Plot: What’s it about?
“I’m gettin’ too old for this…”
It’s hard to believe that Danny Glover was just 40 years old when he uttered that iconic line of dialogue. But as we look back, Mel Gibson, Richard Donner and Danny Glover are almost as synonymous as Moe, Curly and Larry (more on that in Lethal Weapon 3). These men have collaborated on at least five movies and all of them are memorable, but none such as this first installment in the Lethal Weapon series. We see a Mel Gibson that had not yet become the megastar that he is today, though a very well-established actor at the time. In this, the Director’s Cut of Lethal Weapon, we’re treated to a few scenes that ended up on the cutting room floor the first time around.
We meet Martin Riggs at his brink of literal suicide, which we find out later he’s mourning the death of his wife. Unlike the hammy, goofy Riggs that we see in parts 2-4, we see that this is definitely a darker more “on the edge” Mel Gibson. Gibson plays the role to a tee, and it’s this edginess that made this movie the best (in my opinion) of the series. His soon to be partner, Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is investigating the apparent suicide of one of his Vietnam buddies daughter. We also learn that Murtaugh is turning 50, looking retirement in the face, sees his kids growing up before his eyes and is does strange things to him. What he needs least of all is some wild cannon of a new partner, which he gets. Initially, the two don’t hit if off, but as they are around each other more and more, it eventually evolves into a very strong friendship. Featuring Gary Busey as the psychotic Mr. Joshua. We learn about the history of Riggs and his connection to the parties that eventually kidnap Murtaugh’s daughter, it’s interesting though not essential to the plot.
As mentioned above, Lethal Weapon is unlike any of the other series due to it’s gritty, tough storyline. I don’t think at the time they made this, they had a sequal in mind, let alone three more. Richard Donner took a chance and made the movie. Gibson’s performance, in my opinion, rivals his in Braveheart in terms of sheer performing. We’ve become so accustomed to seeing that grin on his face, it’s hard to believe that he started out doing movies like this, Gallapoli, and the Mad Max series (try and find a grin on his face in that trilogy)!
Video: How does it look?
If memory serves (and that gets more and more of an issue as time passes), this was one of the first wave of DVD’s when it hit the streets back in 1987. Yes, that’s right – this movie was only a decade old when it hit DVD. Flash forward a couple more and we’ve got the film in 4K looking smart as ever. It’s not perfect, but a vast improvement over the previously-released DVD and Blu-ray’s of years past. Detail has been improved, so we get those deep forehead lines in both Mel Gibson and Danny Glover’s foreheads. Colors are bumped up a bit, but a fine layer of grain still resides. It’s not a bad thing, though as I feel it gives the movie a bit more “character.” Odds are most die-hard fans will be happy enough to see this in 4K. I was duly impressed, but then again I had low expectations.
Audio: How does it sound?
What’s a bit more impressive is the new Dolby Atmos soundtrack. I didn’t think a movie from the mid 80’s would sound as good as this, but that’s what happens when I think. It’s not as ‘in your face’ as one might think, rather it’s a pretty immersive track that utilizes the surrounds, LFE and front channels very effectively. Things blow up, punches are thrown, bullets whiz – you know the drill. Vocals are top notch as well, I’d forgotten some of the subtle nuances that are present when I really listen. How about that?
Supplements: What are the extras?
If you count the Extended Version (or Director’s Cut if you choose) then we’ve got three supplements. If not, we’ve got two. But they’re both new, so that’s good. Sadly, we lose the supplements included on previous editions.
- A Legacy of Inspiration: Remembering Dick Donner – Several associated with the film remember the late director who departed us in 2001 at the ripe old age of 91. His legacy lives on.
- “I’m Too Old for This…”: A Chemistry That Became Iconic – Given that this film seemingly invented the “buddy cop” genre, several pay tribute to Riggs and Murtaugh (aka Mel Gibson and Danny Glover).
The Bottom Line
Darker and more intense than its sequels, this is literally the one that started it all. The film invented a genre, gave us a more psycho version of Mel Gibson and showed us that there was time when Gary Busey wasn’t certifiably insane. We’ve all won. Add to the mix a new 4K image, some new features and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and we’ve got a winner on our hands.
