Lethal Weapon (1987) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Veteran Sgt. police officer Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) joins unhinged cop Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) on a case. Together, they investigate a homicide with potential connections to a crime and a drug trafficking ring.

Review:

Old-school filmmaker Richard Donner, of Superman (1978) fame, attempts a buddy-cop thriller.

Lethal Weapon is an entertaining watch, thanks to Gibson and Glover’s chemistry.

Also, Richard Donner's veteran filmmaking techniques draw the audience into the experience.

Take, for example, Mel Gibson's portrayal of Martin Riggs. He portrays the character as a broken man, with glimmers of hope sparkling throughout.

His unhinged nature is a result of his former wife Victoria’s death, due to a car accident.

By the film’s conclusion, Riggs accepts this outcome and becomes the cop he was always meant to be.

Danny Glover also brings a wealth of personality and charm to Murtaugh. As a result, he grows impatient due to Riggs’s impulsive and reckless nature.

Glover often portrays his character as being too old for the job. This leads to many comedic moments between him and Gibson.

As a whole, Lethal Weapon’s antagonists don’t leave much of an impression. Despite this, Gary Busey’s Mr Joshua more than suffices.

Busey’s ability to portray a sadistic and unpredictable character is entertaining. These qualities are further exemplified by his varied facial expressions.

This all culminates in a brutal one-on-one fistfight between him and Mel Gibson’s Riggs.

Whilst this movie’s action isn’t groundbreaking, it fits the tone presented on screen. As stated, Lethal Weapon’s action scenes are simple yet effective.

Lethal Weapon’s climax involves several brutal shootouts and the final fistfight.

Again, whilst they’re not a major standout, each hit and bullet fired is impactful throughout.

Also, Lethal Weapon has an impressive, atmospheric visual style.

Richard Donner’s filmmaking approach contains many memorable shots, with some eye-catching cinematography.

Take, for example, the depiction of Los Angeles. Its heat-drenched deserts, suburban neighborhoods, and neon city lights immerse the viewer.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Lethal Weapon is a fast-paced, engaging thriller. It's bolstered by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover’s comradery.

Most of this film's antagonists leave a minimal impact.

Regardless of this, Busey’s Mr Joshua is an entertaining foil to this film’s protagonists.

Lethal Weapon also has good action and atmospheric visuals. As a whole, it's a good watch for any fan of 1980s thrillers.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7.5/10

Action - 7/10

Visuals - 8/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.5 out of 10