Welcome to Day 18 of our 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS series, where we will be taking a look at holiday classics each day in the lead up to Christmas. Today, I'll be reviewing one of the most badass Christmas movies around, LETHAL WEAPON!
Set in Los Angeles, Lethal Weapon revolves around two LAPD officers. Martin Riggs; a former US Army soldier who has been having some trouble since his wife's death. And Roger Murtagh, a 50-year old veteran on the police force. The two officers investigate what is believed to be a suicide, but as they dig deeper and deeper it is slowly revealed that they are now caught in a massive drug lord scheme.Lethal Weapon is a classic action movie for many reasons. Of course the shootouts are great, and all of the interactions that require a little bit of action are wildly enjoyable, but the thing that makes cop movies great is the acting. And boy do a slick, young Mel Gibson, and primer like Danny Glover make for some great on screen chemistry. It starts with the two bickering with each other, and they flawlessly execute some insulting lines back and forth, all the way to the end of the film, where Gibson shares Christmas with Glover's family. Not only do we see the growth of these two characters as they accept one another, we also get to see each character have a few independent moments. Gibson is battling with his wife's death, and Glover having a few personal troubles as well. We see these two friends overcome their own personal struggles, by interacting with easy other, making a great formula for the perfect buddy cop movie.
But the film probably wouldn't stand as high as it does today without the fantastic Shane Black at the helm of the screenplay. Lethal Weapon is Black's first feature screenplay as a writer, and boy does he nail it. Every line is witty, and funny. And every emotional interaction is truthful and heartwarming. To top it all off with Richard Donner in the director's chair, if the cast wasn't spectacular enough the crew shines just as well.
Lethal Weapon is an action-packed, funny, buddy-cop movie that has a little bit of flavor for everyone. With spectacular interactions between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Topped with a brilliant screenplay from Shane Black, and flawless directing by Richard Donner. And with the small hint of Christmas themes thrown in at the end, it makes for not only an enjoyable Christmas watch this time of year, but a classic action film as well.
Joshua's Score: 9/10
Be sure to stay tuned throughout the rest of the month! We're posting a new Christmas review every day, both old and new! Check back to see what movie we'll have you singing carols next!
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