Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)

Directed by: Richard Donner | 127 minutes | action, thriller, comedy, crime | Actors: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Chris Rock, Jet Li, Steve Kahan, Kim Chan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Eddy Ko, Jack Kehler, Calvin Jung, Damon Hines, Ebonie Smith, Mary Ellen Trainor

“The gang’s all here” is the slogan of ‘Lethal Weapon 4’ and that is the strongest point of one of the funniest and best “buddy movie” series. It is still abundantly clear that the cast is very attuned to each other and enjoys being in front of the camera with each other. Unfortunately, part 3 is a bit of a mess and part 4 doesn’t know how to reverse that trend either. It remains amusing to watch the performances of Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover), but the jadedness has crept in.

Gibson started to look more and more like Murtaugh after part 2 and luckily for him he is no longer a suicidal maniac, but the unpredictability of Riggs was one of the positives of the first parts. The slightly sadistic pranks he plays here are certainly good enough for a smile, but the real devil is out of his character and you can tell. Glover in turn remains the unflappable central element of the series. While Gibson is the biggest star and gets the most attention, Murtaugh and his family are the linchpins of the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series. It is therefore extra nice that all members of his family, his wife (singer Darlene Love), the daughters Rianne (Traci Wolfe) and Carrie (Ebonie Smith) and his son Nick (Damon Hines) come back again and again and are played by the same actors. .

Joe Pesci is amusing again as Leo Getz, the little anger who is taken in tow by the police duo from part 2 onwards. He may occasionally have a good time, but there is a newcomer in this part, who actually has more or more the same function as Leo. As “comic relief” and as a verbal abuse cannon. Chris Rock plays the role of fellow detective Lee Butters and he is entrusted with a spicy conversation. The scene in which he is allowed to flare up Leo for a while is very nice to watch. Also returning is Rene Russo as Riggs’ girlfriend Lorna. Her role is a lot smaller than in part 3 and as mentioned, she is also pregnant in the film.

The greatest danger comes from Jet Li. He plays Wah Sing Ku, a leader of a Chinese Triad and he shows what he has to offer. His martial arts are simply impressive. There are movements that are almost impossible to follow and in that respect he is more than equal to the aging Riggs and Murtaugh. It’s a shame that his poor English doesn’t allow him to put down more than a fighting machine, so he gets stuck in a somewhat stereotypical movie villain, who is below par for a movie like this.

By the way, if you try to follow the plot of the film, but can’t figure it out: no problem. At three quarters of the film there is a moment to put everything in order. Usually not a strong point for a film if that is necessary and to think that the story actually doesn’t have much to say. It is by no means an ingenious plot as in ‘Memento’ or ‘The Usual Suspects’. Director Donner can count on himself that he proceeds so carelessly, after having already filmed the three previous parts. Despite the smooth and familiar game, the film has acquired a routine character.

Despite all that is at stake, it is clear that Riggs and Murtaugh are never in real danger. Sure they do some reckless things, culminating in a fantastic stunt on the highway, but it doesn’t feel like it’s serious. Those who are aware of the kidnapping of Murtaugh’s daughter Rianne (Traci Wolfe) in part one, the bomb toilet and the boat shooting in part 2, gradually start to feel that all obstacles, problems and dangerous situations are only apparent. A tick off the must-do list and then on to the next prank or stunt. It’s the quality of the action (you’ll have to admit that to Donner) and the familiarity with the characters that make this part worthwhile.

A film from the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series is still better than 95% of the other films made in this genre, but it is clear that it has been nice with four parts.