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 #403 - Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon
1987 - Rated R - 1 hr 50 min
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Mel Gilbson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitch Ryan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe

I'm not as familiar with this franchise as some of the guys I know -- see: Not a Boy in the 80s -- so it was nice to sit down and watch them all.  Granted, a full day of Riggs & Murtaugh is just about all I could handle, so it was nice to move on when the fourth movie's credits started rolling.

Anyway, I almost feel like I could write ONE review for all four movies. But alas, each movie gets one, so I've got to come up with something to say for all of them. Eek.

This first movie sets up the action, so a good chunk of the beginning is exposition. We learn about Riggs's loose cannon tactics and death wish; Murtaugh's quotable philosophy about his age... "I'm too old for this shit." And of course, both character's back stories.  They're given a fairly easy plot this time around, but it's a great franchise set-up movie and another great Donner action flick that establishes a couple of well-loved heroes.