
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 19, 1994                   TAG: 9403230124
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By ELEANOR RINGEL/COX NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

`NAKED GUN 33 1/3': ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

``Naked Gun 331/3: The Final Insult'' is more overkill comedy from the David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker hit factory (or ZAZ as they're known in the business).

Actually, make that the ZAZ sensibility. The press kit goes to great lengths to explain that only David Zucker is directly involved in the ``Naked Gun'' movies. But his partners' names are listed as executive producers, and there's the same throw-it-all-on-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks approach that the trio introduced in ``Airplane!'' However, either the ZAZ touch is getting old or I am; after a hilarious opening-scene parody of ``The Untouchables,'' the movie simply can't maintain a consistently high level of humor.

That said, ``Naked Gun'' star Leslie Nielson maintains his deadpan dumb better than ever. His Lt. Frank Drebin is an icon of thickheaded adolescent humor. He should make a movie with Beavis and Butt-head.

Newly retired from the force, Drebin is called back into duty to foil a terrorist plot being hatched by Fred Ward and Guess jeans model, Anna Nicole Smith. At the same time, his marriage to the delectable Jane (Priscilla Presley) is in trouble. While Drebin goes undercover in prison (lots of Big House jokes and a pretty darn good ``Great Escape'' spoof), she hits the road with pal Ellen Greene (lots of ``Thelma & Louise'' jokes, none of them as sharp as they might've been).

It all culminates at the Academy Awards, with Pia Zadora singing, Elliott Gould presenting and Mary Lou Retton cartwheeling to the podium to accept a best supporting actress Oscar. Though there are some amusing film parodies a la ``The Critic,'' the problem here is pretty obvious: Nothing can be funnier than the Oscars themselves in all their unintentionally ridiculous glory.

Essentially, if you liked the first two films, you'll probably like this one, too. But if you're looking for another ``Airplane!'' best look elsewhere.

Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult

A Paramount Picture release showing at Valley View Mall 6 and Salem Valley 8. Rated PG-13 for adolescent humor and adult situations. 83 minutes.

by CNB