The Naked Gun review: Neeson is not Nielsen but it works

*** Plot spoilers ahead ***

Same, same but different... After much fanfare, a potential in real life romance (we hope) and Liam Neeson getting his frilly strawberry-print knickers in a twist, The Naked Gun has finally landed.

Before we go any further, those old enough to remember the genius of the original Naked Gun films with Leslie Nielsen should awkwardly park up their expectations Frank Drebin style.

The remark of the hapless, bumbling, hilarious Police Squad has many of the selling points of the original franchise; the tongue-in-cheek humour, the ridiculous gags, and even an eye-raising OJ joke that you're not entirely sure if it's appropriate to laugh at, but probably will.

Yet, Neeson is not Nielsen, but then again, he's not half bad either. It's hard to imagine anyone recapturing the slapstick magic and comedic timing of Leslie's Frank Drebin, something Liam seems acutely aware of.

He is also no doubt aware of his 'tough guy' screen presence built up over almost too many Taken-style films to count.

Instead, as Frank Drebin Jr. he wisely gives more of a nod to his 'screen father' without trying to resurrect the character while also sending up his own action hero image with deadpan delivery and an ability to keep a straight face even while flashing his strawberry print pants.

We have since learned that it was Neeson's idea to have a shorter skirt in the opening sequence, where he foils a bank robbery by dressing as a schoolgirl... despite never liking his legs.

'Naked Gun 33 1/3', Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, Anna Nicole Smith, 1994. Pic: REX

During an interview with People, where he was asked by his co-star Pamela what the most uncomfortable part of wearing the schoolgirl outfit was and he joked: 'That's very sensitive, Pamela.

'... I was dressed in a school uniform... we rehearsed the fight scenes. Yes, I asked for my skirt to be shorter, which surprised me because I hate my legs, I hate showing them. When I was a boxer as a kid, I'd go out in round one, ding ding, and I'd think oh f**k they're looking at my legs.'

Whatever Pammie might think of his legs remains to be seen, but her presence in the film is an unexpected gift.

There's a line from The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad where Frank bemoans, 'It's true what they say: "Cops and women don't mix. It's like eating a spoonful of Drano; sure, it'll clean you out, but it'll leave you hollow inside.'

Pamela's portrayal of Beth Davenport, a grieving sister determined to prove that her brother was murdered, will make you laugh out loud.

One highlight sees her very literal approach to taking a chair. She also serves up a more subtle take on the role than her counterpart in the original films, Priscilla Presley, but, again, it fits, and same, same but different might just be the mantra for The Naked Gun.

Where the Police Squad might need to get back on the case is the plot. Sure, the gags come quick and fast, but there are not nearly enough of them.

Arguably, some of the best moments of the original Naked Gun films happened away from the main plot, in the background, with hidden gags sprinkled in, prompting many a rewind and rewatch for those who tapped them from the telly.

That included Nordberg haphazardly getting injured in practically every scene, and Frank's parking jobs that would give Dublin clampers heart failure... more of this, please, should there be another remake!

For now, though, Liam and co offer up a worthy first attempt. Whoop, whoop, it's the sound of the police!

The Naked Gun is in cinemas from 1 August