videorama-759-859391
This is it. Stop at this number, please. Yes, I guess the magic is still there, but I think this is a great example of another trying sequel, that's had it's time. In this latest wearied weapon, marking a six year absence, since it's predecessor, again the story isn't new, especially when you hear about asylum seekers today. Here they are used as guinea pigs, by a nasty triad group, where one abandoned family temporary become part of Murtaugh's family. I must say the start is originally fantastic with a guy suited up in a metal suit, looking like the Michellin man, armed with a flame thrower, who our most popular cop duo, must overthrow, the scene evolving in a successful, humorous resolution, Riggs busting his partners chops again. Getting back to the story, that again sees Riggs at war with another enemy, Jet Li, part of the triad group. Also we have Kim Chan who might of been reprising his role in The Corrupter, as having the same name here, Uncle Benny, who proves a bit of a hoot, especially with one abusive line, involving fried rice. A very much pregnant, Russo, is back, where for Riggs, the idea of a second marriage is a brick wall he can't get past. So too, thankfully is Pesci, and Rock too as a hot shot black cop, secretly in love with Murtaugh's daughter. Murtaugh's wife has a secret too, though I'm not gonna tell. Gibson and Glover still make a great team, that humour we love is still there, with so too the action, including one thrilling car chase sequence which is a bit of a hairy watch. As from Gibson's perspective, it had me asking how that shot was done, Gibson being dragged behind a truck, merely hanging onto some plastic sheeting, sliding zanily across the freeway, amidst dense traffic, one of the film's high points. So was Pesci's private moment with Riggs, where he shares a story about his pet turtle, that makes Riggs re examine his single status. We have some tragic and sad moments, that have you wanting our super duo, especially Riggs, to kick the crap out of the bad dudes. Some funny moments I loved, between Pesci and Rock, as well as Rock and Glover, who's made uncomfortable, as he seems kind of sweet on Rog, was priceless. Too that early incident, that had Glover going shirtless and flapping his arms like a chicken, is something the department won't let him forget, even nine months onwards, was one of the vivid memories of the movie. With everything that makes the 'Weapon' movies work, I just felt there was a tired point here. I just found it a bit of a stretching sequel, and a trite but duller, despite having all the right components, where to make another sequel would be unforgivable, if criminal. You must come a point and call it quits, and remember the 'Weapon' movies for what they were- one of the best buddy cop franchises ever made. Just don't look back.
BA_Harrison
In the first Lethal Weapon, it was just L.A. cops Riggs and Murtaugh (Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) against the bad guys. The second film saw the lawmen teaming up with irritating money launderer Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) to defeat the villains. Part three added beautiful but tough internal affairs cop Lorna Cole (Rene Russo) to the gang.This fourth chapter sees loud-mouthed comedian Chris Rock getting in on the action as Detective Lee Butters, as well as the return of series regulars Steve Kahan (as long-suffering Captain Ed Murphy), Darlene Love (as Trish Murtaugh), Traci Wolfe (Rianne Murtaugh), Damon Hines (Nick Murtaugh), Ebonie Smith (Carrie Murtaugh), and Mary Ellen Trainor (as police psychologist Stephanie Woods).Sadly, it's far from a case of 'the more the merrier': the film starts off promisingly enough with a well executed scene that pits Riggs and Murtaugh against a armour-suited loony armed with an assault rifle and a napalm thrower, but quickly settles for precisely the kind of drivel that made part 3 so abysmal, the incessant lame humour and insufferable schmaltz seriously getting in the way of the action.The inanity is briefly interrupted by an exciting car chase scene midway through the movie, but soon returns, continuing unabated until the admittedly fun final smack-down between our two brave cops and evil Chinese killer Wah Sing Ku (kung fu star Jet Li), after which we get even more excessive sentimentality as all the good guys get together to celebrate the births of Riggs' son and Roger's grandson. Gack!4.5 out of 10, rounded up to 5 for being the first Hollywood film to give the marvellous Li the exposure he deserves.
