Movie #406 - Lethal Weapon 4

Lethal Weapon 4

1998 - Rated R - 2 hr 7 min
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Chris Rock, Jet Li, Kim Chan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe

This late-90s edition of Riggs & Murtaugh branches out into new territory.  Although Murtaugh didn't retire at the end of 3, like he said he was going to, age seems to be weighing down on both partners now, as well as personal responsibilities.  With a baby on the way for Riggs and a grandson on the way for Murtaugh, the added pressure provides a very realistic feeling to the movie.

With the Chinese Triad and Jet Li as the bad guys, the 4th movie seems to heighten the stakes all around.  The plotline is decent, bringing back the whole gang and introducing young cop Butters, played by Chris Rock.  I think this was my favorite one because it seems to have a reverent feeling to it. They're all in it, knowing this is it, and the nice warm fuzzy ending brings closure to a strong quadrilogy (is that the word?)

Of course, I just saw that a Lethal Weapon 5 is due for release in 2012... so hey. Maybe it's not the end, after all.

Movie #405 - Lethal Weapon 3

Lethal Weapon 3
1992 - Rated R - 1 hr 58 min
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Stuart Wilson, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe

More mullet-ude and more Joe Pesci, but this movie freshens up the franchise with the addition of Rigg's love-interest Rene Russo.  She's the tough female cop who seems an unlikely match for him, but as with all similar cliches, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other.

And with the "dirty cop" premise to pull this plotline along, it's a solid entry into the franchise.  It also brings the duo into the 90s, although Gibson's hair hasn't gotten the memo yet.  Overall, this one offers a good crime to solve, a fun plot for viewers, and more great character development.  It's decent.

Movie #404 - Lethal Weapon 2

Lethal Weapon 2

1989 - Rated R - 1 hr 54 min
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Joss Ackland, Derrick O'Connor, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe

By the time this movie was over, I felt like I had been punched in the face.  The whole South African government thing is kinda messy. And Joe Pesci's suuuuuuper annoying in this movie. He gets better in the later ones, but here, I can't stand listening to him talk.

I think this is probably the weakest of the set, but its still a good step in the evolution of Riggs and Murtaugh's close relationship.  In terms of developing that bond, it's a good one.  In terms of solving a compelling crime, it didn't hold my attention.

But Gibson's mullet is superb.

Movie #280 - Edge of Darkness

Edge of Darkness
2010 - Rated R - 1 hr 57 min
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic

So Mel's Boston accent isn't exactly up to par, but it was nice to see him working again after all the crap he was stirring up not too long ago.  He may be crazy, but he's pretty good in this crime thriller as an investigator who's daughter winds up dead, all because of a secret she was trying to expose.

His hunt for the truth gets him into some messy situations, not the least of which involves a poor unsuspecting friend of his daughter's.  Let's just say that car scene still makes me jump, even though I know it's going to happen. Yikes.

All around a good mystery/crime drama but nothing really sets it apart.

Movie #129 - Conspiracy Theory

Conspiracy Theory
Warner Bros
1997 - Rated R - 2 hr 15 min
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart

Okay, so I'd never seen this movie before, but heard good things from Mike.  After watching this classic 90's "thriller" I have a few things to say:

1. Patrick Stewart as a bad guy isn't my cup of tea. Especially when he's getting his nose bitten off.
2. Mel Gibson is a wacko in this movie. Did he have any idea he was practicing for his own life, 12 years later?
3. Oh, Julia Roberts is in this? As a generic, lady-cop? Oh wow.
4. There's actually a conspiracy theory? And Mel Gibson's not really crazy, he's just been messed with by secret agent Patrick Stewart and friends? Bummer!

It's not a horrible movie, but it drags in the middle and bored me a bit. Ugh... I really wanted to love this as much as everyone said I would, but I couldn't take it seriously.  Maybe too much time has passed.