Roger
Murtah (Danny Glover) is a good cop and family man who has just turned
50. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) having been recently widowed is suicidal
and on the edge. Together they are forced to work on a case involving
the death of Amanda Hunsaker (Jackie Swanson) a prostitute who was
the daughter of Murtah's old army buddy Michael Hunsaker (Tom Atkins),
the trail leading to a group of mercenaries who are dealing heroin.
Released at a time when the action genre started to get boring and
repetitive, Lethal Weapon was the kick in the arse needed to
get the body count moving again. One of the first and quite possibly
the best buddy cop film, Lethal Weapon has a great mix of action
and humor, thanks to the great script by Shane Black, Roger Donaldson's
always solid direction and the perfect casting of Mel Gibson and Danny
Glover.
Gibson delivers big time giving his character the depth needed to
pull off such a complex part. Able to portray a vast array of emotions,
Gibson showcases his talent in one particular scene where Riggs, distraught
over the death of his wife, places his gun in his mouth with every
intention to kill himself as he finally succumbs to the harsh reality
that killing himself won't bring his life back. It is an emotionally
gripping scene performed by an actor who is great at playing tortured
souls.
Glover, although not as flashy, provides the perfect counter balance
as both leads have great chemistry that has lasted through three sequels.
Gary Busey is great value as the menacing Joshua with the fight scene
between both he and Gibson one of my favorites.
