Lethal Weapon 3 - Film Review

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Lethal Weapon 3 is the third instalment in the Lethal Weapon franchise. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, the film was released in 1992 and grossed over $320 million worldwide. In this movie, detectives Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) investigate a case involving an ex-cop turned arms dealer who is selling weapons to criminals.

One of the strengths of Lethal Weapon 3 is the chemistry between Gibson and Glover. The two actors have great on-screen chemistry and are able to play off each other's strengths and weaknesses. Gibson's portrayal of the unstable and unpredictable Riggs is balanced by Glover's more level-headed and responsible Murtaugh. This dynamic is a big part of what makes the Lethal Weapon series so successful.

The film's action scenes are also impressive. The opening scene, in which Riggs and Murtaugh pursue a truck carrying illegal weapons, is particularly well done. The scene features impressive stunt work and practical effects, with the filmmakers using real explosions and crashes to create a sense of danger and excitement.



In addition to its action and comedy, Lethal Weapon 3 also has a strong emotional core. The film explores the theme of ageing and the challenges that come with getting older. Murtaugh is struggling with the fact that he is getting too old for this kind of work and is contemplating retirement. Riggs, on the other hand, is still struggling with the loss of his wife and is unsure about his future, amplified by his growing feelings for new character Lorna Cole (Rene Russo).

The film's villain, Jack Travis (Stuart Wilson), is also an interesting character. Travis is an ex-cop who has turned to arms dealing in order to make a profit. He is a formidable opponent for Riggs and Murtaugh and provides a good challenge for the detectives.

One of the most memorable scenes in Lethal Weapon 3 is the building demolition scene. In this scene, Riggs and Murtaugh chase Travis and his goons to a building development area. Trying to make the bad guys back off, Riggs drives a car through the various half-built buildings while gas is coming from the fuel tank. The fuel is then set on fire by Murtaugh. The scene features impressive stunt work and practical effects, with the actors performing their own stunts and the filmmakers using real explosives to create a sense of danger and excitement.

Another notable aspect of the film is its soundtrack. The film's score, composed by Michael Kamen, features a mix of orchestral music and rock music. The soundtrack also features the hit song It's Probably Me, performed by Sting and Eric Clapton. The song is used in the film's opening credits and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

Like the previous films in the series, Lethal Weapon 3 also features a number of comedic moments. One of the most memorable scenes is when Riggs and Murtaugh are trying to disarm a bomb and accidentally drop it out of a window. The scene is played for laughs but also helps to break up the tension of the action scenes.

In addition to its comedy and action, Lethal Weapon 3 also tackles some serious themes. The film explores the idea of police corruption and the challenges that police officers face when trying to do the right thing. The film's portrayal of corrupt cops is a commentary on the real-life issues that were facing law enforcement in the early 1990s.

Lethal Weapon 3 was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews from critics. While it may not be as well-regarded as the first two films in the series, it is still a solid entry in the franchise. The film's strengths lie in its action scenes, its comedic moments, and its exploration of the themes of aging and police corruption.

One of the things that set Lethal Weapon 3 apart from the previous films in the series is its focus on the theme of aging. The film is very aware of the fact that its lead characters are no longer young and invincible, and it uses this to create a sense of tension and uncertainty. Murtaugh is clearly struggling with the idea of retirement, and this is a major source of conflict throughout the movie. Meanwhile, Riggs is still dealing with the trauma of losing his wife, and is unsure about what his future holds, especially when he starts developing feelings for IA Detective Lorna Cole (Rene Russo). These themes add depth and complexity to the characters, and help to make them feel more human and relatable.

Another strength of Lethal Weapon 3 is its exploration of police corruption. The film is set against the backdrop of a city that is struggling with crime and violence, and it raises some important questions about the role of the police in society. The film's portrayal of corrupt cops is a commentary on the real-life issues that were facing law enforcement in the early 1990s, and it feels especially relevant today in light of recent events.

Despite its many strengths, Lethal Weapon 3 is not without its flaws. The film's pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some of the comedy in the film feels forced or unnecessary, and can detract from the more serious themes that the movie is trying to explore.

Another issue with Lethal Weapon 3 is its treatment of women. The film features a number of female characters, but they are largely side-lined and underutilized. Rene Russo's character, Lorna Cole, is a refreshing addition to the series, but she is ultimately reduced to a love interest for Riggs. Similarly, the other female characters in the film are largely there to provide eye candy or to be rescued by the male heroes. While this is unfortunately a common trope in action movies of this era, it is still disappointing to see in a film that is otherwise so well-crafted.

In conclusion, Lethal Weapon 3 is a solid entry in the Lethal Weapon franchise. The film's exploration of the themes of ageing and police corruption adds depth and complexity to the characters, and the action scenes are some of the best of the series. While the film is not without its flaws, it is still an entertaining and engaging action movie that is worth watching for fans of the franchise.

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