: 708

July 14, 2011 3:55pm