Richard Donner is 1 of the more underrated directors, since he doesn’t have the same name recognition to people like Spielberg, Scorsese, and Hitchcock, but he’s made some of the most beloved movies to people from The Omen, Superman, The Goonies, Lethal Weapon, and Scrooged
Murtaugh carries Riggs like a father should, because he's at such a low point. By supporting Riggs until he can grow again, Murtaugh eventually gains a brother that he needed...an uncle to his kids.
They were definitely brothers from different mothers. Lee and Carter from Rush Hour and Lowery and Burnett from Bad Boys are the only other two pairings that come close to their level.
@@kendallrivers1119 also Eddie Murphy as a convict Reggie Hammond and Nick Nolte as Inspector Jack Cates in the classic buddy cop movie 48 Hours in 1982 who went from disliking each other to being friends by the end.
Murtaugh being older had SEEN A LOT in his career and knew Riggs was worth saving. He also knew it'd take a toll on him, with Riggs HARD CHARGING MENTALITY, but he also knew Riggs was a good cop who will do whats morally right even to the point of risking his life. Great overview of their dynamics together. You, Sir nailed it. God Bless
@@williamtobin7282 even the character Riggs is older then Mel Gibson in real life and as Riggs is a veteran of Vietnam war like Murtaugh and was a veteran undercover Narcotics Officer before becoming Murtaughs partner both have seen a lot in their careers.
@@scottknode898 Murtaugh had a family and was more grounded so I think he recognized Riggs was more pre disposed to depression etc and made an eventual choice to make him a PART of HIS FAMILY and thus Riggs would feel better and stick around as upposed to getting himself killed or suicide
This movie is the reason I love Buddy cop movies still to this day. Every buddy cop movie I watch I can tell who's the Riggs character and who is the Martaugh character. Lethal weapon will as be number 1.
This was such an awesome movie when it came out !!!! I was a teen ager and was obsessed with it. (I even went out and bought a 92F model Beretta 9MM in 1988 that I still own.... :) ) I could not tell you how many times I have seen this and the rest of the series, but I still love it. Gary Busey did a GREAT job with his character. I had never seen him do a role anything like this before. I wish all action movies were still this epic....
I love this movie and consider it part of my yearly Christmas viewing list along with Die Hard and Home Alone 1 and 2 making for a fun mix of action and comedy. The rest of the quarilogy are also great movies and come highly recommend if you haven't seen them.
This is my favorite Christmas action film. Start out with "Jingle Bell Rock" and a topless girl? Win. Didn't know that Nimoy was up for director. Such a great fun film.
For me the opening scene of Lethal Weapon 3 is my favourite of the series. Their banter over the car bomb sums their relationship up completely. "Rog................ GRAB THE CAT!"
Unfortunately, that, (and, TMNT 3), killed off Stuart Wilson's career in America, before, it even got a chance to begin, really miserable circumstances, period.
Gary Busey was such an intimidating and great villain. That was a great performance, best bad guy in the franchise along with Jet Li in Lethal Weapon 4
Gary Busey and Mitchell Ryan as the villains in Lethal Weapon are the best in the series along with Joss Ackland and Derrick O’Conner as the villains in Lethal Weapon 2 were close behind and Ackland as Arjan Rudd had one of the best lines when said “Diplomatic Immunity” before his death after had wounded Riggs.
@@scottknode898 Joss Ackland's, simply, too frumpy to be menacing, and, Derrick O'Connor's stereotypically atrocious accent meant that any sense of terror was completely thrown away.
@@matthewdaley746 I get what you mean I felt almost better villains then Stuart Wilson in 3rd movie which wasn’t my favorite in the series any way same with 4th one. I felt 4th movie added too many characters including a young Chris Rock and Joe Pesci was more annoying then was in 2nd movie. Jet Li was not bad as villain and was cool to his martial arts skills being a teenager when 4th film was released.
@@scottknode898 Stuart Wilson, oddly enough, had the identical problem Gary Busey did that same year, a great villain who deserved a better film, (Under Siege), Wesley Snipes essentially quit playing villains, because, like, Jet Li, the idea of him losing, for, no other reason, than, "it's in the script," became absurd.
The thing about the first Lethal Weapon is how it works as an action film and as a procedural. Murtaugh and Riggs are following leads and interviewing POI’s, right up until everything goes pear shaped. When this happens, the movie seamlessly shifts into an extremely effective action-thriller. Also, Lethal Weapon’s a Christmas movie. It opens with “Jingle Bell Rock,” closes with “I’ll Be Home” and is full of references to the holiday season. For me, this is definitely a “desert island/bunker” flick.
The Lethal Weapon films are special in that they have amazing continuity. The actors, the supporting actors and even some minor characters keep carrying over into the next films in the franchise. When most action films shed characters from previous entries, Lethal Weapon was like a big party bus that just keeps picking people up. Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Steve Kahan, Mary Ellen Trainor, Darlene Love, Traci Wolf, Damon Hinds, Ebonie Smith, Rene Russo, the list goes on. Not to mention much of Donner's entourage of creative and collaborative support carries over. J. Michael Riva, Jennie Tugend, Michael Kamen, Marion Dougherty and so many more just keep coming back. That is why there are no weak movies in the franchise. You can prefer some more than others, but they're all rewatchable, and none of them sold out to become direct to stream geezer teasers. RIP Richard Donner
An iconic franchise! Danny and Mel's chemistry is unsurpassed and it's that relationship that made the movies work so well. 48 Hrs, Beverly Hills Cop, Die Hard, The Terminator, Predator, Aliens and Lethal Weapon are the most influential and greatest action films of all time!
@@matthewdaley746In the 80’s almost every movie was about cocaine and guns (heck even 3 men and a baby was about that!) then the 90’s made everything softer, kinder.
@@matthewdaley746I love them, I’ve watched them like 20 times each. And even if they get sillier as they go by I love how Riggs and Lorna relationship grows as the movies progress. It’s life, not everything has to be dark and serious all the time.
I saw a comment stating had Salkind never get rid of Richard Donner halfway through making *"Superman 2,"* the next two films would've came out much better. I agree. But him being "released" was kind of a blessing in disguise as he gave us *"Ladyhawke,"* *"The Goonies,"* *"Scrooged,"* and of course the *"Lethal Weapon"* franchise. Richard's resumé is damn impressive. Edit: I'd like to see a background on a little known "buddy cop" film which predates *"Lethal Weapon"* by a few months, a 1986 actioner called *"Running Scared"* starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.
Although Glover and Gibson were perfectly cast also having a fantastic chemistry for the parts , Rudger Hauer and Brian Denahy would have been pretty cool to see in the roles . But realistically Gibson and Glover always will be the greatest buddy cop duo ever .
A Batman/Superman movie SHOULD be a buddy cop story not too dissimilar from this. Batman teaches Supes how to be a "crime fighter" while Supes inspires Bats to be a "superhero". In another world I suppose.
"Whattaya say Jack! Would you like a shot at the title." This movie was a first for both star Mel Gibson, who was getting his first Hollywood Blockbuster - shooting him to stardom and Shane Black, who was making him screenwriting debut with this film. Both this & Lethal Weapon 2 are the best entries in this franchise. Also it has been said that Director Richard Donner is the only person who can stand up to uber producer Joel Silver. Whilst it didn't create the buddy cop movie, it did perfect it for the movies that followed. Its connection to Dirty Harry is beautifully done. It is ironic about the Edge of Darkness temp music track as Mel Gibson would star in the big screen remake in 2010.
Too bad he let him get rid of Shane Black, Lethal Weapon 2's good, but, it could have been great, and, the less said about the last two unnecessary films, the better.
@@matthewdaley746 Yes it is too bad how they treated Shane Black. His Script entitled "Play Dirty" had a far greater set up for the sequel than the finished film. Guess Hollywood Play(ed) Dirty with him, to the point where he stepped away from the sequel instead of trying to fight it, given the odds against him.
@Coffee is for closers Joel Silver wanted more sequels, and, given the way that they, (and, his later career), turned out, Shane Black lost the battle, but, won the war.
@@kendallrivers1119 That's your opinion, and, you're entitled to it, a, gritty, violent, action film got mutilated into a grotesque farce, and, it only got worse from there, Joel Silver learned the hard way, that good writers, are, very hard to find.
The first thing Mel Gibson ever directed was _Mel Gibson's Unauthorized Video Diary_ from 1989 and again in 1992 for _LW3_ - goofy skits he directed in between shots with the cast & crew. Hilarious & easy to find on YT. And _LW2_ is the best of four.
Dar Robinson's involvement with this movie is worth noting. At the time he was the greatest stuntman that ever lived and his influence in the industry is still felt today. He was brought in to handle the high fall stunts, Amanda's suicide jump and he doubled Gibson in the suicide jump. Richard Donner dedicated Lethal Weapon to Dar as he was killed shortly after production on another film. Pretty sure this is the only major studio film to ever be dedicated to a stuntman. His final appearance on film is in Lethal Weapon, he's the albino gunman who Riggs kills, falling from the rafters, tangled in the chains. The cable system that he uses for that stunt is the device that changed stunt work in films forever. There's great interviews with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey and Richard Donner talking about Dar in a documentary about his life.
Love all 4 films! LW 2 is a natural continuation of the first film, Pesci was perfect. LW3 was in a way the most entertaining since it's the funniest, yet also includes the scene on Murtaugh's boat that shows the bond between the 2 cops. Though the first is my favorite, all 4 films are great in their own right.
Lethal Weapon 2 was designed to end things, it didn't, and, the greatness of the original was, never, again approached, a true cinematic tragedy, severe despair.
@@matthewdaley746 I love all 4 films (maybe not as much the 4th) but I agree with you that the first is the best; I consider it the greatest action movie ever made. I assume you've seen the Director's Cut which includes the scene with Riggs vs. the sniper: "I'm still here, asshole... or do you only do kids?" It's tragic that that scene wasn't in the original release as I think it does an even better job of showing Riggs' character than the scene with the drug dealers in the Christmas tree lot. The sniper scene is one of the best scenes and the Director's Cut is an absolute masterpiece.
I love how they kinda switched pov’s in the finale. By the book Murtaugh lets Riggs fight Joshua & when he’s got his legs around his neck he yells “Break his f***ing neck!” Riggs the titular Lethal Weapon who’s killed so many reiterates what he was told in the Christmas tree lot when he almost blew Anthony Kiedis’s coke dealing dad away “He’s not worth it “ That, Murtuagh finally letting Riggs drive,& Riggs gifting of his selected suicide bullet to Rog for Xmas are the 3 biggest character developments
The TV show of this was pretty awesome. It also actually helped me through a very tragic time of my life that happened 2 years before it came out and i was still lost, depressed and angry. When the tv show came out i found myself following the emotions of Riggs in the show and by the end of season 2 i was a lot better just as Riggs was. Good shows do more for the world than one my realize. And we are thankful for good writers and producers that know how shows can relate to anyone at any time in their life and learn and benefit from them.
Couldn't watch that show. Without Danny and Mel and Shane and Donner it's just not Lethal Weapon and nobody can replace or come close to the chemistry that Gibson and Glover have. But I'm glad it was able to help you through a rough time. Great tv shows and movies can provide great comfort.
@JayBoi85 Shane Black, was, the real star of Lethal Weapon, that only became all the more painfully obvious the more films, were, released, that simple.
@@matthewdaley746 The studio f**ked over Black. Lethal Weapon 2 would be such a better film if they never hired another writer to rejig Black's script. The same writer wrote parts 3 and 4; all the magic was gone in those 2 movies.
@@kendallrivers1119 I have plenty of joy, you, simply, despise, any opinion that differs from your own, a word of warning, things, are, going to get even less forgiving as the franchise moves on.
You can definitely see a Dirty Harry influence in LW. In addition to jumper scene which was a nod from Dirty Harry , Mitchell Ryan who plays General McCallister was in its sequel Magnum Force.
Everyone cites Die Hard as the be all, end all of Festive action movies. I always counter with this movie. It's just better in every aspect. Personal opinion of course.
As a kid in '87, I thought the crazy guy with nothing to live for was clearly the most dangerous. Rewatching it now with my children, I understand that the sane man with something to die for is right up there with him
I still love watching the climax fight in Lethal Weapon 4 between Mel, Danny, and Jet. They beat the hell out of each other, and I loved every minute of it. 😁
A bittersweet ending where they stopped the villain at the cost of their own lives would have worked better, but, just, like, Superman, Richard Donner was determined to totally destroy a franchise that had shown great promise, after, the terrific first film, (though, he wasn't fired).
Absolutely love this movie.... But I have to give part the edge on this series....the sequel was perfection....I always felt the actors found the perfect balance with the characters...we need a face-off with the two 😁🤘
I want to be Richard Donner... and I have another story. My best friend from Canada was a P.A. on "Lethal Weapon 2" and, as a joke, he took a video on his way to a meeting. He sent it to me and said, "Remember this shot?" It was a P.O.V. as he drove up to the director's house. It was from this film as the pair arrive at a villian's residence before drowning him in his pool (Donner's) after he got tangled in the cover. What makes this funnier to me is that in the original script, this house is described as, and I'm paraphrasing, "the type of house I will buy when I sell this script." Shane rocks.
I did not know that tidbit about the script or the house until just know. Thank you. What I find ironic is that Shane Black, who I consider one of the best writers in Hollywood history, writes scripts in a way that would get him F's in any Film Writing class.
The original ending was also different, with Murtaugh retiring and Riggs transferring out of homicide and fitting with the previous idea of the film being a single entry. The crew thought that, after all they had been through, Riggs and Murtaugh should be buddies for life and set the stage for an immediate sequel (that originally saw Riggs succumb to his wounds and the franchise would end there.). Gratefully, some folks changed their minds! 😃 Rest in peace, Mr. Donner
It’s the best buddy cop movie cause Richard Donner took his time to develop the relationship between Roger and Martin. It can make the movie a bit slow but it paid off. Gotta take risks.
One risk he wasn't willing to take was getting fired, (at worst), by sticking up, for, Shane Black, for, that reason, I've always had a true feeling of contempt, for, him, period.
Lethal Weapon feels more like a movie set at Christmas rather than a Christmas movie. Die Hard embraced Christmas with its music, themes, quotes, plot and dialog. There was no "Now I have a machine gun. Ho. Ho. Ho." But I still love both.
Er...Lethal Weapon OPENS w/ Jingle Bell Rock so this isn't accurate. That said, IMO both films are set w/ Christmas merely as the backdrop not a main plot device.
48 hrs isn't buddy cop since Eddie Murphy's character was a criminal not a cop. However 48 Hrs and Beverly Hills Cop were the first real action comedies ever done where the action, drama and humor had equal weight. Also Lethal Weapon wasn't the first buddy cop movie ever there had been a few in the 60s and 70s, however Lethal Weapon perfected it and redefined it. It's definitely one of the all time best buddy action comedies ever along with Midnight Run, Red Heat, Rush Hour and Bad Boys.
Shout-out to the man halfway responsible for giving us the musical stylings of Anthony Kiedes @ 16:29 in the flannel 😎👍 and what the deuce Miguel Nunez was cut out of the 1st L.W.?? Maaaan I know that hadda suck!
List of actors rumored to be considered for Riggs. According to IMDb. Kurt Russell. Sylvester Stallone. Michael Nouri. Patrick Swayze. Christopher lambert. Bruce Willis. Christopher reeve. Rutger hauer. Kevin cline. Tom selleck. Michael biehn. Don Johnson. Richard Gere. Harrison ford. Al Pacino, Robert De Niro. Nicholas cage. Sean Penn. Kevin Costner. William hurt. Stephen lang. Nick berry. (British actor)
Lethal weapon is one of my absolute favorite action movies. I love the entire franchise.
One of the best movies ever made. I actually like every movie in the series. RIP Richard Donner.
“I’m getting too old for this shit” is such a quotable thing to say
Gotta be a top 5 quoted movie quote.
He's not getting too old for this shit, he's already too old for this shit.
Richard Donner is 1 of the more underrated directors, since he doesn’t have the same name recognition to people like Spielberg, Scorsese, and Hitchcock, but he’s made some of the most beloved movies to people from The Omen, Superman, The Goonies, Lethal Weapon, and Scrooged
Didn't realise he did The Omen (still not seen it) and The Goonies
He never got the recognition he deserve
He also directed the really fun and underrated Maverick with Mel Gibson & Jodie foster. Also he directed Lethal weapon 2-4
@@Locadel2003 Maverick is an insanely fun movie.
Donner also directed Radio Flyer. Brilliant film!
The greatest Christmas movie ever made. I know most people don't think of it as a Christmas movie, but I do.
Starts and ends with christmas songs and alot of christmas trees.
It's a Christmas movie....same as Die Hard
@@uriamudeltoro5075 A year before Die Hard, and more Christmasy in every way.
Falls in with die hard and eyes wide shut
L, weapon __ is the full definition of a Christmas movie. .
When this film came out, every young guy wanted to be like Riggs. 35 years later, we became like Murtaugh. 😂😂😂
just saw movie again and was thinking the same thing accept i dont want everyone coming in while im in the bath
I was thinking I'm more like Riggs myself haha
I'm too old for this shit.
#truth
I'm only 32 and feel like Murtaugh.. I'm getting too old for this
My dad took me to see Lethal Weapon 4 when I was 9 because we liked the first 3 so much. Anytime these movies are on I watch them.
Murtaugh carries Riggs like a father should, because he's at such a low point. By supporting Riggs until he can grow again, Murtaugh eventually gains a brother that he needed...an uncle to his kids.
They were definitely brothers from different mothers. Lee and Carter from Rush Hour and Lowery and Burnett from Bad Boys are the only other two pairings that come close to their level.
@@kendallrivers1119 also Eddie Murphy as a convict Reggie Hammond and Nick Nolte as Inspector Jack Cates in the classic buddy cop movie 48 Hours in 1982 who went from disliking each other to being friends by the end.
Murtaugh being older had SEEN A LOT in his career and knew Riggs was worth saving. He also knew it'd take a toll on him, with Riggs HARD CHARGING MENTALITY, but he also knew Riggs was a good cop who will do whats morally right even to the point of risking his life. Great overview of their dynamics together. You, Sir nailed it. God Bless
@@williamtobin7282 even the character Riggs is older then Mel Gibson in real life and as Riggs is a veteran of Vietnam war like Murtaugh and was a veteran undercover Narcotics Officer before becoming Murtaughs partner both have seen a lot in their careers.
@@scottknode898 Murtaugh had a family and was more grounded so I think he recognized Riggs was more pre disposed to depression etc and made an eventual choice to make him a PART of HIS FAMILY and thus Riggs would feel better and stick around as upposed to getting himself killed or suicide
Great timming because yesterday's Christmas day there was a Lethal Weapon marathon on a cable channel.
This movie is the reason I love Buddy cop movies still to this day. Every buddy cop movie I watch I can tell who's the Riggs character and who is the Martaugh character. Lethal weapon will as be number 1.
This was such an awesome movie when it came out !!!! I was a teen ager and was obsessed with it. (I even went out and bought a 92F model Beretta 9MM in 1988 that I still own.... :) ) I could not tell you how many times I have seen this and the rest of the series, but I still love it. Gary Busey did a GREAT job with his character. I had never seen him do a role anything like this before. I wish all action movies were still this epic....
I love this movie and consider it part of my yearly Christmas viewing list along with Die Hard and Home Alone 1 and 2 making for a fun mix of action and comedy.
The rest of the quarilogy are also great movies and come highly recommend if you haven't seen them.
This is my favorite Christmas action film. Start out with "Jingle Bell Rock" and a topless girl? Win. Didn't know that Nimoy was up for director. Such a great fun film.
I still prefer Die Hard but it’s like 1A to Lethal Weapon’s 1B
So Nimoy didn't do anything?
@@starwarsroo2448 He did not.
@@artboymoy didn't he......
For me the opening scene of Lethal Weapon 3 is my favourite of the series.
Their banter over the car bomb sums their relationship up completely.
"Rog................ GRAB THE CAT!"
Unfortunately, that, (and, TMNT 3), killed off Stuart Wilson's career in America, before, it even got a chance to begin, really miserable circumstances, period.
That Sting & Eric Clapton song was fantastic
@@samuelstokes6624 Film's gigantic disappointment, unfortunately.
"CAT" trastophy! I'm laughing now just thinking about it lol!
@@blockmasterscott Followed, by, nuclear-like, explosive-wrath.
Gary Busey was such an intimidating and great villain. That was a great performance, best bad guy in the franchise along with Jet Li in Lethal Weapon 4
Jet Li, and, Stuart Wilson, were, both, totally wasted in terrible films, that debacle, plus, TMNT 3, strangled his American career in the womb.
Gary Busey and Mitchell Ryan as the villains in Lethal Weapon are the best in the series along with Joss Ackland and Derrick O’Conner as the villains in Lethal Weapon 2 were close behind and Ackland as Arjan Rudd had one of the best lines when said “Diplomatic Immunity” before his death after had wounded Riggs.
@@scottknode898 Joss Ackland's, simply, too frumpy to be menacing, and, Derrick O'Connor's stereotypically atrocious accent meant that any sense of terror was completely thrown away.
@@matthewdaley746 I get what you mean I felt almost better villains then Stuart Wilson in 3rd movie which wasn’t my favorite in the series any way same with 4th one. I felt 4th movie added too many characters including a young Chris Rock and Joe Pesci was more annoying then was in 2nd movie. Jet Li was not bad as villain and was cool to his martial arts skills being a teenager when 4th film was released.
@@scottknode898 Stuart Wilson, oddly enough, had the identical problem Gary Busey did that same year, a great villain who deserved a better film, (Under Siege), Wesley Snipes essentially quit playing villains, because, like, Jet Li, the idea of him losing, for, no other reason, than, "it's in the script," became absurd.
Well done.. no ego, no pontificating. Yet an embrace of a classic. Cheers.
The thing about the first Lethal Weapon is how it works as an action film and as a procedural. Murtaugh and Riggs are following leads and interviewing POI’s, right up until everything goes pear shaped. When this happens, the movie seamlessly shifts into an extremely effective action-thriller. Also, Lethal Weapon’s a Christmas movie. It opens with “Jingle Bell Rock,” closes with “I’ll Be Home” and is full of references to the holiday season. For me, this is definitely a “desert island/bunker” flick.
The Lethal Weapon films are special in that they have amazing continuity. The actors, the supporting actors and even some minor characters keep carrying over into the next films in the franchise. When most action films shed characters from previous entries, Lethal Weapon was like a big party bus that just keeps picking people up. Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Steve Kahan, Mary Ellen Trainor, Darlene Love, Traci Wolf, Damon Hinds, Ebonie Smith, Rene Russo, the list goes on. Not to mention much of Donner's entourage of creative and collaborative support carries over. J. Michael Riva, Jennie Tugend, Michael Kamen, Marion Dougherty and so many more just keep coming back.
That is why there are no weak movies in the franchise. You can prefer some more than others, but they're all rewatchable, and none of them sold out to become direct to stream geezer teasers.
RIP Richard Donner
An iconic franchise! Danny and Mel's chemistry is unsurpassed and it's that relationship that made the movies work so well. 48 Hrs, Beverly Hills Cop, Die Hard, The Terminator, Predator, Aliens and Lethal Weapon are the most influential and greatest action films of all time!
Still rocks 35 years later
"Ok OK OK OK. They F٪CK you with the cellphones!" Even though he shows up in part 2, Leo is so funny.
He was the first sign of the decline of the films, along, with, the shift in tone, and, they, never, really recovered.
@@matthewdaley746In the 80’s almost every movie was about cocaine and guns (heck even 3 men and a baby was about that!) then the 90’s made everything softer, kinder.
@Millie007 Perhaps, but, it tried to combine the violence of the original, with, comedic elements that sadly would fall completely apart.
@@matthewdaley746I love them, I’ve watched them like 20 times each. And even if they get sillier as they go by I love how Riggs and Lorna relationship grows as the movies progress. It’s life, not everything has to be dark and serious all the time.
@Millie007 The fall's just bad, and, that it didn't have to be, seriously, made it absolutely worse.
I’m such a huge fan of 80s and 90s buddy cop action movies man. Might be my second favorite sub-genre of the action adventure genre.
Lethal Weapon is one of the most beautiful movies ever put on screen. Thank you for your review :)
Lethal Weapon is such a great series.
Unfortunately, it's more, like, Terminator, and, Alien, in the sense that they really should have quit, after, two entries, period.
One of my all time favorites it's on my top 10 list ...
I saw a comment stating had Salkind never get rid of Richard Donner halfway through making *"Superman 2,"* the next two films would've came out much better. I agree. But him being "released" was kind of a blessing in disguise as he gave us *"Ladyhawke,"* *"The Goonies,"* *"Scrooged,"* and of course the *"Lethal Weapon"* franchise. Richard's resumé is damn impressive.
Edit: I'd like to see a background on a little known "buddy cop" film which predates *"Lethal Weapon"* by a few months, a 1986 actioner called *"Running Scared"* starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.
As much as I love Mel and Danny, I have to tip my hat to Gary Busey. He did such a great job playing a villain. Seriously, he rocked in that role.
Although Glover and Gibson were perfectly cast also having a fantastic chemistry for the parts , Rudger Hauer and Brian Denahy would have been pretty cool to see in the roles . But realistically Gibson and Glover always will be the greatest buddy cop duo ever .
One of the best action movies ever
Shane Black really likes Christmas, since his movie are usually set around then
Shane Black, master of the Christmas movie.
A Batman/Superman movie SHOULD be a buddy cop story not too dissimilar from this. Batman teaches Supes how to be a "crime fighter" while Supes inspires Bats to be a "superhero". In another world I suppose.
Best use of a saxaphone in a side track, beside Lost Boys lol
So much sax
And Tequila Sunrise. Like Lethal Weapon; David Sanborn played on the soundtrack.
"Whattaya say Jack! Would you like a shot at the title."
This movie was a first for both star Mel Gibson, who was getting his first Hollywood Blockbuster - shooting him to stardom and Shane Black, who was making him screenwriting debut with this film. Both this & Lethal Weapon 2 are the best entries in this franchise. Also it has been said that Director Richard Donner is the only person who can stand up to uber producer Joel Silver. Whilst it didn't create the buddy cop movie, it did perfect it for the movies that followed. Its connection to Dirty Harry is beautifully done. It is ironic about the Edge of Darkness temp music track as Mel Gibson would star in the big screen remake in 2010.
Too bad he let him get rid of Shane Black, Lethal Weapon 2's good, but, it could have been great, and, the less said about the last two unnecessary films, the better.
@@matthewdaley746 Yes it is too bad how they treated Shane Black. His Script entitled "Play Dirty" had a far greater set up for the sequel than the finished film. Guess Hollywood Play(ed) Dirty with him, to the point where he stepped away from the sequel instead of trying to fight it, given the odds against him.
@Coffee is for closers Joel Silver wanted more sequels, and, given the way that they, (and, his later career), turned out, Shane Black lost the battle, but, won the war.
@@matthewdaley746 Too bad about Shane but Lethal Weapon 2 is one of the greatest sequels ever so it all worked out for the best.
@@kendallrivers1119 That's your opinion, and, you're entitled to it, a, gritty, violent, action film got mutilated into a grotesque farce, and, it only got worse from there, Joel Silver learned the hard way, that good writers, are, very hard to find.
The first thing Mel Gibson ever directed was _Mel Gibson's Unauthorized Video Diary_ from 1989 and again in 1992 for _LW3_ - goofy skits he directed in between shots with the cast & crew. Hilarious & easy to find on YT.
And _LW2_ is the best of four.
As originally written, yes, after, Joel Silver's hatchet-job, Hell To The No, no doubt, truly none.
Watched lethal weapon 2 with my dad in theaters, it is something I'll never forget lol first time I seen a chick naked in a theater 🤣 I was stoked lol
Die Hard and Lethal Weapon are Christmas musts
Just the best. I can watch these back to back anytime.
Another favourite of this sub genre is alien nation. How it's not been remade is a mystery
My all time favorite Christmas movie next to Die Hard.
THANK YOU. finally someone else acknowledges it as the Christmas movie it is.
Lethal weapon 1 is such a classic. Definitely one of my favorite movies of all time.
Dar Robinson's involvement with this movie is worth noting. At the time he was the greatest stuntman that ever lived and his influence in the industry is still felt today. He was brought in to handle the high fall stunts, Amanda's suicide jump and he doubled Gibson in the suicide jump. Richard Donner dedicated Lethal Weapon to Dar as he was killed shortly after production on another film. Pretty sure this is the only major studio film to ever be dedicated to a stuntman. His final appearance on film is in Lethal Weapon, he's the albino gunman who Riggs kills, falling from the rafters, tangled in the chains. The cable system that he uses for that stunt is the device that changed stunt work in films forever. There's great interviews with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey and Richard Donner talking about Dar in a documentary about his life.
The Lethal Weapon franchise is just flat out awesome!
Especially the first two films they are best in the series
Great movie, loved it back then and still love it!
RIP Richard Donner
they could have made 12 films and they all would have been top tier. writing this good is hard to find. top 10 for sure
The last three films proved, that, they, also, proved, that, an egotistical producer is absolutely devastating, there's, simply, no question.
Lethal weapon 5 is being made as we speak 😄
@@peb475 A horrendous circumstance, unquestionably.
My favorite film franchise of all time! Gibson and Glover are gold together!
Love all 4 films! LW 2 is a natural continuation of the first film, Pesci was perfect. LW3 was in a way the most entertaining since it's the funniest, yet also includes the scene on Murtaugh's boat that shows the bond between the 2 cops. Though the first is my favorite, all 4 films are great in their own right.
Lethal Weapon 2 was designed to end things, it didn't, and, the greatness of the original was, never, again approached, a true cinematic tragedy, severe despair.
@@matthewdaley746 I love all 4 films (maybe not as much the 4th) but I agree with you that the first is the best; I consider it the greatest action movie ever made.
I assume you've seen the Director's Cut which includes the scene with Riggs vs. the sniper:
"I'm still here, asshole... or do you only do kids?"
It's tragic that that scene wasn't in the original release as I think it does an even better job of showing Riggs' character than the scene with the drug dealers in the Christmas tree lot. The sniper scene is one of the best scenes and the Director's Cut is an absolute masterpiece.
@@aaronkenney_17 Pacing, issues, likely, factored.
This IS a great Christmas movie!
Brilliant overview. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
I love how they kinda switched pov’s in the finale. By the book Murtaugh lets Riggs fight Joshua & when he’s got his legs around his neck he yells “Break his f***ing neck!”
Riggs the titular Lethal Weapon who’s killed so many reiterates what he was told in the Christmas tree lot when he almost blew Anthony Kiedis’s coke dealing dad away “He’s not worth it “
That, Murtuagh finally letting Riggs drive,& Riggs gifting of his selected suicide bullet to Rog for Xmas are the 3 biggest character developments
The TV show of this was pretty awesome.
It also actually helped me through a very tragic time of my life that happened 2 years before it came out and i was still lost, depressed and angry.
When the tv show came out i found myself following the emotions of Riggs in the show and by the end of season 2 i was a lot better just as Riggs was.
Good shows do more for the world than one my realize.
And we are thankful for good writers and producers that know how shows can relate to anyone at any time in their life and learn and benefit from them.
Couldn't watch that show. Without Danny and Mel and Shane and Donner it's just not Lethal Weapon and nobody can replace or come close to the chemistry that Gibson and Glover have. But I'm glad it was able to help you through a rough time. Great tv shows and movies can provide great comfort.
Along with the 2nd film, this is, without question, the quintessential buddy cop movie
I enjoy 3 and 4 as well, because you just got to love the chemistry between Riggs and Murtaugh.
The second was littered, with, jokes that didn't land, I've, never, understood the popularity, the last two films, never, happened.
@JayBoi85 Shane Black, was, the real star of Lethal Weapon, that only became all the more painfully obvious the more films, were, released, that simple.
@@matthewdaley746 The studio f**ked over Black. Lethal Weapon 2 would be such a better film if they never hired another writer to rejig Black's script. The same writer wrote parts 3 and 4; all the magic was gone in those 2 movies.
@Kenny Ritchie Joel Silver wanted to extend a story past its natural end, the results spoke, for, themselves.
These guys had the absolute best on screen chemistry and we deserved more films with them
One of the best film series ever.
-He took my gun apart with one move, how?
*sigh -Ok, Riggs. Let's go ask him.
Pathetic Hollywood, Jet Li losing to, Mel Gibson, and, Danny Glover, Plot Armor, sucks.
@@matthewdaley746 Why are you even here? You're so damn negative about everything. Find some joy in your life, sheesh.
@@kendallrivers1119 I have plenty of joy, you, simply, despise, any opinion that differs from your own, a word of warning, things, are, going to get even less forgiving as the franchise moves on.
Mel’s mullet was legendary
Loved this movie as a teenager. So many amazing classics from the 80's. Now I'm the 50 year old dad. 😎
You can definitely see a Dirty Harry influence in LW. In addition to jumper scene which was a nod from Dirty Harry , Mitchell Ryan who plays General McCallister was in its sequel Magnum Force.
One of my favorite Christmas movies
CHRISTMAS MOVIE.
Just rewatched all 4 movies over the Christmas
I am very eagerly looking forward to the upcoming, Gibson-directed, and Donner-developed, Lethal Weapon 5.
Will always be a cold classic
Please revisit Tango & Cash and the first Bad Boys film next. Classic buddy cop movies!
I love this Christmas movie I watch it every year next to Die Hard.
Everyone cites Die Hard as the be all, end all of Festive action movies. I always counter with this movie. It's just better in every aspect. Personal opinion of course.
A great movie franchise. I want a 5 so bad.
As a kid in '87, I thought the crazy guy with nothing to live for was clearly the most dangerous. Rewatching it now with my children, I understand that the sane man with something to die for is right up there with him
Great review and I can't wait for the next.
Executive Meddling's horrific annihilation.
I still love watching the climax fight in Lethal Weapon 4 between Mel, Danny, and Jet. They beat the hell out of each other, and I loved every minute of it. 😁
A bittersweet ending where they stopped the villain at the cost of their own lives would have worked better, but, just, like, Superman, Richard Donner was determined to totally destroy a franchise that had shown great promise, after, the terrific first film, (though, he wasn't fired).
Best team up period!
If you don't like this video, you will have to speak to mr Joshua.
Rush Hour is still my favorite of these kinds of movies
I love the second one because Murtagh having to stay on the toilet to not set off the bomb and Joe Pecis character
Absolutely love this movie.... But I have to give part the edge on this series....the sequel was perfection....I always felt the actors found the perfect balance with the characters...we need a face-off with the two 😁🤘
I prefer the sniper scene as Riggs saves a bunch of kids showing there is more to him then the psychotic break down
Watching modern buddy cop movies I can't help but think "I'm too old for this s41t" 🚔
'Get this s*** off my lawn.' is one of the best ending lines.
As much as I love Lethal Weapon, I still think 48 Hours is THE ultimate Buddy Cop movie. It's like the "Halloween" of the genre.
I want to be Richard Donner... and I have another story. My best friend from Canada was a P.A. on "Lethal Weapon 2" and, as a joke, he took a video on his way to a meeting. He sent it to me and said, "Remember this shot?" It was a P.O.V. as he drove up to the director's house. It was from this film as the pair arrive at a villian's residence before drowning him in his pool (Donner's) after he got tangled in the cover. What makes this funnier to me is that in the original script, this house is described as, and I'm paraphrasing, "the type of house I will buy when I sell this script." Shane rocks.
Alas, Joel Silver thought, otherwise, an, unfortunate, result would ensue.
I did not know that tidbit about the script or the house until just know. Thank you. What I find ironic is that Shane Black, who I consider one of the best writers in Hollywood history, writes scripts in a way that would get him F's in any Film Writing class.
@Anthony Cameron Najera He's, unquestionably, irreplaceable, definitely.
Shane is a friend of our film school (Sherwood Oaks) and has spoken on more than one occasion.
@@SirSmoldhamSensational person to know.
We getting Lethal finale boys and Mel directing this 😮💨
Love this franchise 😊 🐾💜
5,6, and 7 were also great
The original ending was also different, with Murtaugh retiring and Riggs transferring out of homicide and fitting with the previous idea of the film being a single entry. The crew thought that, after all they had been through, Riggs and Murtaugh should be buddies for life and set the stage for an immediate sequel (that originally saw Riggs succumb to his wounds and the franchise would end there.). Gratefully, some folks changed their minds! 😃
Rest in peace, Mr. Donner
It’s the best buddy cop movie cause Richard Donner took his time to develop the relationship between Roger and Martin. It can make the movie a bit slow but it paid off. Gotta take risks.
One risk he wasn't willing to take was getting fired, (at worst), by sticking up, for, Shane Black, for, that reason, I've always had a true feeling of contempt, for, him, period.
I fucking love this movie
Lethal Weapon feels more like a movie set at Christmas rather than a Christmas movie. Die Hard embraced Christmas with its music, themes, quotes, plot and dialog. There was no "Now I have a machine gun. Ho. Ho. Ho." But I still love both.
Er...Lethal Weapon OPENS w/ Jingle Bell Rock so this isn't accurate. That said, IMO both films are set w/ Christmas merely as the backdrop not a main plot device.
A lot of fans of "Badger" comics thought Martin Riggs character had a lot in common with Norbert Sykes (The badger) ...like a lot :)
Even though Eddie Murphy didn't technically play a cop 48 hours was the ultimate buddy cop movie. However, I also enjoyed leathal weapon...
Really good vid
One of the best action movie's from the 80's now would you call this the 1st buddy cop movie or 48 hours?
Freebie and the Bean (1974) got there before the lot of them.
@@Kthomasritchie Or Robert Culp's 'Hickey And Boggs' from even earlier.
48 hrs isn't buddy cop since Eddie Murphy's character was a criminal not a cop. However 48 Hrs and Beverly Hills Cop were the first real action comedies ever done where the action, drama and humor had equal weight. Also Lethal Weapon wasn't the first buddy cop movie ever there had been a few in the 60s and 70s, however Lethal Weapon perfected it and redefined it. It's definitely one of the all time best buddy action comedies ever along with Midnight Run, Red Heat, Rush Hour and Bad Boys.
Do one on Colors the movie.
Such a good movie. Very underrated and deserving of a decent review.
Shout-out to the man halfway responsible for giving us the musical stylings of Anthony Kiedes @ 16:29 in the flannel 😎👍 and what the deuce Miguel Nunez was cut out of the 1st L.W.?? Maaaan I know that hadda suck!
It's just been rovoked best line ever ppl still try to beat and can't. I think the crow came very close though.
Anybody else have this on as a Christmas tradition?
Every year! LW, Die Hard, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Rankin\Bass specials etc. Christmas musts!
@@kendallrivers1119 all classics! Doesn't feel like Christmas unless I hear that guitar and sax combo
I own an original 1998 hat that was used on the set of *Lethal Weapon 4*. Wear it to work all the time
List of actors rumored to be considered for Riggs. According to IMDb.
Kurt Russell.
Sylvester Stallone.
Michael Nouri.
Patrick Swayze.
Christopher lambert.
Bruce Willis.
Christopher reeve.
Rutger hauer.
Kevin cline.
Tom selleck.
Michael biehn.
Don Johnson.
Richard Gere.
Harrison ford.
Al Pacino,
Robert De Niro.
Nicholas cage.
Sean Penn.
Kevin Costner.
William hurt.
Stephen lang.
Nick berry. (British actor)
Everyone credits Lethal Weapon, but what about Running Scared(1986)?
Or 48 Hours?
48 Hrs isn't a buddy cop movie because Eddie's character was a criminal not a cop lol.
A true classic
Damnit, it's Riggs!!
The fight choreographer was none other than Rorion Gracie before he and his family changed the world of professional fighting forever.