Along with the Die Hard series, "Lethal Weapon" has to be one of the seminal big budget Hollywood action films of the 1980's, if not ever. Numerous sequels followed to both franchises, and some of those sequels are quite decent, but both original entries to both franchises are spectacular films in their own right and impossible to top. "Lethal Weapon" is the quintessential cop-buddy film, with the older, stable family man in Sergeant Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and the unstable, suicidal, but ultimately lovable and sharp younger man in Sergeant Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson). The two of them together are quite the odd couple, but they ultimately overcome their differences to tackle a big drug operation run by some powerful (and not just physically) ex-army mercenaries who are hell bent on destroying anyone that tries to stop them. It's big, it's noisy, has some humour, some great action and car chase scenes, and some very likable characters. "Lethal Weapon" is a great action film, a template from which many other films have followed.
The film opens quite dramatically with a call girl diving out of a high rise building to her death set to the music of 'Jingle Bell Rock'. Sergeant Murtaugh arrives on the scene the next day and discovers that the girl was actually the daughter of one of his old war buddies. Then we're introduced to Sergeant Riggs who puts his life on the line to bust some local drug dealers by playing a pretend buyer. It's not long before the two of them are teamed up together, much to each other's chagrin. As Murtaugh proceeds with his investigation, he inadvertently drags both of them in to a much bigger plot involving ex-army mercenaries who are importing heroin from Asia and selling it on the streets, making a tidy profit. After some amusing and antagonistic banter between Murtaugh and Riggs, they eventually go to work on the bad guys, but not before they kidnap Murtaugh's daughter, which leads to the ultimate showdown.
Mel Gibson shot to superstardom in the Mad Max films, and the Lethal Weapon movies shot him to the stars with even wider acclaim and fame. He's perfect in the title role as the man who can crack at any moment. Quite a bit of tension is built through his character, particularly in one confrontation between Murtaugh and Riggs where Murtaugh challenges Riggs to put his money where his mouth is and kill himself. In the end, Murtaugh comes to his senses, and ultimately Riggs has enough sense in him to keep going and to find his feet. Danny Glover plays Roger Murtaugh as a down-to-earth family man with genuine sincerity and who originates the phrase, "I'm getting to old for this..."
The chemistry between these two guys is very evident throughout the film and makes this action film stand out as an iconic film. This work on character extends to the quality of the villains, with Mr Joshua played by Gary Busey, and his boss, General McAllister (Mitch Ryan), providing just the right level of nastiness to give our heroes a run for their money.
On the action front, "Lethal Weapon" does not disappoint. There are a number of sequences that will impress, most of which occur in the second half of the film which begins with the assassination of Murtaugh's friend Michael Hunsaker (Tom Atkins) who is working with the heroin smugglers. It goes up a notch when Murtaugh's daughter is kidnapped, and then it's all action until the end as the two sides engage each other with a ruthless intensity. Perhaps the standout action piece is the final fight between Riggs and Mr Joshua. A burst water pipe allows water to spray everywhere, giving the visuals a down and dirty feel as the two men engage in an old-fashioned fist fight.
As for this being a Director's Cut edition, I didn't think the additional scenes added much to what was already there, and to be perfectly honest, I preferred the original cut simply because it moves faster. It's nice to see some extra scenes, but overall, this probably wasn't necessary. I also get the impression that these added scenes are meant to be an extra in of themselves, which I have to say is no excuse for having no extras on this DVD!
"Lethal Weapon" is an iconic action film from the 80's; it's an entertaining action thriller with spectacular sequences and memorable characters that you will enjoy again and again.
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