Review of Lethal Weapon (1987) by Filipeneto — 15 Sep 2021

This film is one of the most interesting action films of the Eighties and started a brief, but interesting, film franchise. The key plot point is the collaboration and friendship between two substantially different policemen, but who have just been paired by their bosses: Murtaugh is an experienced middle-aged cop, disciplined in methods, married, a father and very attentive to his family ; Riggs is a police officer who has worked for several years in the Narcotics division and is experiencing severe depression, with suicidal tendencies that lead to impulsive, violent and risky behavior. Both are assigned to investigate the apparent suicide of a prostitute who is the daughter of a longtime friend of Murtaugh's, and who may be associated with a group of drug traffickers.

In addition to the film having a good police story, the huge difference between the two protagonists and the way they manage to learn to respect and collaborate makes this film a good entertainment piece. It's not a movie made for thinking, nor is there a real mystery behind the crimes. It is an action-oriented film, punctuated by a light, intelligent and well-placed comedy. It's a movie made to enjoy and entertain.

Much of the film's success rests on the back of its protagonist duo: Mel Gibson gives his character a bold, insane and intelligent aura, making good use of the opportunity and protagonism to popularize and leverage his career. Danny Glover is not far behind and offers us a mature, more restrained and intelligent performance. There are still several other actors, but none of them received material capable of allowing them to be highlighted.

Technically, it's a regular action film, with elegant but understated cinematography, well-constructed sets and uninteresting costumes. The most notable technical aspect is the visual, special and sound effects department, which provides us with a job well done and realistic. There are lots of explosions, wrecked cars and insane fights that oscillate between the epic and the far-fetched, and the movie sometimes overdoes its spectacularity. The soundtrack is forgettable.