Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN.

From the very first frame, The Naked Gun establishes itself as a true continuation of Leslie Nielsen’s beloved slapstick tradition, bringing back the madcap tone, sight gags, and rapid-fire punchlines that made the originals timeless. Schaffer and MacFarlane clearly know the rules of this particular comedic playground, and their secret is simple: they don’t just imitate the past; they revel in it. The comedy is big, broad, and unapologetically ridiculous, and it’s been a long time since we’ve laughed this hard in a cinema.

The biggest surprise of all? Liam Neeson. Yes, the man known for his steely gravitas and grizzled action-hero presence (Taken, The Grey) takes a sharp left turn here and throws himself headfirst into the chaos of slapstick. As Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. a washed-out, over-his-head noir detective desperately trying to live up to his father’s legacy, Neeson hams it up with gleeful abandon. He pratfalls, deadpans, and gets caught in every conceivable comedic mishap. It’s a brilliant parody of his own tough-guy screen persona, and audiences are going to love seeing him send himself up so thoroughly. Quite frankly, this is the performance we never knew we needed from Neeson, and it’s utterly brilliant to behold.

Balancing out Neeson’s bumbling detective is Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport, a seductive crime novelist with a femme fatale edge. Anderson has long played with her bombshell image, but here she takes it to another level, skewering the classic noir archetype with perfect comedic timing. She’s alluring, elusive, and dangerously funny, effortlessly flipping between sultry melodrama and outrageous punchlines. Most importantly, she has sparkling chemistry with Neeson, and the two of them together light up the screen with their bizarre but irresistible dynamic. Anderson proves herself to be a genuine scene-stealer, and her turn here is bound to surprise audiences in all the right ways.

But beyond the performances, what makes The Naked Gun such a knockout is how it nails the legacy comedy sequel formula. The plot is gleefully over-the-top, involving an evil billionaire, a mysterious MacGuffin, and stakes so absurd that only an over-the-hill detective could possibly stumble his way to victory. Along the way, Schaffer and MacFarlane cram in a dizzying array of jokes—slapstick, wordplay, irreverent non-sequiturs, and even a brilliantly timed O.J. gag that has to be seen to be believed. The humour comes fast and furious, and in our screening, the audience was in stitches from start to finish. By the time the credits rolled, the entire cinema was a chorus of aching jaw muscles and belly laughs.

What’s remarkable is that while the film is silly beyond measure, it never feels lazy. Every gag is meticulously constructed, every joke lands with intent, and the whole production is bursting with energy and joy. It’s a love letter to Leslie Nielsen’s legacy, but it’s also a statement in its own right; slapstick cinema isn’t dead, and when done right, it can still be one of the most exhilarating forms of comedy.

At the end of the day, The Naked Gun is pure fun. It’s the movie you throw on when you need to forget the world for two hours and lose yourself in sheer ridiculousness. Grab a drink, grab a hotdog, and prepare to laugh yourself silly, because Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson are about to show you a side of comedy you never expected, and trust us, it’s comedy gold.

Image: Paramount Pictures

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A seasoned showgirl must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run.

In Gia Coppola’s latest cinematic endeavor, The Last Showgirl, audiences are treated to a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the relentless passage of time. At the heart of this narrative is Pamela Anderson’s transformative portrayal of Shelly, a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl confronting the twilight of her career, and the pairing of Coppola and Anderson bring to light a layered depth and character study of a performer at the end of her road, and the choices that lie before her as she tries desperately to old on to what was once hers.

For Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl represents a chance for her to shed her bubbly, sun-kissed and ditzy screen persona, and instead delivers her the chance to dive in deep with a poignant character performance that is both nuanced and deeply affecting. As Shelly, she embodies a woman whose life has been dedicated to the glitz and glamour of the Vegas stage, but at great significant cost. Anderson’s portrayal captures the vulnerability and strength of a character grappling with obsolescence in an industry that prizes youth. Her performance has been lauded as a career-defining moment, with critics noting her ability to convey a spectrum of emotions with authenticity and grace, and for Anderson the character of Shelly was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she fully delivers on the promise of this picture.

Gia Coppola’s direction offers an intimate look into the world of Las Vegas showgirls, juxtaposing the dazzling on-stage performances with the stark realities faced by these women off-stage. The film delves into themes of ageism and the ephemeral nature of fame, presenting a narrative that is both timely and timeless. The cinematography, which leans into a grainy almost 16mm stock, and the use of fish-eyed lenses captures the neon-lit allure of the Vegas strip while also highlighting the isolation that can exist behind the scenes. ​

The ensemble cast, featuring notable performances from Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista, adds depth to Shelly’s story. Curtis portrays Annette, a fellow performer and confidante, bringing a blend of humor and pathos to the role. While Bautista’s Eddie, the stage manager, offers a grounded counterpoint to the flamboyance of the performers, embodying the unsung heroes who keep the show running, and allows him to showcase a greater side of himself as a performer with a role that is filled with inner sense of sadness and silent despair. Their interactions with Anderson’s Shelly enrich the narrative, providing a multifaceted exploration of relationships within the entertainment industry. ​

The Last Showgirl resonates on multiple levels, offering a meditation on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of art and recognition. Shelly’s journey is a testament to the resilience of performers who, despite facing an industry that often discards its veterans, continue to find purpose and passion in their craft. The film’s pacing allows for a contemplative exploration of these themes, inviting audiences to reflect on their own perceptions of success and fulfillment. ​

In The Last Showgirl, Pamela Anderson delivers a performance that not only redefines her career but also offers a heartfelt homage to performers whose stories often remain untold. Gia Coppola’s direction, combined with a compelling narrative and strong supporting cast, crafts a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. For those seeking a cinematic experience that delves into the complexities of identity and the human spirit, The Last Showgirl is a must-watch.​

Image: MadMan Films

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Watch the new trailer below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

Depicts the marriage between Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee following the release of their infamous unauthorized sex tape which was recorded privately during their honeymoon.

Developed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, Pam and Tommy is the true story of the crazy pop-culture circus that came to surround 1990s megastars Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in the wake of their infamous sex tape internet leak and this story looks like a crazy rock’n’roll story of excess and the pitfalls of modern technology.

Seth Rogen is on hand as a sleazy contractor who broke into the stars home and robbed them of private videotapes that showed the stars at their most intimate, and which would change the very landscape of pop culture when it was leaked.

taking on the roles of Anderson and Lee are stars Lily James and Sebastian Stan and both have completely transformed in their respective roles. James especially has transformed from an English rose to that of the sun-kissed blonde bombshell and her performance is striking here in Pam and Tommy.

Pam and Tommy appears to be a wild and crazy new television based on true fact that changed the world of entertainment forever and it’s sure to be an unmissable event when it arrives on TV screens in February 2022.

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