
Instead of the Zucker brothers, it’s Seth MacFarlane who is taking the helm in this remake. Known for his animated series ‘Family Guy’ and its sometimes edgy humor, he seems like a fitting choice to revive the movie for a new audience. Akiva Schaffer, with credits such as ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and extensive work with The Lonely Island comedy trio, is directing and co-writing. He brings a wacky feel that mirrors the original film perfectly. Expect plenty of visual jokes, absurd one-liners, and clever quips that will leave viewers laughing, much like the classic Z-A-Z movie ‘Airplane’. However, not every joke hits the mark, as some are borrowed from the original film (a nod to the popular ‘beaver’ joke is included) and others from lesser-known films such as Michael Keaton’s ‘Johnny Dangerously’. Still, this remake manages to capture the irreverent spirit of the trilogy. At 85 minutes, it moves quickly, much like the original film. Also, Liam Neeson, who started his career as a dramatic actor before becoming an action star with ‘Taken’, plays it straight here, just like Brian Dennehy did in some roles. For fans of Neeson, rewatching ‘Schindler’s List’ might never feel the same again due to his newfound action persona, making it impossible for him to take on a serious dramatic role ever again.