Lethal Weapon 2

Ju- Ju- Ju- Just like the bad guy from “Lethal Weapon 2.” “I got diplomatic immunity so Hammer you can’t sue.” – Peter Griffin

Following the critical and commercial success of “Lethal Weapon,” WB wanted to produce a sequel asking Shane Black to write it. He agreed. Due to creative differences over a darker tone and tragic ending, WB insisted on heavy rewrites. Shane left the project with a $125,000 paycheck leaving Jeffrey Boam to rewrite plot elements with emphasis on a lighter tone and adding Leo Getz as the comic relief. Mel Gibson & Danny Glover were brought back along with Richard Donner in the director’s chair.

Released in 1989, (same year Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade came out) the sequel earned good reviews and was a box office hit. Two sequels were later released in 1992 and 1998. Anyway, I have a three good reasons why I wanna review Lethal Weapon 2.

Mel Gibson is currently working on “The Resurrection of the Christ.” A two-part sequel to “The Passion of the Christ.” Both parts will be released in March 26 and May 6, 2027.
Mel and Danny Glover will reprise their roles in “Lethal Weapon 5.” As of May 2026, there’s no confirmation for an intended release date.
Mel himself will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026. The upcoming three-day event will commence on September 11-13. Say what you will about Mel, but I might possibly take my pic with him. Still gotta wait on who else is coming this year. Mel’s pretty expensive for a photo and autograph. I’d save a lotta cash if I were you.

This review contains no SPOILERS.

Strong & Weak Qualities

Strong: Mel Gibson & Danny Glover reprise their roles and they both did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Other Cast Members such as Joe Pesci & Josh Auckland both did a decent job for their respective performances.

Richard Donner did a solid job directing. He also co-produced the sequel along with Joel Silver.

Jeffrey Boem (The Dead Zone, The Lost Boys, Innerspace) wrote the script. Made sure plot points were coordinated properly.

Fun Facts

Dean Norris (Hank Schrader from Breaking Bad) has a small role as a cop.
My favorite one-liner is, “It’s just been revoked.” Later referenced on an episode of “Family Guy.” Episode’s titled, “Lois Kills Stewie.”
That one scene with one of the main characters using a pickup truck to pull a house via cable attached to a stilt was later referenced in a mission from “Grand Theft Auto V.” Rockstar Games must’ve taken notes.
A cargo ship’s labeled, Tequila Sunrise.” Mel previously worked in a movie of the same name with Kurt Russell & Michelle Pfeiffer a year prior to Lethal Weapon 2.
Mel, Danny & Richard stated the second movie is their favorite in the Lethal Weapon series. Personally, I think the fourth installment is my favorite.

Action Sequences are legit. My favorite part me the aforementioned pickup truck pulling down a house. Don’t forget an intense bomb scene.

Pacing didn’t feel like a slow burn. I was hooked right from the get-go.

Funny Moments made me laugh. Especially any scene with Leo Getz annoying the heck outta Martin Riggs & Roger Murtaugh. A commercial scene also made me laugh. If you know, you know.

Michael Kamen, (Highlander, Die Hard, The Iron Giant) Eric Clapton & David Sanborn orchestrated the soundtrack.

Chemistry between Riggs & Murtaugh serves as the main highlight. They also form an unlikely friendship with Getz. A federal witness the duo keeps an eye on while they must find a way to stop a bad guy with diplomatic immunity.

We learn about one of the henchmen who’s tied to Riggs’ past.

If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Richard provides audio commentary talking about making the sequel.

Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving an Extra Point for the cast and crew for making a flawless sequel as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Lethal Weapon 2 is a competent sequel. If you’re gearing up to take your pic with Mel Gibson at Fan Expo Dallas or waiting for Lethal Weapon 5, check out all four movies. I hope the fifth installment’s a worthy finale to my favorite buddy cop series.