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It is strange to think that it is nearly 20 years ago since the partnership of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover first hit our screens in the Lethal Weapon series. In fact having watched all four of the films over the past few weeks, they still feel as fresh and entertaining as they were on ... Read review
Mel Gibson set aside his art-house credentials to star as a crazy cop paired with a stable ... more
one (Danny Glover) in this full-blown 1987 Richard Donner action picture. The most violent film in the series (which includes three sequels),Lethal Weaponis also...
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Mel Gibson set aside his art-house credentials to star as a crazy cop paired with a stable ... more
one (Danny Glover) in this full-blown 1987 Richard Donner action picture. The most violent film in the series (which includes three sequels),Lethal Weaponis also...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is no ordinary cop. He's a Mad Max gone maniacal, a man whose ... more
killing expertise and suicidal recklessness make him a Lethal Weapon to anyone he works against. Or with. Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is an easygoing homicide det...
Written by Shane Black and directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon is the thrill-packed ... more
story of two Vietnam vets-turned-cops (Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) who have just one thing in common: both hate to work with partners. But their partnership becomes key to their survival when a routine murder investigation leads to all-out, take-no-prisoners, martial-arts-and-machine-guns war with an international heroin ring. Fierce, fast and frequently funny, it fires off round after round of can't-miss entertainment.
Written by Shane Black and directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon in the thrill-packed ... more
story of two Vietnam vets-turned-cops (Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) who have just one thing in common: both hate to work with partners. But their partnership becomes key to their survival when a routine murder investigation leads to all-out, take-no-prisoners, martial-arts-and-machine-guns war with an international heroin ring. Fierce, fast and frequently funny, it fires off ground after round of can't-miss entertainment.
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 as chatterbox Leo. Murtaugh is still the family man. Riggs is still the gonzo loose cannon and - what's this? - family man. His will he/won't he marriage to Cole (Rene Russo) is one of the new wrinkles in this powerhouse crowd-pleaser that also stars comedy favourite Chris Rock and international action star Jet Li. Wedding bells, ammo shells, explosive laughter - this one's fully loaded!
Buddy cops Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are back, trying to keep ... more
a key witness (Academy Award. winner Joe Pesci) - and themselves - alive in 'Lethal Weapon 2'. Murtaugh is still the rock-solid family man. Riggs is still the reckless daredevil, but now he counts the odds before bucking them. He cracks more jokes, too.'I thought in this film I could take Riggs in a slightly different direction and maybe have some fun,' Gibson says. Fun it is. And exciting, from its breathless, opening chase through LA streets to its raging gun-battle finale. In between, there's a six-story plummet from a window, a booby-trapped toilet, a Houdini-like underwater escape and the incredible destruction of a chic hillside stilt house.'With Mel and Danny, Joe is the third stooge,' director Richard Donner says. That makes three drop-dead funny guys. And one of them is lethal.
OK, OK, OK. They're back in their most successful, most explosive, most hilarious smash ... more
hit yet. They come, they see, they kick butt in a caper that has LA police detectives Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) ripping into a vicious crime ring dealing guns to the streets.Joe Pesci returns as shady ex-mob accountant Leo Getz, and Rene Russo adds a lethal kick as Internal Affairs investigator Lorna Cole, like Riggs, a born risk-taker.Risks are everywhere: a high-rise explodes into dust, a housing tract goes up like matchsticks, Riggs takes an 80-foot plunge on a motorcycle. 'Lethal Weapon 3' isn't just more of everything, it's the most!
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Action/Adventure - Director: Gore Verbinski - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Chow Yun-Fat
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Eel Gibson, Amazing Action Disadvantages: None
...hit our screens in the Lethal Weapon series. In fact having watched all four of the films over the past few weeks, they still feel as fresh and entertaining as they were on their original release. What is also very surprising is that although the plotlines have been done to death in so many other films, the film still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, with one action sequence after another. This is not to say that the plot is not important ... ...What is essentially an action-drama; Lethal Weapon has its fair share of comedy moments, with the majority of these coming from the humorous bickering of its lead characters. The second level to the film is the solving of the actual crime and bringing the criminals to justice. This is the part of the film which is really lacking in substance and feasibility, but surprisingly works well as a vehicle for not only setting up the partnership between ... more
After the mysterious death of an old friend's daughter, Sergeant Murtaugh is assigned to the investigation, along with a new partner, Sergeant Riggs. Psychotic and suicidal, after the death of his wife, Riggs's approach to police work is at odds with Murtaugh's, who fears that he may fall foul, due to his partners loose canon methods. But being stuck with Riggs, he tries to understand why his partner has a death wish and attempts to make him see that life is worth living, by welcoming him into his family.
As their investigation progresses, they are led towards a bunch of ruthless professionals involved in large level drugs trafficking. Led by an ex soldier, they will go to any lengths to protect themselves from being caught by the police, including the murder of Murtaugh's old friend right in front of his very eyes. Determined to bring the drugs trafficker's to justice, they not only find their lives under threat, but those of Murtaugh's family, as the criminal's take his eldest daughter hostage.
It is strange to think that it is nearly 20 years ago since the partnership of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover first hit our screens in the Lethal Weapon series. In fact having watched all four of the films over the past few weeks, they still feel as fresh and entertaining as they were on their original release. What is also very surprising is that although the plotlines have been done to death in so many other films, the film still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, with one action sequence after another. This is not to say that the plot is not important in Lethal Weapon, as without it, the film would fall into one big mire of explosions and shoot outs.
The film itself works on two levels; the main part of the film is surprisingly the relationship between the Riggs and Murtaugh characters. From the initial scenes, where we are given a brief insight into their back grounds, it is plain to see that it will be a love hate relationship, as their policing methods are from different ends of the spectrum. This relationship matures through out the first film as they come to learn the important elements of each other's lives. What is essentially an action-drama; Lethal Weapon has its fair share of comedy moments, with the majority of these coming from the humorous bickering of its lead characters. The second level to the film is the solving of the actual crime and bringing the criminals to justice. This is the part of the film which is really lacking in substance and feasibility, but surprisingly works well as a vehicle for not only setting up the partnership between Riggs and Murtaugh, but also setting up the following film which had a much more in depth plot. Accompanied by the numerous action sequences, the failings of the second plot line goes undetected and you still feel that you have spent nearly 2 hours watching a highly entertaining action-drama.
One of the biggest elements to this movie is the use of action sequences, and in all honesty, it is this element which keeps you on the edge of your seats. Right from the opening scene, with the apparent suicide of a young woman, the film goes on a rollercoaster of chases, shoot outs and explosions all of which are expertly choreographed and amazing to watch. In some ways this action compensates for the weaker side of the plot, but they would not be so spectacular without the right story to display them with. I have heard this film described as a bruised arm movie, where you finish up with a bruised arm from your partner gripping on to it every few moments. Although this was certainly the case on its original release, this claim is a bit of exaggeration, as newer movies have bigger and better action sequences.
Of course, one of the biggest factors in this films popularity is Mel Gibson as Sergeant Martin Riggs. His multilevel persona has the ability to attract both male and female fans. The no holds barred, macho side of his character definitely appeals to the male half of the audience, who long to be an action hero. Where as his emotional side as well as his cheeky nature and good looks will almost certainly appeal to female viewers. Opposite Gibson, is Danny Glover as Sergeant Roger Murtaugh, who at the age of 50 years is looking to serve out his days in a much quieter manner, so that he can spend time with his family. This partnership is one of the defining moments in cinematic history, as more recent attempts to recreate the cop-buddy type movies have failed to match up to the on screen chemistry of this duo. The only other real notable name to make an appearance in this film is Gary Busey as ruthless mercenary, Mr. Joshua. Although appearing in a supporting role, and with the seemingly impossible task of competing with Gibson and Glover, he still manages to put in one of his best performances in years.
Lethal Weapon, as well as all of its sequels, come from the hands of director Richard Donner. A lot of acclaim should go to Donner for taking what is basically a sub standard plot and turning it into one of the most popular and successful film franchises of the 80s/90s. It his ability to provide entertainment through the action sequences, which compliment the film rather than detract from it that, makes this film so enjoyable, along with the masterful pairing of Gibson and Glover.
The soundtrack to the film, coming from the combined efforts of Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen, is very typical of late 80s, early 90s action-thrillers, with a very bluesy, jazzy feeling, featuring guitar and saxophone. Although, the piece of music which stands out in my mind as being the most memorable, is "Jingle Bell Rock" performed by Bobby Helms.
What is quite surprising is that for a film which is basically an excuse for shooting and blowing things up, it champions the theme of family love. Demonstrated by the lengths that Murtaugh will go, to ensure the safety of his family, it adds a nice balance to the story, which helps to provide reasoning behind his actions and to those of Riggs.
So with nearly twenty years past since it's original release, does Lethal Weapon still have what it takes to cut the mustard. Well, in all honesty yes, all the key elements of plot, action and performance are still as good today as they were all those years ago. Yes, some of the scenes may feel a bit dated, but you would expect that of a film set in the 80s. What is pretty amazing is that if you take out the fact that it has become a bit dated, it is as easily as good, if not better, than the current batch of action movies. I am pretty sure it will remain as good as it is for years to come, definitely one for everybody's film collection.
Director: Richard Donner Producer(s): Richard Donner and Joel Silver Writer: Shane Black
Mel Gibson ---- Sergeant Martin Riggs Danny Glover ---- Sergeant Roger Murtaugh Gary Busey ---- Mr. Joshua Mitch Ryan ---- General Peter McAllister Darlene Love ---- Trish Murtaugh Traci Wolfe ---- Rianne Murtaugh Damon Hines ---- Nick Murtaugh Ebonie Smith ---- Carrie Murtaugh Tom Atkins ---- Michael Hunsaker Jackie Swanson ---- Amanda Hunsaker Lycia Naff ---- Dixie
Technical Details ============
Year of Release: 1987 Duration: 110 mins Certificate: 18 Genre: Crime, Drama, Action, Thriller, Comedy
Director Richard Donner once more delivers the goods with one of the action movie genre's best loved and most memorable movies. Rapidly grossing over $60million in the US box office folling its release it built on the success of Donner's previous works such as Superman and the cruelly much less successful but likeable Ladyhawke and stands as his best work to date...in my humble opinion at least. Leathal Weapon is a non-stop rollercoaster of an action ... ...favourite action movies. It pairs Mel Gibson and Danny Glover for the first time, before their numerous reunions in the several sequels which followed - each good but never matching the original in terms of sheer pace, style and directorial flair. Glover plays Roger Murtaugh, a cop who is about to turn 50, approaching retirement with relish and looking forward to making his last couple of days as incident free as possible. Enter new partner Martin ...
wampyrii 20.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lethal Weapon (DVD)
Advantages: Does for action movies what that woman in the Marks and Spencer's advert did for the larger lady Disadvantages: May be in the wrong category, sorry.
Wandering aimlessly around town during my lunch break has become a skill I have mastered over the last couple of years. Armed only with my wallet and several cigarettes, I can always feel the burning hole in my pocket (from the wallet, not the cigarette) and must find an excuse to purchase that all-important A4 pad, lottery ticket or set of Tupperware with almost record-breaking ability. If I find something that actually proves to be of some use, ... ...this particular day, I found myself loitering in Virgin, studying the song sheets from various artists knowing full well that I cannot hum a decent tune, let alone play an instrument, until something caught my eye. Another ghastly DVD bargain. ‘Classic films’ which were practically being given away at an embarrassing amount, two for twenty quid, to be precise. Before the logical side of my brain could persuade me otherwise, I had two ...
stoolie74 24.08.2001 (25.08.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lethal Weapon (DVD)
Advantages: great action and entertainment Disadvantages: none
...The Weapon
10. Theme From Lethal Weapon
**IN CONCLUSION**
A great entertaining movie right from the start.
The banter between Riggs and Murtaugh is sometimes hilarious with some wise cracking remarks and great acting.
The story line seems to be your basic 'good cop verses bad guy' movie, (and there are a lot of them on the market), but this one is that bit more entertaining and enjoyable. The acting throughout is of very high standards, including ... ...ex general Peter McAllister, (played by Mitchell Ryan.
To combine the skills and acting abilities of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover is pure genius as it created a partnership which would entertain the viewer throughout the entire movie…giving thrills, laughter and entertainment right to the end credits.
*Would I recommend this…?
Yes I certainly would.
It has everything a good movie needs, (apart from the dollop of romance…but there is a bit of flirting..!!).
...
blissman70 12.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lethal Weapon (DVD)
Advantages: Great chemistry between Gibson and Glover Disadvantages: Not much
...of buddy cop action movies. Lethal Weapon stars Mel Gibson ("We Were Soldiers") and Danny Glover ("The Royal Tenenbaums"), is produced by Joel Silver ("The Matrix") and is Directed by Richard Donner (the other Lethal Weapon sequels).
Police officer Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is a cop on the edge, after the unfortunate death of his wife Riggs has been living life one bullet at a time. After a transfer, he ends up being partnered up with homicide detective ... ...original feel for the movie, Lethal Weapon is pure magic. The action, comedy and chemistry explode from the screen like a hail of gunfire and instictively makes you either to:
a) Watch it again, or
b) Watch the next sequel
They don't make em like this anymore, realistic, gritty, violent, enthusiastic and hillarious.
I reccommend watching the director's cut if you can as the relevent extra seven minutes of footage make some of the sub plots more ...
DarkMark 18.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lethal Weapon (DVD)
Lethal Weapon is a brilliant film that introduces the characters and style of action to create a base on which the sequels could be built. It starts a hugely successful series of movies but independently it is an excellent action movie. There has been a lot of speculation that there may be another addition to the series but there is no evidence yet. I hope there is though.
Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is an LA cop that is a calm, relaxed family ... ...Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is a mad, reckless and suicidal cop that is recently widowed. They are a strange combination. Throughout the film they get in more and more scrapes while investigating the death of a young lady. They soon uncover a web of drug-connected crimes. Then Mr Joshua kidnaps Murtaugh’s daughter and it suddenly gets personal. The events, which take place through out the course of the movie, only make the partnership between ...
elspeth334 30.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lethal Weapon (DVD)
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Advantages: Recreation of a winning formula Disadvantages: Doesn't match the quality of the first 2 films
and straying far too close to its predecessors. I am of the opinion that this is partly a positive and partly a negative. It's good because the winning formula is revisited, but I agree that this also means there is less ingenuity in the film. The series regained popularity with the fourth film released a few years later, but for me LethalWeapon 3 is the weakest of the series.
The DVD is available from amazon.co.uk for £5.97. The DVD I own has no extras on it. ...
Advantages: more great action from the disfunctional duo Disadvantages: none
movie is by far the funniest of the set, (even funnier than the car park bomb scenes in LethalWeapon 3).
It is again well written and well acted by the entire cast and crew, well worth adding to your DVD collection. ...
"...Unrelenting energy and insistent drive....LETHAL WEAPON is a piece of bravado filmmaking and tech credits are first-rate throughout..." (Variety, 04/03/1987)
DVD Description
In Richard Donner's thrilling blockbuster, two tough Los Angeles cops--suicidal Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and family man Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover)--are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case involving a massive international crime ring which has its roots in Vietnam--a place they're both all too familiar with. This film, with its fresh, energetic combination of comedy, drama, and action, managed to spurn three highly successful sequels.
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