Lethal Weapon (Movie Series)

Image Credits: Warner Studio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Main Cast: 

• Mel Gibson
• Danny Glover

Director: Richard Donner

Lethal Weapon (Filmography):

• Lethal Weapon 1 (1987)
• Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
• Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
• Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)

ABOUT: Lethal Weapon is an action movie series about a quarreling team-up of two Los Angeles Cops played by Mel Gibson (as Martin Riggs) and Danny Glover (as Roger Murtaugh). 

The movie is about the incompatibility of two cops and how they manage their team-up as crime fighters and as buddies. Martin Riggs is the rebel type with suicidal tendencies since he lost his wife in a car accident. On the Other hand, Roger Murtaugh is a family guy, a homebody, and a conservative 50-year-old man. In spite of being mellow, Murtaugh could be as tough as Riggs when it comes to catching criminals. They worked together to investigate the death of Riggs' wife but unintentionally unmasked a huge drug-smuggling operation run by the Shadow Company, a group of Vietnam War veterans led by a retired General Peter McAllister.

The elements of an action movie could be seen here - chase scenes, bomb explosions, weapons, hostages, violence, heroes, and villains. These are the common things that we always see in an action movie. But what sets out this movie from the others? Well, it's the chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover that makes this movie more exciting and appealing than the action scenes.

SERIES SUMMARY:

The Lethal Weapon movie series is a thrilling collection of action films that follow the dynamic partnership between two detectives, Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, as they navigate dangerous cases and form an unlikely friendship. Here's a description of the movies in sequence:

Lethal Weapon (1987): The first film introduces us to the iconic duo of Riggs, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover. Riggs, a highly skilled but emotionally volatile cop, is partnered with the aging Murtaugh, who is just one week away from retirement. Together, they investigate a drug smuggling operation and uncover a larger conspiracy, testing their mettle and forging the foundation of their partnership.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989): In the second installment, Riggs and Murtaugh find themselves up against a powerful South African diplomat involved in a deadly illegal operation. As they uncover a web of corruption and danger, their loyalty to each other and their determination to bring the criminals to justice are put to the test.

Lethal Weapon 3 (1992): This time, Riggs and Murtaugh become entangled in a case involving crooked former cops who are selling confiscated weapons. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they must also contend with internal conflicts and personal struggles, ultimately relying on their unwavering partnership to prevail.

Lethal Weapon 4 (1998): In the final installment of the original series, Riggs and Murtaugh tackle their most formidable adversaries yet, a Chinese triad smuggling ring. Along the way, they are joined by two new partners, Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) and Detective Lee Butters (Chris Rock), who add humor and camaraderie to the mix. The movie combines intense action with the challenges of family dynamics and the prospect of retirement, providing a fitting conclusion to the series.

Throughout the Lethal Weapon series, viewers are treated to a blend of thrilling action sequences, witty banter, and the evolution of Riggs and Murtaugh's bond. The films not only showcase explosive confrontations and dangerous investigations but also explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit.

MOVIE CRITIC REVIEWS & RATINGS:

Lethal Weapon 1 (1987)
• Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 84% with an average score of 7.1/10
• IMDB Ratings : 7.6 stars /10

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
• Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 83% with an average score of 6.6/10
• IMDB Ratings : 7.2 stars /10

Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
• Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 56% with an average score of 5.5/10
• IMDB Ratings : 6.7 stars /10

Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
• Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 52% with an average score of 5.8/10
• IMDB Ratings : 6.6 stars /10

"Nothing, however, can really prepare audiences for the generally good, though offbeat, performances, gritty action and serio-comic exploits of the Good Guys vs. the Bad Guys."
~ Roger Hurlburt (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

"The story, which proceeds with inevitability, is enlivened by Donner's rousing action sequences."
~ Desmond Ryan (Philadelphia Inquirer)

"A vivid, visceral reminder of just how exciting an action film can be."
~ Richard Harrington (Washington Post)

Memorabilias / Collectibles:

Lethal Weapon 1-4 [Blu-ray]

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