After graduating at the University of California, Los Angeles or UCLA for short, Shane Black wrote a script titled, “Lethal Weapon.” Inspired by “Dirty Harry,” the story focuses on two cops named, Martin Riggs & Roger Murtaugh. They must put aside their differences and work together if they want to apprehend perps smuggling drugs. Shane’s agent sent the first draft to Joel Silver. He liked the script. Joel and WB suggest Shane to remove a darker tone in favor of a lighter tone to capitalize Eddie Murphy’s “Beverly Hills Cop.” WB paid Shane $250,000 and hired the late Richard Donner (Superman 1978, The Goonies, Scrooged) to direct after Leonard Nimoy turned it down in favor of “Three Men and a Baby.” Mel Gibson (pre-drunk, racist and domestic abuse days) & Danny Glover signed on to play Riggs & Rogers.
Released in 1987, (same year Predator came out) Lethal Weapon earned positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it made enough money at the box office. The first film spawned three sequels and a TV reboot on Fox starring Clayne Crawford & Damon Wayans. A fifth installment is in development with Mel & Danny reprising their roles while the former will direct.
If “Lethal Weapon 5” becomes a reality, I’ll be first in line to see it. By the way, the first one’s a Christmas movie. I won’t cover a lot of Christmas movies throughout December 2023, I got a lot of current movies and shows to watch on my plate. So, bear with me fellas.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving y’all a chance to see my favorite film of 1987.
Naughty & Nice Aspects
Nice: Mel Gibson & Danny Glover both did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact 1: Bruce Willis was considered for the role as Riggs. He turned it down, because he was busy in his first lead film, “Blind Date.”
Fun Fact 2: Riggs’ a Three Stooges fan. In real life, Mel’s also a fan of the slapstick trio.
Fun Fact 3: Mel later played Santa Claus in “Fat Man.”
Gary Busey did a great job for his performance as the main antagonist.
Richard Donner (may he Rest in Peace) did a decent job directing.
Shane Black wrote the script. He double checked every single scene is coordinated.
Joel Silver produced the film. Courtesy of his production company, Silver Pictures.
Action Sequences still hold up. Riggs’ fist fight with Gary’s character felt real.
You cannot forget Roger’s catchphrase. “I’m too old for this s**t!”
Michael Kamen (Die Hard, The Last Boy Scout, Last Action Hero) & Eric Clapton orchestrated a jazzy soundtrack. Reminds me of “Cowboy Bebop.”
Chemistry between Riggs & Roger serves as the main highlight. Thanks to Character Development, their partnership moves the story forward.
Humor manages to balance seriousness and comedy. My favorite joke is when Roger tries to gain intel from little kids.
When Riggs & Roger buy hot dogs, a movie theater promotes “The Lost Boys.” Coincidentally, Mr. Donner produced the vampire movie in 1987.
Again, the first movie’s a Christmas movie. Most of Mr. Black’s work is set during Christmas time.
- The Last Boy Scout
- The Long Kiss Goodnight
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
- Iron Man 3
The Director’s Cut on DVD/Blu-Ray also adds a few scenes as well as Deleted Scenes.
- Body Count’s slightly high.
- Riggs shoots his TV.
- Riggs stops a sniper.
- Riggs stops by at his home petting his dog.
- Riggs invites a prostitute to watch The Three Stooges at his place.
- Roger practicing his shooting skills before he meets Riggs.
Naughty: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless action-comedy as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Lethal Weapon remains as my favorite film from 1987. If you have nothing to do after hanging out with your loved ones after a Christmas party, I strongly recommend both Theatrical and Director’s Cut. Compare ’em to apples and oranges.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 