"Lethal Weapon" and its three sequels are commercially successful adaptations of the 'buddy cop' formula first presented in "The French Connection" (1971). All of them were directed and produced by Richard Donner, who was previously best known for the first "Superman" film.
Top billed Mel Gibson deserves most of the credit. He had already proven himself as a credible, charismatic action hero in the 'Mad Max' trilogy. Casting him as an unpredictable, reckless 'rogue' cop created good chemistry when partnered with an older, more conservative family man cop played by Danny Glover. While four 'Lethal Weapon' films were made (to date), there could easily have been two or three more, had not Gibson had greater career interests elsewhere.
The film begins with the dramatic murder of a young woman. Murtaugh (Glover) is put on the case, and partnered with suicidal, possibly psychotic Riggs (Gibson). At first, Murtaugh and Riggs don't get along, but soon learn to respect each other. (This is a familiar pattern in 'buddy cop' films, e.g. "48 Hrs.", "The Enforcer".) Their bonds are strengthened by Murtaugh's loving family, led by wife Trish (60s pop diva Darlene Love, making her acting debut) and lovely daughter Rianne (Traci Wolfe, whose only four films are the "Lethal Weapon" series).
The bad guys are drug merchants led by ruthless, unflappable Mitchell Ryan and his top henchman, Gary Busey (in probably his best role since "The Buddy Holly Story"). Murtaugh and Riggs are given past ties to Ryan and Busey to increase viewer interest.
While it is inevitable that our heroes will triumph, they sure have to work hard at it. Many tense and intense action scenes are mixed with less successful comic relief (Gibson tells a lame 'shepherd' joke with the punchline "Let's get the flock out of here.") It's all very watchable, and there even are a few surprising moments. Gibson and Glover are tortured, Gibson at some length through electric shock.
At other times, the story and direction seems more predictable. Glover's family is put in danger, as expected. Rianne, being the most physically attractive member of the Murtaugh family, is the Pauline in peril. (Her character is put through hell, but she's her sunshine self again soon afterwards.) Gibson and Busey have a gratuitous 'fight club' scene, with Guess Who winning. This is followed by a slow motion scene with guns blazing. Still, even the most cynical observer has to admit the film's entertainment value, and its fair share of dramatic tension. (54/100)
Two tough Los Angeles cops one who carries a lethal weapon Glover and the other who is one Gibson are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case invo...More at Family Video
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