Lethal
Weapon 4 isn't a perfect sequel but it's certainly better than the last installment.
This time out, Murtaugh and Riggs, played by Danny Glover and Mel Gibson, take
on an Asian crime family. Also returning is Rene Russo, who first made her appearance
in Part 3. She is now pregnant with Gibson's child, but that doesn't stop her
from slapping around the occasional bad guy. Joe Pesci is back for the third time,
as an up and coming PI. There isn't much use for his character this time out.
He has a few bright moments, but for the most part, his talent is as wasted as
Chris Rock's. Rock tries his hardest to inject energy into one of the year's most
underwritten roles. He just can't pull it off.
Lethal
Weapon 4 was directed with the usual flair by Richard Donner who also directed
the previous installments. I'd tell you who wrote it, but to be perfectly honest,
I don't think a script really exists. This is really just a bunch of high paid
actors improvising lines every chance they get and the film suffers as a result.
It was obviously a rushed production. In fact, IÕm told it just finished
shooting last month. Still, Lethal Weapon 4 offers a strong villain in the form
of Hong Kong action star Jet Li. Li is probably the best bad guy the Lethal Weapon
series has given us. Watching him fight is breathtaking. Donner also orchestrates
a brilliant car chase scene that will bowl your socks off.
If
these guys get together for Part 5, I suggest they concentrate on a better script
instead of higher paychecks. Even so, this was passable summer entertainment.
