Liam Neeson’s Secret Comedy Genius Revealed

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I wondered aloud if Hollywood had run out of fresh ideas. While I appreciate Gen X nostalgia, I’m growing tired of seeing Gen X properties revived time and again.

Despite some criticism online suggesting Liam Neeson might not be suitable for comedy due to his serious image, I believe that assessment is off base, particularly in relation to the original “Naked Gun” series. Here are two reasons why:

1. The humor in this movie seems to be a departure from Neeson’s previous roles and could showcase a different side of his acting talent.
2. The filmmakers have demonstrated their ability to successfully blend action and comedy, as evidenced by the “Naked Gun” trilogy, which was a massive success despite its lead actors having distinctly different personas.

Leslie Nielsen Wasn’t “Funny” Either… Until He Was

Leslie Nielsen, who gained significant popularity in the 1980s with comedic roles in films like “Airplane!” and the “Naked Gun” series, was typically recognized for the majority of his career as a serious actor. Interestingly, he was chosen for “Airplane!” in 1980 partly due to his reputation for serious roles, such as the stern captain in “The Poseidon Adventure.” This description also applies to Liam Neeson’s career.

Back in the day when Nielsen cracked those side-splitting deadpan jokes in Airplane!, it paved a fresh path for him, and before we knew it, he became synonymous with comedic acting. The success and lasting impact of the Naked Gun trilogy have undeniably cemented his status, particularly among folks who came of age in the ’90s and beyond. For those born earlier, his roles were a riot, much like the characters Neeson plays, such as Oskar Schindler and Priest Vallon in Gangs of New York, will continue to resonate with us who know him best for such powerful performances.

Neeson Does Have Comedic Chops

Those who question Liam Neeson’s comedic skills might want to recall that he has demonstrated his impeccable timing and versatility, providing us with side-splitting scenes featuring dry wit in films such as “Ted 2” and “Anchorman 2”. A particularly memorable scene from the former film showcases him interrogating Ted on the legality of an adult purchasing Trix cereal, considering they are marketed towards children.

In the episode of Ricky Gervais’ series titled “Life’s Too Short“, Neeson’s appearance as himself was equally amusing. Notably, much like Nielson did nearly half a century ago, Neeson showcases his exceptional talent by delivering lines in a manner that accentuates his renowned persona.

I was thrilled when I caught a glimpse of the trailer for “The Naked Gun,” set to release on August 1st. Not only did it bring a smile to my face, but I also found myself chuckling genuinely – something I didn’t anticipate from the film. One particular scene featuring Liam Neeson with just one leg up and clad in vibrant underwear below his waist was enough to make anyone laugh out loud.

Typically, movie trailers don’t have a significant impact on me, and my plans rarely shift based on them, good or bad. However, this trailer managed to win me over, and now I find myself eagerly counting down the days until I can catch it in theaters.

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2025-04-12 18:07