There are several classic movies that should be a part of every person’s DVD collection. You’ve got to have The Godfather Collection, Pulp Fiction and the Lord Of The Rings. However, there are many classic films that aren’t award winners, but still belong in your collection. Take a look through DVD collections and you’re sure to find cult hits like Airplane!, Fast Times At Ridgemont High and Animal House. Nestled in there should also be Naked Gun: From The Files Of Police Squad!

Naked Gun is a spoof film brought to you by the same crazy people that gave us Airplane! (they really like exclamation marks). Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker team with Pat Proft to write this send up of cop shows. In reality, it’s a continuation of the television series that ran for about four episodes in the eighties. The television show is actually quite funny. If you can ever hunt down a copy of the shows on videotape, I would recommend you pick them up for your viewing pleasure.

Naked Gun chronicles a fictional organization within the Los Angeles police department know as Police Squad. They’ve been put in charge of protecting Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Los Angeles. Lt. Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) and Captain Ed Hocken (George Kennedy) head the protection team with the sponsorship of the rich and powerful Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban).

Another member of Police Squad is involved in a seemingly unrelated crime and investigation. Norberg (O.J. Simpson) is critically wounded during his undercover operation into drug trafficking. It appears on the surface that Norberg is actually a drug dealer and was nearly killed while transacting some business. He is on death’s door and Police Squad now has two tasks—protect the Queen and find the truth about Norberg.

Frank’s investigation leads to Ludwig and his assistant, Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley). Sure, he is an influential businessman and publicly concerned about protecting the Queen. However, he’s a diabolical criminal with an evil and sinister demise planned for the Queen. Craziness ensues as Frank tries to get to the bottom of the murder plot, clear Norberg and get the girl.

The plot of Naked Gun is really inconsequential and irrelevant. It’s a spoof film so humor is actually the plot. The film kicks off with a great scene where Frank “saves the world” from several evil tyrants. Keep a look out and you will see Castro, Gorbachecv, Khadafi and others. It’s interesting to note that this scene isn’t shown anymore when the movie is played on network or cable television. I guess it hits a little too close to home after recent terrorist events. It really shouldn’t be cut because it’s a funny scene and filmed many years ago.

There are way too many jokes to really do them justice by describing them. The puns are fast and furious and most are hilarious. Some of the scenes that you should really pay close attention to are Norberg’s assault in the harbor, Frank and Jane’s love scene with one of the best visual jokes ever and the entire baseball game. Make a special note of the various ballparks that are actually used for the home stadium of the Angels. I count three different ones (Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium and Anaheim Stadium/Edison Field). In most movies, discrepancies like these would be reason to chastise the picture. In the instance of Naked Gun, it was probably done on purpose to create a subtle joke.

The acting in Naked Gun is average at best. It’s got to be difficult to deliver many of the lines within the film while keeping a straight face. Leslie Nielsen is a master at delivering such lines as, “Nice beaver” and “Wilma, I promise you; whatever scum did this, not one man on this force will rest one minute before until he's behind bars. Now, let's grab a bite to eat.” Oscar winner George Kennedy is actually quite good in his role, as is Richardo Montalban. Of course, their lines are a little easier to deliver. Priscilla Presley is average in her role. She doesn’t try to do too much with her character or lines and that’s a good thing. O.J. Simpon’s role as Norberg is small and he does an adequate job. I must admit it’s difficult to completely concentrate while he is on the screen. Whether you believe he is guilty or innocent, he’s still a slight distraction on screen.

One of the great things about Naked Gun is the wackiness that takes place in the picture. There are puns, jokes and sight gags to keep you busy for hours. Another entertaining aspect of the film are the cameos and the way they are used. “Weird Al” Yankovic makes an appearance as Frank’s comic foil, John Houseman has a small role as a driving instructor and former baseball player Reggie Jackson plays the crucial part of an unknowing hit man. Also, be sure to keep a look out for a crazy scene with the baseball announcers. You’ll be surprised at everyone that pops up in the broadcast booth.

While I was happy that a DVD of Naked Gun was released, it was not the treasure chest of treats that I had hoped. Sure, the picture and sound are now crystal clear and the wide screen picture is an improvement. However, it really doesn’t have that much to offer. The trailer is included and it’s quite funny but it’s nothing too special. There is also a group commentary with David Zucker (director and writer), Robert Weiss (producer) and Peter Tilden (host). Zucker and Weiss will sparingly add something to the film, but it’s pretty much just a self-depreciating commentary. Tilden tries to coax some juicy information out of them, but usually fails. Their insight is interesting, but not groundbreaking.

Overall, I would recommend the Naked Gun DVD if you are interested in just watching the movie. If you like storyboards, pre-production notes and deleted scenes then this DVD won’t make you happy. However, if you like spoof films like Airplane! and like to laugh at silly jokes, you’ll be more than happy with this DVD.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older