After
a standard drug bust turns into a full blown shout out, Police Detective's
Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtah (Danny Glover) are re-assigned
to baby sit witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), an accountant who turned
himself in after his drug dealing employers found out he laundered
half a billion dollars of their money. Through Leo they find that
the men that they were previously investigating actually work for
South African diplomat Arjen 'Aryan' Rudd (Joss Ackland). Hiding behind
his diplomatic immunity, Riggs and Murtah continue to haunt Rudd hoping
that he will slip up as Riggs falls for Rudd's secretary Rika (Patsy
Kensit).
A worthy sequel that repeats the original films winning action/comedy
formula, Lethal Weapon 2 is by no means a mere copy cat. The
introduction of Joe Pesci is a perfect addition to the cast, working
very well with Gibson and Glover as the three create some great comedic
moments. The interesting choice of villains - white South Africans
- brings a sense of originality, while the decision to open the film
smack bang in the middle of a car chase works wonders.
There are many classic moments to be found, with Riggs trying to break
out of a straight jacket and Murtah stuck on his toilet thanks to
a bomb placed underneath the clear highlights. Yet there are also
many tedious plot points. The forced relationship between Riggs and
Rika feels like another excuse to get a Gibson butt shot, while the
ridiculous revelation that Rudd's right hand man killed Rigg's wife
comes off as overblown Hollywood tripe.
But that being said I found Lethal Weapon 2 to be an enjoyable
watch thanks to the stellar performances of Gibson, Glover and Pesci
and Richard Donner's solid direction.
