LETHAL WEAPON

CAPSULE REVIEW –– The ultimate action movie. The film that kick-started the current trend of explosive stunt sequences, over-the-top bad guys and witty one-liners. Gibson is mesmerizing in his major Hollywood film debut as the suicidal cop Glover's forced to work with. What starts as a simple case – the free-fall death of a local hooker – becomes something much, much more. Riggs and Murtaugh quickly build up trust through a series of unexpected incidents that lead them closer to uncovering who wanted her killed and why. Unfortunately, the bad guys are aware of their presence and aren't afraid of using Murtaugh's family to keep them in line. What they don't realize is how crazy Riggs really is. Besides a good script with exciting, yet believable, action sequences, the thing that really makes this film – and the following three – eminently watchable is the chemistry between Gibson and Glover. They each have their role to play and give the other the room to perform it well. It helps that their characters are well-developed and their dialogue witty. The plot is well-conceived with villains that are intelligent, ruthless and memorable, especially Gary Busey. There are some excessive moments, but, at least in this installment, they only add to the excitement. Getting a long look at Mel's naked ass doesn't hurt either.