With everything going on in the world today, we can all use a good laugh. And not some piece of political satire, such as the likes that South Park have been cooking up. Although boys, keep it coming. The news of Stephen Colbert ending his run on the Late Show hit pretty hard. Gen Z, unfortunately, is where humor goes to die (whatever you do, don’t watch FX’s Adults). No, we need something goofy and a bit irreverent the likes of some ‘90s comedies. I know just the series that comes to mind.
Naked Gun
The original Naked Gun series with Leslie Nielsen was a ridiculous set of films that I remember from my childhood. So it came as a surprise to hear of its revival, now staring Liam Neeson. Upon first glance, one would just look at their initials and think some executives were in a boardroom tossing ideas out. But it is not completely counterintuitive. Nielsen started as a serious actor and later transitioned into comedies, keeping his straight-man demeanor even when the most absurd things were happening. Neeson pivoted to action star in his later career, an attitude that could be used to his advantage in the same way. And he nails it, to a point.
Director and co-writer Akiva Schaffer takes the Mel Brooks and Zucker approach by throwing everything at the wall and see what sticks. So if there is a dud, it is easily blunted by the next gag cued up. And don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of room for crickets here. But the heart put into the endeavor outweighs any minor setbacks.
That heart comes from Neeson and co-star Pamela Anderson. Her renaissance couldn’t be more out of left field, but I am here for it. Watching her dry delivery matching Liam’s, both express chemistry and wit on par with Nielsen and his co-star Priscilla Presley (who has a blink-and-you-will-miss-it cameo). Toss in an eye-rolling turn by Danny Huston as our villain, you have the recipe for the perfect summer flick. Just lay off the chili dogs before you go.
Some younger readers will remember such classics as Friday and Don’t Be a Menace…, black-led chuckle fests that contain good lessons. One of Them Days is that same tradition, teaching one great piece of advice. Don’t give your rent money to a no-good slacker boyfriend. Keke Palmer and singer SZA play Dreux and Alyssa, roommates in Los Angeles trying to make ends meet. Dreux slogs at a diner, working up to a manager. In fact, she has an interview for the position the same day. Alyssa is a struggling artist, promising but unknown.
After coming home from her shift, Dreux tries to get some rest only to find their landlord didn’t receive his money. After Alyssa’s boyfriend skips out, the two must race against time to keep their apartment. From a trip to a blood bank to trying to get a pay-day loan, our dynamic duo runs and dodges through every potential scheme and plot to hold on to what little they have. And every scenario is played out to its side-splitting conclusion. One supporting role from Kat Williams as a homeless man undid by the cycle of loans is blast from the past I was looking forward to. And he didn’t disappoint, no one did. Keke Palmer has been great ever since her turn in Akeelah and the Bee at eleven, all the way to Jordan Peele’s NOPE a few years ago. SZA, for the most part, complimented her role. For a singer, she manages some good line delivery. But it is the camaraderie she has with Palmer that makes the film gel. Check it out on Netflix if don’t mind some bawdiness. Same goes for Naked Gun (in theaters), but you won’t regret it otherwise.
