The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear

This isn't an half bad sequel to the entertaining "Naked Gun" (1988) with Leslie Nielsen reprising his hapless "Drebin" character. This time he teams up again with "Ed" (George Kennedy) and "Nordberg" (OJ Simpson) to try to thwart the ambitions of big business in the energy sector. To protect their control over domestic power consumption, these moguls arrange for the kidnapping of a scientist - "Dr. Mainheimer" (Richard Griffiths). He is about to publish a far reaching report extolling the viability of solar power as a cheap and available source of electricity for everyone. Things is, though, it's not just a simple kidnap - they plan to substitute this learned man with a fraud who will ensure they retain their monopolies for years to come. ...

A sequel that closely follows the initial film, although it may not be as strong.

After a predictable success with the first film, the sequel was already predictable and the public flocked to see a new dose of madness, with Leslie Nielsen in great form. When watching this film forty years after its commercial debut, it is not difficult to recognize some merit: the film has aged very well and continues to be entertaining today.

I recognize that the style of humor in this film will not be to everyone's liking, as it is solidly based on slapstick and double meanings with a strong sexual connotation, however it is frankly more elegant and intelligent than many modern comedies of our day. The dialogues are quite idiotic, to be nice, bu...

Not as good as the first time, but 'The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear' still delivers entertainment.

Leslie Nielsen remains brilliant as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, such a fun character to see him play. George Kennedy and Priscilla Presley do well, while Richard Griffiths and, slightly less so, Robert Goulet are positive newcomers. I will say that I don't think the comedy is as strong in this one, the gags in particular seem a little more in your face with additional winks and nudges.

Still a good time, though. Now to find out what 'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult' had to offer...