Summary
It looks likeLethal Weapon 5might finally happen, and I really hope its Rotten Tomatoes trend improves on the last couple of entries. The originalLethal Weaponmoviewasn’t the first buddy cop film by any stretch, but it’s come to be seen as the defining example. ThisRichard Donner moviehad great action and a witty script by Shane Black, but it was the chemistry between Danny Glover and Mel Gibson that truly made it sing. This is what got me through some of the weaker outings too.
Lethal Weaponevolved from the grittiness of the original to the borderline sitcom that was the fourth film, which arrived in 1998. For a time, it appearedLethal Weapon 4closed the book on Riggs and Murtaugh; if I recall correctly, that outing’s credits literally finish on a book closing. Donner later announced his intention to make a final installment, but when he passed in 2021, I never thought it would happen. Gibson has kept the project going in the years since, and in a recent update on theInspire Mepodcastreaffirmed his plans to star and direct.
Every Upcoming Mel Gibson Movie (Including Lethal Weapon 5)
Mel Gibson is returning to the big screen with six new projects set to be released in the next couple years including The Passion of the Christ 2.
1987
80%
1989
82%
1992
58%
1998
52%
Plot details forthe upcomingLethal Weapon 5are being kept vague, and it’s unknown if any actors besides Gibson and Glover will return. I mentioned earlier that Gibson and Glover’s immense chemistry held together the lesser sequels, and that’s one reason I’m still excited for one last ride. However,bothLethal Weapon 3and4have “Rotten” ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, and suffer from patchy stories and an overreliance on silly hijinks. Delightful as Joe Pesci was in the second film, his appearances in the final two felt crowbarred in.
It’s telling thatLethal Weapons 1and2are both rated “Fresh,” since Shane Black had a hand in penning them. Granted, Black’s bleak screenplay for the second movie was heavily reworked, but his fingerprints are still on the final product. Putting aside the humor and the action of the first two movies, Black has a gift for fleshing out his heroes while working in compelling mystery stories. The second half oftheLethal Weaponsaga became too focused on spectacle, and while Rene Russo was a welcome addition, the sequels struggled to service so many characters.
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover also shared a scene in Richard Donner’s 1994 comedyMaverick.
For all their flaws, I can find plenty to enjoy in the later sequels. The chemistry between Gibson and Glover never faltered, and Riggs and Murtaugh are an incredible double act. It might even be poignant to have aLethal Weapon 5where they really are “too old for s***” but still rise to the occasion.
Can Lethal Weapon 5 Be A Return To Form For The Franchise?
Lethal Weapon wouldn’t be the only series with a belated sequel that rips
Lethal Weapon 4proved to be a pleasant if slightly bland finale, but Lethal Weapon 5 has the opportunity to go back to the roots of the series.
Lethal Weapon 4is often considered the weakest of the bunch, and that’s an assessment I agree with. It’s too long, the plot feels like a total afterthought and Chris Rock’s presence is distracting. Even then, Jet Li is a great villain, and the final battle between him and the leads is one of the franchise’s best setpieces. This sequel proved a pleasant if bland finale, butLethal Weapon 5has the opportunity to go back to the roots of the series.
Maybe the world doesn’t need another sequel, but I’m quietly hopeful it will work. Richard Donner clearly felt the concept had potential, and it wouldn’t be the first time a long-dormant series delivered an awesome belated sequel.Mad Maxwent quiet for three decades beforeFury Roadbrought it roaring back to life, whileTop Gun: Maverickrocked. Perhapsmore importantly forLethal Weapon 5’schances of happening, early word onBeverly Hills Cop: Axel Fis strong.
Gibson is also a great director (Braveheart,Apocalypto), and he and Glover will be honoring their late friend Donner by bringing the property to a dignified finish. Selfishly, I just want to see Riggs and Murtaugh back together one last time, and ifLethal Weapon 5jettisons the things that undermined the third and fourth chapters, then all the better!
The first fourLethal Weaponsare available to rent or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play and YouTube.
Lethal Weapon 5
Cast
Mel Gibson stars and directs Lethal Finale, the last installment in the Lethal Weapon franchise. Main stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh in a story that honors the late Richard Donner’s original vision for the end of the franchise.
