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David Zucker--of the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker creative troika behind Airplane! and television's Police Squad!--directed this 1988 feature film based on the latter show. Leslie Nielsen returns to his old TV role of Lt. Frank Drebin, the deadpan idiot with a detective's badge. The reinvention of the failed series as a theatrical feature seems to have inspired everyone involved to make a pretty funny movie, and the jokes gather a momentum that lasts until the final act. Ricardo Montalban is a perfect foil as a villain whose aquarium is being 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). Yes, that's O.J. Simpson as a detective who ends up on the wrong side of numerous Drebin blunders. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (63)

From the files of when comedy was actually funny
Those who know me know that I don't often go to comedies that have been made since the Austin Powers era. The reason is that there has been a line that has been crossed in recent years that makes that majority of these films unfunny to me. While Austin Powers had Dr. Evil to save it from over all lameness most comedies these days are too reliant on riskaye sex jokes and over the top toilet humor that works in South Park and Nintendo's "Conker's Bad Fur Day" but nothing else. The Naked Gun is based on the short-lived but absolutely hilarious "Police Squad" TV series starring Leslie Neilson as Lt. Frank Drebbon. The show and films classic "who dun its" from the 40s and 50s with over the top classy humor, and a lot of well timed puns and gags. Timing is what makes not only this movie, but also its sequels do funny. The timing for everything is dead on, plus it's a Zucker film, and the Zuckers are almost up there with Mel Brooks. They know how to do comedy right. However the weakness of this film is in its time sensitive gags. A lot of the events in this movie are poking fun of events that were occurring at the time the movies were made. People who were not around in, or do not remember the early nineties may not get a lot of the gags. Even so there is still enough material that is not time sensitive for the film to be funny over all. Even a guest appearance by Weird Al Yankovic.
The special features are lacking, however. Part of what makes DVDs so fun is when you get a jam-packed DVD that goes in depth into the making of the movie. It is when you have those kinds of documentaries that the movie becomes more than a movie; it becomes a living piece of history. Considering that so many of the jokes are so era sensitive these making of featurettes that this DVD lacked could have been beneficial to those who don't know that backdrops to which so many of these jokes are built.

Frank Drebin from Police Squad hits the Big Screen
Yes, "The Naked Gun" is a funny movie, a fitting heir to "Airplane" in the genre of "Kitchen Sink" comedy where you had better pay attention to everything that is going on in the background and read all of the final credits or you will be missing out on the fun. But Leslie Nielsen's totally dead-panned performance as Lt. Frank Drebin in the original "Police Squad" TV series worked better than than the more hammy approach used in the films. Still, watching Priscilla Presley, Nancy Marchand and Ricardo Montalban deal straight up with all the wackiness redeems many things. Even if you never saw "Police Squad" (with Rex Hamilton as Abraham Lincoln), you will laugh parts of your anatomy off during "The Naked Gun." I wonder if Queen Elizabeth ever watched this movie? Too bad it is hard not to wince every time you see that guy playing Nordberg. Final Trivia Note: the German version of "The Naked Gun" runs four minutes shorter. See if you can guess what the fun loving Germans found so offensive they cut (No, I do not have any idea, but I am curious).

Classic Comedy
Based on the failed tv series "Police Squad", 1988's "The Naked Gun" was a smash comedy that gave new life to Leslie Nielsen's career (he had previously been reduced to dramatic roles) as well as escued the team of Jerry and David Zucker and Jim Abrahams, who hadn't had a hit since 1980's equally hysterical "Airplane" (which also starred Nielsen).

Frank Drebin (Nielsen) is a bumbling cop who is assinged to look into a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth at the World Series after his fellow oficer and good friend Nordberg (O.J. Simpson - yes, that O.J. Simpson) is nearly killed. The prime suspect is a businessman named Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban). Drebin and his partner Ed Hocken (Georeg Kennedy) will stop at nothing to find out who's behind the crime. That is, if Frank can avoid the charms of the sexy Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley).

This is a great film for anyone who loves to laugh. And get the two sequels as well and pray they comeout with a fourth one soon.

This carn't be overlooked
Very funny movie if you haven't seen it its clear your behind in comedy.

Masterpiece
When asked what my favorite movie of all time, I always instinctively utter "The Naked Gun." While not everyone really appreciates this movie, unless you're into goffball comedies, this has to be one of the funniest movies ever. Not sure what else can be said about it. Puns, punchlines, side gags, are all brilliant. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

This is not a very nice movie
One thing I hate most about this movie is seeing Scout Bozell float up in the air with a whole bunch of balloons like Pascal in the story of the Red Balloon. Due to Newton's law of gravity, this is the strangest thing I have ever seen in my entire life, and that is what scares me most about movies or TV starring real people. So if this is one thing you hate or don't like about TV, do me a favor and don't ever buy this movie.

Weird
I think this movie was sooo stupid but funnnyy too watch

Good but where's Leslie?
This movie is pretty funny but what really dissapointed me was that Leslie got very few parts in the film. So don't expect to see him much in the movie.

A Goodfilm Cjildren Will Want To Watch Again and Again!
This was a good movie, mainly geared towards the 4-12 age level. Most grownups don't mind sitting through it once. What I was upset about was the false advertising around this film. They list Leslie Nielsen as a crucial character when hes only onscreen 10 minuites. The back of the box also makes it sound as if Leslie Nielsen and Bug Hall of "The Little Rascals" team up and they don't in the film. This movie is about A 12 year old boy, Scout Bozell. All his life hes wanted to be on the Safety Patrol. The only problem is that hes accident prone wich leads to hilarious consequences. Just as he gets his chance, he is relocated to another school where the Safety Patrol is made up of a team of bullies! There he meets a cast of wacky friends including a kid withe a phobia of frog's and a validvictorian cheerleader. When school supplies is being stolen, We find that the crooks are the cook, the janitor, and the safety patrol! When Scout is framed for all their wrongdoings, he and his friends team up to catch the bad guys at the fall ball, with the help of "Weird Al" Yankovic! Little kids can't stop laughing when they watch this film! This video comes in a clamshell case so you can preserve it for a long time!

Wonderful movie!
When Scout Bozell finally makes the Safety Patrol at his school, he is transfered to a new school. The new school also has a safety patrol, but they are mean, and don't seem to care about helping people. To get Scout in trouble, they let him join. Then at an awards ceremony, they put the principal's office key and a lighter in Scout's pocket. One of the other patrol members tells Scout to get his gloves in the safety office. Suddenly, a fire happens in the principal's office. Scout puts it out, but the key and lighter are found in his pocket, and he is removed from the safety patrol and is not allowed to attend the Fall Ball at Osoloco Lake. The appearance of "Weird Al" Yankovic singing "Gump" and "The Ballad of Kent Marlow" at the Fall Ball was a special treat. Buy this movie!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Great Collection
While Jackson's ego as the "King of Pop" has folded over recent years, his legacy lives in this compilation of his videos and performances. With the advent of DVD, Jackson's fans will get to see and hear the great quality of his performances and music finally. Two videos on this compilation are worth seeing. The first, "Liberian Girl," is a beautiful ballad, and the celebrity-filled video is one of Jacko's rarely seen videos. The other, "Scream," which was the most expensive video ever made has Michael and his sister, Janet, in a futuristic spaceship setting, that was beautifully directed by Music Video guru Mark Romanek (Madonna's "Bedtime Story" was also his work). Forget the scandals and his wierd habits, and buy this coolection.

KING OF POP
Micheal Jackson is definetly the king of pop - after u see this collection of his videos you wont dispute that.
THE DVD
1.PROGRAM START
2.teaser-elaborate teaser showing micheal jackson as a huge statue.
3.BILLIE JEAN motown 25- an amazing performance of micheal jackson singing billie jean and doing moonwalk for first time- here he shows his amazing talent - in this performance u think it cant get any better than this but yet he ceases to amaze me - performances keep getting better. 5 star performance
4.BEAT IT- classic mj video great dancing - good song 4.3 stars
5.LIBERIAN GIRL- ok/ catchy song with alot of appearances by celebritys - very rare video- 3 stars
6.SMOOTH CRIMINAL-this one i rank up there with billie jean- here he outdoes himself again showing his amazing talent and dancing abilitys- 5 star performance
7.1995 mtv video music awards-another amazing performance- my personal favorite along with smooth criminal- here he does many songs in a mix of some sort and shows many diffrent dances and it amazes me how he can switch so quick into the diff dances -one of a kind performance - 5 stars
8.THRILLER- classic masterpiece /great performances by all- 5 stars
SIDE TWO
1.SCREAM- innovative original video with sister janet- very cool video - 4 stars
2.CHILDHOOD-pretty good video -3.5 stars
3. YOU ARE NOT ALONE- not one of my favorites but still good video/ shows micheals sensitive side- 4 stars
4.EARTH SONG- beautiful video - have to see it to believe it -5 stars
5.THEY DONT CARE ABOUT US- so so video / fun to watch- 3.5 stars
6.STRANGER IN MOSCOW- diffrent type of video yet beautiful-3.8 stars
7.BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR- the worst video on whole disk - i didnt like this song or video at all but the other videos make up for this one - 1 star( this just wasnt micheal jackson- it wasnt his style ) i expect more from this - hes more talented and hes shown that in his past but maybe he just wanted to try somthing diffrent
8.BRACE yourself-3.5-4 stars
SO I RECOMEND THIS DVD TO ANYONE - any pop music lover or micheal jackson fan - even if ur not a big micheal jackson fan u will be after veiwing this collection and this dvd is also good for chronicaling some very memorable video masterpieces.

Michael Jackson is the King! Period!
How can someone who hasn't released any commercially successful material in the last six years be the King? Watch this video and you'll find out!

This is packed with some of Michael's most ambitious video's and live performances.

Video listing:

1. Bille Jean (Motown 25: yesterday, Today and Forever)

2. Beat It 3. Liberian Girl (very rare)

4. Smooth Criminal (one of his finest and higly overlooked videos)

5. 1995 MTV Video Music Awards Performance (Killer 15 minute Jackson performance!)

6. Thriller

7. Scream (duet with sister Janet and an amazing visual effect video!) 8. Childhood

9. You Are Not Alone (Video for the first song ever to debut at No.1 on the Billboard #100)

10. Earth Song (Beautiful video!)

11. They Don't Care About Us (Highly contorvercial song and video from 1996)

12. Stranger In Moscow (rare)

13. Bllod On The Dance Floor (rare in North America)

14. Brace Yourself

Get this DVD 'cause these are some fine pieces of work from the greatest entertainer of the last twenty years!

Five out of five

Video HIStory,volume 2
This package was released sometime after the 1997 release of Michael Jackson's BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR album. There is a video for BOTDF in this package. I just love SCREAM. That video features MJ's sister Janet,who's freaky like her brother. Take note of two censorships when the video is seen on MTV or VH1. The second word of the quoted line in SCREAM that goes "stop f---ing with me" is muted and also during that,Janet "flips the digit" which is blurred. Sorry,they're just following FCC regulations. No MJ fan should be without this package unless he/she chooses not to.

amazing music video
this is highly recommended for fans of mj and also nonfans who enjoy his music. It's all that and a bag of chips. This video came out when I was 14, but it wasn't until 3 years later I ended up buying it and it was well worth it.

It starts out with the now infamous trailer with mj as the statue on the HIStory cover, which leads the mj's groundbreaking performance of billie jean on the motown 25th special, the time he premiered the moonwalk. A definining moment in pop culture that is, and this is followed by the music video for beat it. Next up is the rare release of the liberian girl video which was an overseas hit in 1989 and features tons of celebrites such as quincy jones, weird al, paula abdul etc. and then the brilliant smooth criminal with it's amazing dance sequences, and yet another mj video moment, the lean. 1995 MTV video music awards performance is next, it's a medley of songs such as don't stop till you get enough, the way you make me feel, scream, beat it, black or white, billie jean, dangerous, smooth criminal and you are not alone. Next up is the music video which is considered the best video of all time, thriller. Followed by that is scream, a duet with sister janet and the most expensive video ever. This video set a blueprint for futuristic music videos the same way as previous videos have. Childhood is a sweet song, but I could do without the video. You Are Not Alone is also on here, but it is different from the version that used to air on tv. Earth Song is a touching masterpiece that is bound to make you shed tears. The song alone stands on it's own as a masterpiece, but the video is like the icing to the cake in a way. They Don't Care About Us the brazil version is very bright, very colourful and very rhythmic. Stranger is moscow is a calming masterpiece with a black and white video, beautiful videography here. If you buy the VHS, there is an mj megamix music video that mixes up his classic hits and shows different clips from videos and performances, you won't find this on the DVD. Last but not least, the remix video of blood on the dancefloor is at the end before ending with the brace yourself clip, a montage of Bad tour footage mixed with some victory tour footage. It is definitely worth your money and a timeless classic that is bound to forever live on. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Another Terrific Weird Al Spoof
Even though this video is now 15 years old, the comedy and music are fresh. Our family really enjoyed it. We did not see a problem with the fact that Al recorded this before he had attained the fame and stature he has now. The video was simply meant to be a video parody of other dumb TV biographies. He did as well with this as he does with his musical parodies. It was interesting to watch him and his band play in 85 and compare the performances with current shows (such as the live concert video from San Rafael in 99). They are more mature, more polished, less adolescent now. One last comment: as a mom, I appreciated that we could watch this as a family: no foul language or objectionable scenes. Typical of Weird Al!

THAT OTHER PERSON IS REALLY DULL ,IT IS GREAT
YOU MAY REMBER ME FROM BOTH REVIEWS ON THE WEIRD AL VIDEO LIBRARY MY MNAME IS MATT IT DESERVES ANOTHER 27 STARS BUT THE THING ONLY GOES UP TO 5 THAT OTHER PRESON WHO WROTE THE OTHER REVIEW IS PROBLY A 54 YEAR OLD MONKEY SLAVE THAT DOESENT HAVE A SENCE OF HUMOR(SORRY) IT SHOWS THAT WEIRD GUY THAT GOT WEIRD AL STARTED AND ALL THE GIRLS THAT COVER THEIR FACES IN THE PICTURES(HA)DARE TO BE STUPID IS PROBLY THE FUNNIES VIDEO ON THAT THING

GOTTA BUGGIE MATT

The Amazing and almost true story of a rock and roll legend
This movie was funny, informative, and fun to watch. This mockumentary from 1985 summarizes Weird Al's career up to that date. It also includes Al's first eight videos. Oh, and by the way, while it's summarizing his life, it's also making jokes and making Weird Al's life funny... This is a must for any Weird Al fan.

Lacking in some places, but a MUST for all Al fans!
This rockumentary spoof also contains eight of Al's music videos (Which, at the time this movie was made, were the only music videos he had done). This was also made while Al was at one of his many career peaks. Originally a Showtime special, this movie is an almost-true account of Al's life. Even the FBI warning at the beginning is a spoof! There are spots where this one tends to drag...at the time, Al didn't direct himself yet. However, there are some very memorable parts to this video, especially the AlTV section, which shows several of his skits from the MTV specials that had been made at the time. The music videos are also quite good. This is still a must for any Al fan, but not up to par with Weird Al's more recent efforts.

Al's a talented comedian, musician, filmmaker....
This video shows how Al is capable of using all sorts of media for comedic effect. Folks should realize that Al is a comedian, not just a musician. Don't underestimate his talent from the few parodies you might have heard.

Al not only writes original songs (about 50% of each album) but also has a had a feature film, a children's TV show, and has directed music videos for the Black Crowes and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (and ... ugh.... Hanson -- I can forgive him for it, I guess). ... Read more

Reviews (283)

"Complainers? We don't need no stinkin' complainers!"
How can you resist a movie where they throw poodles out of windows, let kids drink from fire hoses, where Conan hacks people apart because some people turned a book in late? The movie does have its slow parts, but the spoofs and skits are absolutely hilarious. I won't tell you all of them because then you won't go and rent or buy this great movie. This movie is really good if you are a Weird Al fan, like REALLY off-the-wall humor, parodies, something that can make you laugh. Some people hate this movie, but I think it's because they're trying to see it as a movie. UHF is not really trying to be a movie, it's trying to be more of a collage of parodies. Anyway, see it for yourself. There's no telling how many stomach muscles you'll burst watching this hilarious film.

OK?? What's the point?
~80's music and movies always scare me but this movie has a SMALL exception. This movie is about when George Newman, a teenager with no job, ("Weird Al" Yankovic) gets permission from his uncle Harvey (Stanley Brock) to run a television station with his friend Bob (David Bowe), the really weird janitor Stanley Spadowski (Michael Richards), the television reporter wannabe Pamela Finkelstein (Fran Drescher), and a laboratory scientist from another planet named Phllo (Anthony Geary) while trying to avoid another television company owner (Kevin McCarthy) from taking over his company U-62, and turning it in to a parking lot . This movie is what I like to call a "slapstick movie" which is a move with nothing but mere jokes and gags. Many of the zany programs on the station that George runs are called "Wheel of Fish" (A cross between "Lets Make a Deal" and "Wheel of Fortune"), Raul's Wild Kingdom", "Stanley Spadowski's Clubhouse", "Fun with Dirt", "Ghandi II" and "Strip Solitare". A lot of these things just don't make sense! This movie is rated PG-13 and has Language, Adult Content, and Rude Remarks. It's kind of weird but kind of funny in an odd kind of way. Raul's Wild Kingdom was hillarious when Raul (Cliff Stephens) shakes up an ant farm and says "OHHH! They're really mad now!" and when he throws a poodle out of a three-story window because he thinks he can teach it to fly. Ghandi II was also quite funny along with "Conan the Librarian" and "Spatula City". This movie is overall in my opinion, ALRIGHT but next time MGM/UA makes a movie, don't put Weird Al in it!~

Cult Classic
If you are a fan of Weird Al's parodies, this is the DVD for you. I know some people don't get it (a.k.a: Roger Ebert and some other critics). Yeah, the plot is a tad weak, but the main focus of this project was to give Al an outlet into doing parodies of movies and TV. There are many priceless gags in the movie ("Raul's Wild Kingdom" and "Ghandi II" come to mind). There is also a fabulous performance by Michael Richards (a.k.a.: Kramer from "Seinfeld") as the station's janitor turned TV star. There are also appearances by Victoria Jackson (SNL) and Fran Drescher (The Nanny).
The audio commentary is fantastic. You get to hear about what inspired some of the scenes and also what was not included in the movie. You also get to find out why the DVD wasn't released until June 4, 2002! There are deleted scenes on the DVD in the bonus material including a fantastic one of Michael Richards ad-libbing an entire scene!

weird al
if you liked weird als music,youll like this movie.its very silly but loads of fun.the kids will like it.if you are worried about how cool you are all the time and cant relax then dont watch this because its a movie for people who likewhat they want.individuals and dreamers.the bad guy is this old man from a tv station who is als rival when he has to run a tv station.this movie is very very funny.the bad guy is a real pain in the ass.its definately worth watching!

THE BEST of random humor!
I think this has to be one of the funniest movies i have seen in my life! just all the random shows in between the plot of the movie just make it like a family guy/futurama show mixed in with a healthy dose of random al. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Judy! Judy! Judy!
An overlooked gem! Until I ran across this howler, I was no Judy Tenuta fan (all that braying turned me off) but she won me over with her amped-down (and oddly poignant) turn as a kiddie star has-been trying to make a tabloid comeback. Very funny stuff--and it probably plays much better on TV than in a moviehouse, where it's low-budget roots would have been more glaring. Because the movie is essentially a comic version of Dana Plato's much-publicized crash 'n' burn (Plato actually appears in a self-depreciating cameo role, along with fellow former child stars Erin Moran, Ken Osmond, etc.), I'd love to know what was going through the filmmakers' minds when Plato fatally OD'ed before the film's release. Even though the movie is a basic mockery of Plato's life (right down to a low-rent "look-at-me" mini-mart stick-up), there was no way Plato's cameo could be cut entirely because she appears prominently in a poker-game sequence crucial to the rest of the movie. The answer? An end credit, dedicating the film to Plato--an ironic tribute if ever there was one. That said, Judy's performance in a loony lesbian scene and as the star of a Girl Scout slasher flick are worth the price of the DVD alone!!!

Judy can act, and the movie is good too!
This could have easily been a movie of the week on network TV. There is very minimal profanity and is very touching. Judy can act (who knew?), and is very funny without "trying to hard."
The entire cast did a great job. It's a small film, but with a big punch. Some of the scenes were so truthful, it hurt at times to watch it. Judy was very sincere, and I totally believed her in this role. Great cameos throughout the movie. It is like an demented version of Sunset Blvd and Andy Warhol's Heat. If you liked those movies, you will certainly enjoy this one. I rented it (very hard to find in a rental capacity here in Orlando), but plan to buy it. It's a small cult-classic-to-be. The addition of Dana Plato's cameo added resinence and punch to the themes and plot lines. I can't say enough about this movie. It is worth it, and more. Bravo!

JUDY CAN ACT!!!!!
I won't repeat what the other positive reviwers have said. This is a cute movie. What surprised me is how great Judy can act. She is funny, touching, moving, and gives a great performance. I think most of the people who will buy it will be Judy fans. While I was expecting more "raw" Judy, it was a pleasant surprise to see her much more mellow. Many fans will be disappointed to not see Judy being as acidic as usual, but you have to give her credit-SHE IS A GOOD ACTRESS. If you want the bitchy Judy, BUTCH CAMP is the DVD for you. Otherwise go into this with an open mind and enjoy her sweet and inspired performance.

VERY FUNNY!
What can I say? It's a very funny, very cleverly written, very well-acted film, with lots of laughs, lots of surprises, lots of heart. I've enjoyed it over a dozen times. My friends have all loved it too. It seriously is one of the best comedy films of the past few years.

Hysterical Take On Fame
"I'm not an angel, but I play one on TV"

Where has this little gem of a film been hiding since 1998? To see Burt Ward, Erin Moran, Dana Plato, and Ken Osmond playing cards and discussing infomercials (even the director's cuts of those -- "It's colon cleanser...just SPRINKLE it!") they've done is quite a hoot, and that scene alone is worth the price of seeing this film! Ah, when the stars have to come down from the hill and have to live with the rest of us...it's also eerie that this was one of Plato's last appearences in a film with a title as Desperation Boulevard, but there's a loving "In Memory Of" for her at the end credits.

While the Comedy Central TV show STRIP MALL with Julie Brown showed a more zany take on the life of a has-been former child actor, her character was a bit self-centered (though I worship Ms. Brown of course!). In Desperation Boulevard, Judy Tenuta's character of Joan, a has-been former child actor is quite different in the fact that you really feel for her plight, and she is actually a likeable gal. I was amazed to see Tenuta showing quite a bit of sincerity in her role, which gave this film a bit of reality in the midst of silly stunts she tried to get back in the public eye once again. At times wacky, then charming, there's a nice balance that will have you smiling even if you're not laughing out loud.

Michael Lerner is fine as the oblivious agent, and Will Shriner shows some compassion as a former Joan's former love. There are fun appearances by Burt Ward, Erin Moran, Dana Plato, Ken Osmond, Weird Al Yankovic, Emo Philips, Rhonda Shear, and Melanie Hutsell that work well with the story instead of just being a "spot the pseudo-celebrity" type of thing. I found myself laughing hard when Erin Moran had such a look of glee on her face for taking credit for a liquor store robbery that Tenuta tried to pull off! The scenes from the girl scout horror film were an absolute stitch as well: "She earned her merit badge in TERROR!"

Even though the "gift of the magi" ending is a bit tidied up, it's still satisfying and and the hired stalker gives a boost to any scene he just happens to be standing in! There's a lot of heartfelt charm to this film as well as the comedy, and it was interesting to see the mild level of language instead of trying for a hard "R-rated" theme. It has just enough to make it pleasing to adults.

I've always been a fan of Judy Tenuta, and seeing her play more than a wacky gal is really a nice surprise. Desperation Boulevard is a pleasant low-budget escape from a sea of big-budget wastes of time. This one is definitely worth your while if you appreciate a good take on fame and selflessness. Not since Christopher Guest's THE BIG PICTURE have I enjoyed such a take on Hollywood.

Be sure to stick through the end credits to see some outtakes and a tap-dancing Anne Frank play! It has to be seen to be believed! ... Read more

Reviews (63)

From the files of when comedy was actually funny
Those who know me know that I don't often go to comedies that have been made since the Austin Powers era. The reason is that there has been a line that has been crossed in recent years that makes that majority of these films unfunny to me. While Austin Powers had Dr. Evil to save it from over all lameness most comedies these days are too reliant on riskaye sex jokes and over the top toilet humor that works in South Park and Nintendo's "Conker's Bad Fur Day" but nothing else. The Naked Gun is based on the short-lived but absolutely hilarious "Police Squad" TV series starring Leslie Neilson as Lt. Frank Drebbon. The show and films classic "who dun its" from the 40s and 50s with over the top classy humor, and a lot of well timed puns and gags. Timing is what makes not only this movie, but also its sequels do funny. The timing for everything is dead on, plus it's a Zucker film, and the Zuckers are almost up there with Mel Brooks. They know how to do comedy right. However the weakness of this film is in its time sensitive gags. A lot of the events in this movie are poking fun of events that were occurring at the time the movies were made. People who were not around in, or do not remember the early nineties may not get a lot of the gags. Even so there is still enough material that is not time sensitive for the film to be funny over all. Even a guest appearance by Weird Al Yankovic.
The special features are lacking, however. Part of what makes DVDs so fun is when you get a jam-packed DVD that goes in depth into the making of the movie. It is when you have those kinds of documentaries that the movie becomes more than a movie; it becomes a living piece of history. Considering that so many of the jokes are so era sensitive these making of featurettes that this DVD lacked could have been beneficial to those who don't know that backdrops to which so many of these jokes are built.

Frank Drebin from Police Squad hits the Big Screen
Yes, "The Naked Gun" is a funny movie, a fitting heir to "Airplane" in the genre of "Kitchen Sink" comedy where you had better pay attention to everything that is going on in the background and read all of the final credits or you will be missing out on the fun. But Leslie Nielsen's totally dead-panned performance as Lt. Frank Drebin in the original "Police Squad" TV series worked better than than the more hammy approach used in the films. Still, watching Priscilla Presley, Nancy Marchand and Ricardo Montalban deal straight up with all the wackiness redeems many things. Even if you never saw "Police Squad" (with Rex Hamilton as Abraham Lincoln), you will laugh parts of your anatomy off during "The Naked Gun." I wonder if Queen Elizabeth ever watched this movie? Too bad it is hard not to wince every time you see that guy playing Nordberg. Final Trivia Note: the German version of "The Naked Gun" runs four minutes shorter. See if you can guess what the fun loving Germans found so offensive they cut (No, I do not have any idea, but I am curious).

Classic Comedy
Based on the failed tv series "Police Squad", 1988's "The Naked Gun" was a smash comedy that gave new life to Leslie Nielsen's career (he had previously been reduced to dramatic roles) as well as escued the team of Jerry and David Zucker and Jim Abrahams, who hadn't had a hit since 1980's equally hysterical "Airplane" (which also starred Nielsen).

Frank Drebin (Nielsen) is a bumbling cop who is assinged to look into a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth at the World Series after his fellow oficer and good friend Nordberg (O.J. Simpson - yes, that O.J. Simpson) is nearly killed. The prime suspect is a businessman named Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban). Drebin and his partner Ed Hocken (Georeg Kennedy) will stop at nothing to find out who's behind the crime. That is, if Frank can avoid the charms of the sexy Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley).

This is a great film for anyone who loves to laugh. And get the two sequels as well and pray they comeout with a fourth one soon.

This carn't be overlooked
Very funny movie if you haven't seen it its clear your behind in comedy.

Masterpiece
When asked what my favorite movie of all time, I always instinctively utter "The Naked Gun." While not everyone really appreciates this movie, unless you're into goffball comedies, this has to be one of the funniest movies ever. Not sure what else can be said about it. Puns, punchlines, side gags, are all brilliant. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

From the files of when comedy was actually funny
Those who know me know that I don't often go to comedies that have been made since the Austin Powers era. The reason is that there has been a line that has been crossed in recent years that makes that majority of these films unfunny to me. While Austin Powers had Dr. Evil to save it from over all lameness most comedies these days are too reliant on riskaye sex jokes and over the top toilet humor that works in South Park and Nintendo's "Conker's Bad Fur Day" but nothing else. The Naked Gun is based on the short-lived but absolutely hilarious "Police Squad" TV series starring Leslie Neilson as Lt. Frank Drebbon. The show and films classic "who dun its" from the 40s and 50s with over the top classy humor, and a lot of well timed puns and gags. Timing is what makes not only this movie, but also its sequels do funny. The timing for everything is dead on, plus it's a Zucker film, and the Zuckers are almost up there with Mel Brooks. They know how to do comedy right. However the weakness of this film is in its time sensitive gags. A lot of the events in this movie are poking fun of events that were occurring at the time the movies were made. People who were not around in, or do not remember the early nineties may not get a lot of the gags. Even so there is still enough material that is not time sensitive for the film to be funny over all. Even a guest appearance by Weird Al Yankovic.
The special features are lacking, however. Part of what makes DVDs so fun is when you get a jam-packed DVD that goes in depth into the making of the movie. It is when you have those kinds of documentaries that the movie becomes more than a movie; it becomes a living piece of history. Considering that so many of the jokes are so era sensitive these making of featurettes that this DVD lacked could have been beneficial to those who don't know that backdrops to which so many of these jokes are built.

Frank Drebin from Police Squad hits the Big Screen
Yes, "The Naked Gun" is a funny movie, a fitting heir to "Airplane" in the genre of "Kitchen Sink" comedy where you had better pay attention to everything that is going on in the background and read all of the final credits or you will be missing out on the fun. But Leslie Nielsen's totally dead-panned performance as Lt. Frank Drebin in the original "Police Squad" TV series worked better than than the more hammy approach used in the films. Still, watching Priscilla Presley, Nancy Marchand and Ricardo Montalban deal straight up with all the wackiness redeems many things. Even if you never saw "Police Squad" (with Rex Hamilton as Abraham Lincoln), you will laugh parts of your anatomy off during "The Naked Gun." I wonder if Queen Elizabeth ever watched this movie? Too bad it is hard not to wince every time you see that guy playing Nordberg. Final Trivia Note: the German version of "The Naked Gun" runs four minutes shorter. See if you can guess what the fun loving Germans found so offensive they cut (No, I do not have any idea, but I am curious).

Classic Comedy
Based on the failed tv series "Police Squad", 1988's "The Naked Gun" was a smash comedy that gave new life to Leslie Nielsen's career (he had previously been reduced to dramatic roles) as well as escued the team of Jerry and David Zucker and Jim Abrahams, who hadn't had a hit since 1980's equally hysterical "Airplane" (which also starred Nielsen).

Frank Drebin (Nielsen) is a bumbling cop who is assinged to look into a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth at the World Series after his fellow oficer and good friend Nordberg (O.J. Simpson - yes, that O.J. Simpson) is nearly killed. The prime suspect is a businessman named Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban). Drebin and his partner Ed Hocken (Georeg Kennedy) will stop at nothing to find out who's behind the crime. That is, if Frank can avoid the charms of the sexy Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley).

This is a great film for anyone who loves to laugh. And get the two sequels as well and pray they comeout with a fourth one soon.

This carn't be overlooked
Very funny movie if you haven't seen it its clear your behind in comedy.

Masterpiece
When asked what my favorite movie of all time, I always instinctively utter "The Naked Gun." While not everyone really appreciates this movie, unless you're into goffball comedies, this has to be one of the funniest movies ever. Not sure what else can be said about it. Puns, punchlines, side gags, are all brilliant. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. ... Read more