784. The Naked Gun

The Naked Gun
1988
Directed by David Zucker

I know it gives great pain to my readers that I don't like the film Airplane! (pause for boos).  I expected to hate this movie just as much, but I actually managed to enjoy this movie a little.  Only a little.  It still is not my brand of comedy.

Basically it is the clueless spy plot, which has been done now approximately 1674 times.  Frank Drebin is an incompetent police lieutenant who tries to stop the assassination of Queen Elizabeth II when she visits Los Angeles.  He is aided by the would be assassin's assistant, Jane, and the two fall in love.  Oh, and O.J. Simpson is in it.  That guy oozes comedy...

So like I said, it is not my type of humor, as I am not that into visual gags and slapstick comedy.  Still, I did find myself laughing a few times (nothing to see here, move along!).  A part of me will always find Leslie Nielsen slightly annoying, but he was enjoyable enough here.

Not the best comedy I have seen, or even the best comedy of 1988.  But still a light, fun film.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Film is based on the short lived television series, Police Squad!.

667. Airplane!

Airplane!
1980
Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker

Back when I was a young, carefree lass who wasn't following the List, I attempted to watch this with my sister.  We got about twenty minutes into before we had to turn it off.  This is saying a lot, since we have sat through some pretty horrible things.  When I started the List, I realized I would have to start this one over.  It was a somber day.

Ted is an ex fighter pilot who has a deep fear of flying.  He boards an airplane his girlfriend is serving as a flight attendant in hopes of winning her back.  During the flight, the pilots and many of the passengers get sick from the fish (see?  Being a vegetarian is cool!), so it is up to Ted to save the day.

A lot of times there isn't much to say about a comedy you don't like other than "I didn't think it was funny."  Some people might find the humor offensive, as a large portion of the jokes were racist, sexist, or vaguely creepy.  I think they were self aware, although I don't really consider that a pass to continue doing it and calling it entertainment.  I didn't find any of the jokes particularly offensive, just not very smart.

Still, if you did find this movie entertaining, I don't judge you.  I have never seen a disaster film (thank goodness) so wasn't entirely in on the joke anyway.

RATING: *----

Interesting Facts:

Aeromexico was the only airline to provide Airplane! as in flight entertainment.

Woody Allen loves this movie.  We really do not have the same taste.  Maybe that's a good thing.