Lethal Weapon 4K UHD Review
“Lethal Weapon” remains the gold standard for buddy cop films.
Written by Shane Black, 1987’s “Lethal Weapon” is the first installment in the action movie franchise. In the debut entry, viewers are introduced to LAPD Narcotics Sgt. Martin Riggs and Homicide Detective Roger Murtaugh. The two could not be any more different. Riggs is a loose cannon sharpshooter who has been suicidal since the loss of his wife while Murtaugh is a family man. The two become partnered together to investigate a case involving the death of Michael Hunsaker’s daughter whose death was thought to be a suicide, but it turns out she was poisoned. It is soon discovered that her death is linked to Shadow Company (a former CIA outfit turned heroin operation) led by General McAllister and his right hand man Mr. Joshua. As Riggs and Murtaugh continue to look into matters, the situation escalates when Murtaugh’s daughter Rianne becomes kidnapped by the Shadow Company. Can Riggs and Murtaugh save Rianne and stop these very dangerous individuals?
When you think of buddy cop movies, you think of “Lethal Weapon.” The Richard Donner (of “Superman” fame) directed action film became an instant action movie classic not because of its action sequences, but because of the buddy cops in question- Riggs and Murtaugh (played by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover). The chemistry between the two carries not only this film but the entire franchise (why aren’t all 4 films being released at once on 4K by the way?). If you can get past the fact that Riggs probably would not be working with the LAPD due to his mental state and reckless behavior, it’s hard not get swept up into the banter and antics of Riggs and Murtaugh. Murtaugh is getting too old for this…well, you know while Riggs is a kooky wildman. They’re the types of characters audiences just love. There have been so many imitators and wannabes since the release of this first film, but very few can replicate its success.
In terms of the script, it’s a Shane Black script through and through. It’s set during Christmastime (a Shane Black staple), there’s explosive action set pieces, there’s healthy doses of comedy, and it moves fast without any wasted moments. It was his first writing credit and still might arguably be his best.
As mentioned earlier, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover make the movie. It’s easy to forget just how big of a movie star Gibson was. He had such charisma and range and is a natural at doing action movies. Danny Glover has had a long career, but Murtaugh still might be his finest role. He was born to play the part. Outside of the 2 leads, Gary Busey and Mitchell Ryan turn in respectable performances as the villains. It’s always a pleasure to see the ever underrated Tom Atkins too!
Note: This 4K includes the theatrical cut and the director’s cut.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Happy to report that this is a fantastic 4K transfer. The colors and image quality are noticeably sharper.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track is nothing short of dynamic. The score and gunshots are especially potent here.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* “A Legacy Of Inspiration: Remembering Dick Donner”- A tribute to the late filmmaker Richard Donner featuring interviews with those who knew him, photos, and footage of him.
* “I’m Too Old For This…”: A Chemistry That Became Iconic” is all about the chemistry between Danny Glover and Mel Gibson.
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