Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) Movie Review
Synopsis:
Fellow police officers Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Sgt. Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) must investigate a group of Asian triads. Helping them with their investigation is rookie detective Lee Butters (Chris Rock). Known associate turned private investigator Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) also helps the two with their investigation.
Review:
As expected, the usual chemistry and action are present in Lethal Weapon 4.
Where Lethal Weapon 4 can stumble is with its plot structure. This is because it takes some time for all the pieces to fit together.
Yet again, where Lethal Weapon 4 succeeds is with Gibson and Glover’s interactions. This is despite the two hitting familiar beats.
Joe Pesci joins the cast yet again as the hyperactive Leo Getz. He happens to provide some good comedic moments as well.
There are times, though, when this humor can drag down proceedings.
Toward the film’s conclusion, Leo has little more substance in a conversation with Martin Riggs.
Joining the cast for this installment is stand-up comedian Chris Rock.
Most of Chris Rock’s performance as the rookie detective, Lee Butters, is “Chris Rock being himself”.
There’s a scene where Pesci’s Leo interacts with Rock’s character, for example. This is a scene that may have all been improvisational dialogue.
As stated, Lethal Weapon 4’s first half can encounter structuring issues, where the plot doesn’t move. It also removes the plot’s sense of urgency.
Despite its slow plot, this is a good way to build Riggs’s relationship with his partner Lorna Cole (Rene Russo).
Where Lethal Weapon 4 does decide to put its gears into motion is an attack on Murtaugh’s home.
It’s in this instance that Jet Li’s triad mobster, Wah Sing Ku, joins the action.
Whilst he’s introduced in the film before this scene, it’s here that his character emerges from the shadows.
During this action sequence, Li’s speed and precision are almost incalculable. With it, the actor brings refinement to the choreography.
Sing Ku’s final fight with Riggs and Murtaugh also offers good action. As an example, it emphasizes brutality and atmospheric lighting.
Lethal Weapon 4’s visuals offer a similar look compared with some of the previous entries.
Lethal Weapon 4, or any of the previous two entries, couldn’t match the original films’ style. Still, they are good regardless.
Conclusion:
As a series conclusion, Lethal Weapon 4 brings a familiar yet entertaining experience.
With Jet Li's introduction, this film’s action has more flair and momentum. Gibson and Glover are once again a good match.
Lethal Weapon 4 also has yet another comedic, if overbearing, performance by Joe Pesci. Chris Rock also brings a good amount of energy to his role.
Lethal Weapon 4 is a conclusion that should please most Lethal Weapon fans.
Sam’s Action Reaction score:
Characters - 7/10
Story - 6.5/10
Action - 7.5/10
Visuals - 7/10
Soundtrack - 7/10
Overall score: 7 out of 10
