Lethal Weapon 4

Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Chris Rock, Jet Li
Directed by: Richard Donner
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) try to uncover a plot involving Chinese organized crime, once again helped by Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), Lorna Cole (Rene Russo), and a young detective (Chris Rock).

Review:

Tim: The action/comedy/drama franchise finally comes to a close. Now, with everything we know about sequels, this film is bound to be a disappointment. Surprisingly- shockingly, although this film flirts with dropping down a notch, it manages to stay more or less equal to the previous films. This is quite an achievement.

As you'd expect, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are back, but see, to have far less fun than in previous films. A few new dynamics are included to give us something new, but they detract more than anything. Gibson's borderline insane behavior is completely gone now, and that is sorely missed.

Joe Pesci and Rene Russo's roles have been decreased, and despite his turtle story at the end, Pesci is just pretty annoying. Continuing in the Lethal Weapon tradition, one new good guy character is introduced in each sequel. Here, Chris Rock is the new guy and is pretty entertaining, except when he strays into stand up comedian mode. Jet Li makes an outstanding and formitable bad guy.

The film uses pretty much the same formula as the previous films. There are some good action scenes. Especially fantastic is the freeway car chase and Gibson's dragging behind the semi. Also, watch for the inevitable final show-down, as it ends the franchise as it should.

The movie also provides some very funny and memorable moments. The dentist office visit is great, as is Gibson's provoking of the "real" reason Rock is so nice to Glover. The shark is pretty funny, and you have to love the "I'm not too old for this shit" scene.

Pretty much, if you haven't go into the Lethal Weapon movies by now, you're not going to want to start here. If you're a fan, then this movie is a must- it ends the series right before the ideas and themes become stale and tired.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 2, Lethal Weapon 4, Maverick