Okay, let's dim the lights, maybe adjust the tracking just a bit, and slide this well-loved cassette into the VCR. Remember that satisfying clunk? Few films capture the sheer, glorious absurdity of early 90s spoof comedy quite like David Zucker's "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear". Forget subtle satire; this 1991 gem, a direct follow-up to the surprise 1988 hit, was all about the relentless barrage of visual gags, groan-worthy puns, and the magnificent deadpan delivery of its leading man. This wasn't just a movie; it was a joke delivery system firing on all cylinders, demanding rewinds even back in the tape days just to catch the gags whizzing by in the background.
### Back in the Absurd Saddle
Picking up with Lieutenant Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) still somehow employed by Police Squad, the plot (such as it is) revolves around renewable energy policy, of all things. Dr. Albert Meinheimer (played wonderfully by Richard Griffiths, who many will remember from the Harry Potter films years later) is set to advise the President on a cleaner future, much to the chagrin of the polluting energy barons, led by the dastardly smooth Quentin Hapsburg (Robert Goulet). Naturally, Drebin is assigned to head security for the scientist, reuniting him with his estranged love Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley) who now works for Meinheimer and is dating... Hapsburg! Cue romantic entanglement amidst utter chaos. But let's be honest, the plot here is merely the thinnest of clotheslines upon which to hang an incredible number of gags.
### The Art of the Non-Stop Gag
What truly defined "The Naked Gun" series, stemming from the tragically short-lived TV show Police Squad! (a classic case of a show perhaps too clever for its time, cancelled after just six episodes in 1982), was the Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker (ZAZ) style, carried forward here masterfully by David Zucker and co-writer Pat Proft (who also co-wrote the first film and Police Academy). It wasn't just about funny lines; it was about packing the frame with visual jokes, literal interpretations of clichés, and slapstick timed with lunatic precision. Remember the sheer density? Characters walking into frame carrying ridiculously oversized objects, background signs with puns, physical comedy that escalated to impossible levels – this was the practical effect magic of ZAZ comedy. It required meticulous planning and actors committed entirely to the bit, especially Nielsen. I distinctly remember pausing the VHS during the White House dinner scene just to try and register everything happening behind Drebin. It felt like every square inch of the screen was weaponized for laughs.
It's fascinating that Leslie Nielsen, who spent decades as a dramatic actor in films like Forbidden Planet (1956) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972), found this incredible second act playing utterly clueless characters with unwavering seriousness. His genius wasn't just in delivering the lines, but in reacting (or not reacting) to the madness around him with that perfect straight face. According to Zucker, Nielsen never broke character, treating the most absurd lines as if they were Shakespeare. This commitment sells every single joke, no matter how preposterous. Supporting players like the ever-reliable George Kennedy as Ed Hocken and O. J. Simpson as Nordberg (a presence that hits very differently now, of course) dutifully play their parts in Drebin's orbit of destruction.
### Smooth Villainy and Dated Delights
Casting Robert Goulet as the villain was another masterstroke. Known for his booming baritone and suave stage presence, Goulet leans into the parody perfectly, making Hapsburg both menacingly charming and hilariously out of touch. His romantic scenes with Jane, contrasted with Drebin's bumbling attempts to win her back (often involving physical injury to himself or others), are comedy gold. Watching it now, some jokes definitely land as products of their time – the early 90s sensibilities are strong here. But the sheer volume and creativity of the gags mean that for every one that might feel a bit dusty, five others still hit hard. The film cost around $23 million to make and pulled in nearly $87 million worldwide – a healthy profit confirming audiences were still very much onboard for Drebin's antics back in '91. They even managed to snag a cameo from then-First Lady Barbara Bush (or rather, a very convincing impersonator, Jeannette Charles, who also played Queen Elizabeth II in the first film).
### The Verdict
"The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear" doesn't quite reach the dizzying, revolutionary heights of Airplane! (1980) or perhaps even the freshness of the first Naked Gun (1988), but it comes incredibly close. It's a remarkably consistent and hilarious sequel that delivers exactly what fans wanted: more Drebin, more sight gags, more puns, more chaos. The commitment to the gag-a-minute philosophy is relentless, and Leslie Nielsen is simply iconic, cementing his place as one of cinema's greatest comedy actors. The supporting cast is game, the direction keeps the pace frantic, and the sheer silliness is infectious. It successfully bottles the lightning of the first film, even adding memorable set pieces like the disastrous blues club performance ("How about this? Feelings...") and the chaotic climax.
Rating: 8/10
Justification: While perhaps a fraction less groundbreaking than its predecessor, 2½ maintains an astonishingly high gag rate and delivers consistent, hearty laughs throughout. Nielsen is at the peak of his comedic powers, the ZAZ style is expertly executed, and it remains a masterclass in spoof filmmaking. It’s pure, unadulterated fun.
Final Thought: In the pre-internet age of comedy, "Naked Gun 2½" felt like a joyous assault on the senses, demanding repeat viewings just to catch everything. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most sophisticated comedy comes wrapped in the most gloriously stupid package – a true treasure from the top shelf of the video store comedy section.