Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pag...
Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pages in a way. Thanks for all your rates.
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Lethal Weapon 4 is the final in the quadrilogy of films from director Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as maverick cops Riggs and Murtaugh. It follows on from Lethal Weapon 3, although there is a six year gap between the films themselves. Lethal Weapon 4 introduces an oriental aspect to the film, with action star Jet Li lending his considerable martial arts talents to the franchise.
The Plot
Murtaugh uncovers a Chinese smuggling ring and takes in a family of illegal immigrnats, declaring to be freeing slaves. He and Riggs enlist the help of frends and now private detective Leo Getz in tracking down the ring, and uncover the underground movements of Uncle Benny and Triad agent Wah Sing Ku. As the partners get closer to solving the case, the tension heightens and Murtaugh's family is once again placed in danger.
The Cast and Performances
Mel Gibson revamps his role as Riggs in this film. The character is much older now, and is a little reformed, but the main change is because of his relationship with Lorna Cole, played by Rene Russo. She is pregnant with their child, and his parenting instinct kicks in for parts of the film. For the action sequences, though, he is still the Riggs of the previous films. Danny Glover is the same as Roger Murtaugh, although the age is noted with him, too, particularly in the action sequences. Joe Pesci is annoyingly consistent as Leo Getz. The bumbling ex crook has now turned to the sleazy world of private investigating, and is keen to impress his friends Riggs and Murtaugh. Needless to say, the bumbler bumbles! Rene Russo does not feature as much in this film as Cole is pregnant, but she does okay. Jet Li stars as Wah Sing Ku. He lacks a bit in the acting department but shines in the martial arts and action scenes, and is a good villain. The remainder of the cast support well.
My Opinion
Popular demand was the reason for this film being made. With a six year gap, the physical differences in the actors was noticeable, although Glover's character Murtaugh was due to retire in the third film anyway. As such, there are references to this throughout the film. I was inmpressed with some aspects, but was disappointed with the fact that Donner did not take the plunge to try something new. The result is that Lethal Weapon is virually a replica of the previous three films and ends up being a little mundane. It was Jet Li's first American film, and opened a door for him to pursue other roles, but his performance was swallowed up by the buddy cop concept of the film.
Lethal Weapon 4 had some impressive political messages to send out, and tackled the issues of immigration and racism, but with comedy elements woven into it as with the other films, these statements seemed lost and out of place. The film relied on foreign box office sales to break even and make a profit, due to its big blockbuster budget. Director Richard Donner spoke of the idea for a fifth film but Gibson flatly refused at the time. Recently, Gibson and Glover have both been interviewed and have spoken of a fifth film in talks. Rumour is that it will be made soon. My hope is that they will take on board the relative lack of success of Lethal Weapon Four and look at what has made recent buddy films and action blockbusters successful and follow a similar ilk. Timing will also be of the essence. Release of such a film needs to coincide with no other blockbuster to ensure a success.
As it is, Lethal Weapon is not a failure. The film kept me entertained throughout, and as long as I didn;t try to work anything out and I just sat back and watched, it was a good film. It still doesn't rank above a 3 star rating, though. It was too repetitive and the political messages were lost and seemed pointless.
The DVD is available from amazon.co.uk for £5.98. My copy of the DVD has no extras.
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I think if you like the first 3 then you have to like this one sorta by default. It is the weakest of the four, and it didn't work as well with Mel Gibson and short hair (less cuteness), Brill review. Kirst xxx
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...
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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]")
Mar 11th, 2009
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