We’re calling it: this REEL AD OF THE WEEK wasn’t for a sneaker, soda, or streaming service—it was for Paramount’s The Naked Gun. Or more specifically, the utterly ridiculous, absolutely inspired teaser trailer that just dropped at CinemaCon.
Yes, trailers are ads. And this one is perfection.
Paramount kicked off its CinemaCon presentation by unleashing the first look at The Naked Gun, starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., son of Leslie Nielsen’s gloriously clueless original. And in the proud tradition of the franchise, it opens with Neeson foiling a bank heist… while dressed in a schoolgirl outfit.
Need we say more?
The trailer is only a minute long, but it hits every mark: chaos, parody, over-the-top action, and a total willingness to poke fun at both the genre and itself. It also does what the best trailers (and best ads) do—it sells tone as much as content. This isn’t just a revival; it’s a riot. Watch below:
Paramount also released new key art to go along with the trailer… and we love it!
With a supporting cast that includes Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, and CCH Pounder, plus direction from Popstar and Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers helmer Akiva Schaffer, The Naked Gun is gunning for the summer’s comedic sweet spot. The fact that it’s being produced by Seth MacFarlane only solidifies its parody pedigree.
Whether it ends up being the sleeper hit of the season or not, one thing is clear: the trailer slaps. It had us laughing, tweeting, and immediately searching for release dates (August 1, thank you very much). In the world of marketing, that’s a mission accomplished.
So for selling hard with a wink, a pratfall, and Liam Neeson in plaid—The Naked Gun is our Ad of the Week.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
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