The fourth in the franchise stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in their established roles and co-stars recurring actors Rene Russo and Joe Pesci. Along with new characters played by Chris Rock (US comedian) and Jet Li (HK Martial Arts expert) the film is directed by Richard Donner
Storyline
Riggs and Murtaugh after a particularly expensive incident with a man wielding a flame thrower and assault rifle are promoted to Captains (supposedly to keep them out of trouble).
Both men have now got large family commitments as Riggs’ partner Cole is pregnant with their child and Murtaugh is about to become a grandfather courtesy of his daughter (and unknown to him his colleague ‘putters’ who he mistakenly believes is sucking up to him because he fancies him and not because he is secretly married to his daughter). On top of this Riggs is finally starting to feel his age and is getting ‘too old for this s**t’ (This is a nice touch, unlike many action film franchises this one is not afraid to face the fact that there stars are getting on a bit).
The two of them end up getting involved with a mystery regarding a group of Chinese people that were attempted to be smuggled in by some slave traffickers. One of the group has been shot dead to make an example to the remainder of the hostages of what would have happened if they had tried to escape. This of course paves the way for the boys vs Chinese Martail arts experts, which is most enjoyable particularly when Jet Li gets the opportunity to show us his skills.
Cast
Gibson and Glover continue to shine in already established roles as do Russo and Pesci. They behave just as fans of this series have learnt to know they do so the continuity is good.
Chris Rock is very well suited as Putters, his stand up routines have prepared him for delivering a lone, which he does with 100% enthusiasm. He had me in stitches but this is tempered by a surprising tenderness to his wife at times
Jet Li was well chosen, he clearly deserves his title as the new Jackie Chan. Look forward to more action from him apparently in the Matrix sequels
DVD Extras
Quite a few, another example of DVD media being well used.
Trailers from the whole Franchise 1-4
A documentary all about the making of Lethal Weapon, called Pure Lethal. Unlike many clearly put-in-for-the-sake-of-it documentaries this one is well worth a watch.
A set of 8 interviews with the key players in the film
Extended scenes from the first three Lethal Weapon films, if you haven’t seen them before a chance to see what you are missing and if you have, a chance to reminisce and laugh again.
Lastly B-roll footage cut from the film. A chance to see those bits the director deemed not quite right.
All in all a worthy addition to the series I enjoyed the old characters and the new characters and the way they interacted as much as I have done in the past. The Extras make this a good value package. Only mild criticism is the use of a double sided DVD and the dodgy cardboard packaging but don’t let this detract from an otherwise great product.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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good op, I've not really seen these films, its nice to know what I 'd be getting
mdstone 17.08.2001 10:17
Excellent review on a funny series of Leathal Weapons. 4 is probably enough now though. This happens to be my 100th comment on an opinion, I'm sure they will grow.
MichelleScott 16.08.2001 23:57
Very good, comprehensive op. My husband likes this kind of film and I must say that I quite enjoyed the Leathal Weapon series (especially the dog in the third one). The extras on the DVD sound good.
In the fourth and reportedly final film of theLethal Weaponseries, director Richard Donner ... more
reunites with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, who reprise their roles as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh for one last hurrah in a film that is decidedly better than...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
In the fourth and reportedly final film of theLethal Weaponseries, director Richard Donner ... more
reunites with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, who reprise their roles as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh for one last hurrah in a film that is decidedly better than...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Pure dynamite! The Lethal Weapon team has done it again, putting the match to the fuse and ... more
putting the wow! back on screen for 'Lethal Weapon 4'. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as buddy cops Riggs and Murtaugh, with Joe Pesci riding comedy shotgun ...
![Lethal Weapon 4 [DVD] [1998]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78539518.jpg "Lethal Weapon 4 [DVD] [1998]")
very helpful by (100%):
