Many action flicks over the years have been called loud and dumb. This is no exception. The "Lethal Weapon" series has never been especially noted for its intellect but it has something that a lot of action films lack: heart. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover's winning chemistry created some of the most tender moments in the series and "Lethal Weapon 2" excels because they make the audience care about their characters. This movie is by far the best in the series with tones of moments registering directly to the viewer. Gibson and Glover provide these characters with depth that could easily have been lacking and the ending of this film leaves the audience actually feeling the love these two men have for each other. And, as a bonus, "Lethal Weapon 2" digs even deeper into one of the protagonist's past, shedding even more light as to why he is the way he is.
190 Reviews
God, I love this job!
MinorityReporter29 May 2005
First of all this movie is almost as good as the original. It retains all of the elements that made the first film so darn entertaining and adds some new elements.
As all actors from the first movie appear in the second one as well its pretty clear what you can expect acting wise and surprise, surprise: The acting is still stellar, close to perfection. Mel Gibson is always good and in the second installment of the series he gets to be a little more wild and add even more nuances to the character. For example we get to see Riggs hit on women which adds an entire new side to him as the side we saw in the first film was of him mourning. Also we find out how his wife dies in a beautifully underacted scene (if you want to know how she dies you'll have to see the movie). Danny Glover returns as well and he plays the character pretty much as he did in the first film which is good because the character he plays is the one who is not supposed to change. He is meant to be square and combined with the character of Riggs this becomes highly entertaining. However, a new element is put into the mix to make it even more entertaining, Leo Getz, played beautifully by Joe Pesci and is to this day still one of his most memorable characters. He is funny and fast talking but most importantly: he is a crook and when you put him together with Riggs and Murtaugh the mix becomes explosive. The main villains are played by Joss Ackland and Derrick O'Connor and they are also good and a bit more developed than the villains of the first movie obviously because they had to focus more on the relationship between Riggs and Murtaugh in the first movie. Riggs' love interest is played Patsy Kensit and she is good if a bit underdeveloped.
The story is excellent and is almost better than the story in the first one. It is entertaining and funny and best of all the incredible chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover is maintained and is almost as good as it was in the first movie. Furthermore the addition of Joe Pesci was a very nice touch because he immediately makes the scenes with him, Gibson and Glover even more interesting and entertaining. The plot with the villains is kept relatively simple like in the first film, which is good because the goal for the film is entertainment not to be thought provoking.
The action of the film is kept in the same style as in the first movie and it is still both exhilarating and entertaining. The effects are still relatively realistic and this of course gives the movie a level of credibility that is sorely needed in many modern action movies.
All in all a worthy sequel and an excellent film on its own.
8/10
As all actors from the first movie appear in the second one as well its pretty clear what you can expect acting wise and surprise, surprise: The acting is still stellar, close to perfection. Mel Gibson is always good and in the second installment of the series he gets to be a little more wild and add even more nuances to the character. For example we get to see Riggs hit on women which adds an entire new side to him as the side we saw in the first film was of him mourning. Also we find out how his wife dies in a beautifully underacted scene (if you want to know how she dies you'll have to see the movie). Danny Glover returns as well and he plays the character pretty much as he did in the first film which is good because the character he plays is the one who is not supposed to change. He is meant to be square and combined with the character of Riggs this becomes highly entertaining. However, a new element is put into the mix to make it even more entertaining, Leo Getz, played beautifully by Joe Pesci and is to this day still one of his most memorable characters. He is funny and fast talking but most importantly: he is a crook and when you put him together with Riggs and Murtaugh the mix becomes explosive. The main villains are played by Joss Ackland and Derrick O'Connor and they are also good and a bit more developed than the villains of the first movie obviously because they had to focus more on the relationship between Riggs and Murtaugh in the first movie. Riggs' love interest is played Patsy Kensit and she is good if a bit underdeveloped.
The story is excellent and is almost better than the story in the first one. It is entertaining and funny and best of all the incredible chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover is maintained and is almost as good as it was in the first movie. Furthermore the addition of Joe Pesci was a very nice touch because he immediately makes the scenes with him, Gibson and Glover even more interesting and entertaining. The plot with the villains is kept relatively simple like in the first film, which is good because the goal for the film is entertainment not to be thought provoking.
The action of the film is kept in the same style as in the first movie and it is still both exhilarating and entertaining. The effects are still relatively realistic and this of course gives the movie a level of credibility that is sorely needed in many modern action movies.
All in all a worthy sequel and an excellent film on its own.
8/10
Don't forget, the "lethal weapon" is Mel Gibson and his gun
secondtake21 December 2013
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
The first half hour of this movie is such an empty mixture of very fast chase scenes and some dull talking between supposed bad guys you might not get to the final hour which is fun and funny and as good (in a way) as the first Lethal Weapon from two years earlier. Same cast, same crew, same assets.
The problem at first is partly that we don't know who the bad guys are. We have no reason to fear or hate them. We just know that Mel and Danny have to be in on some new awful crime situation. That requires faith, so okay, we keep watching. The opening chase is highly kinetic and violent and spectacular, if you like that kind of thing. It is also a heads up for a couple scenes later that are also really spectacular —a ridiculous machine gun festival from a helicopter (if they have helicopters that have rocket grenades and boom, that's that), and a really ridiculous yanking down of a spectacular building with a GMC pickup truck (an amazing highlight of the movie).
Yeah, it's a wonderful mixed bag. By the end I was loving it the way you love things like this—not as film studies, but as a lowbrow good time. There are some classic scenes, also ridiculous—like the great toilet one—and some filler, of course, but it clicks along and is a worthy sequel. If you liked the first, you'll like the second.
However, it's worth saying the first one has an elegance at times that makes it not just more artful (who cares?) but more compelling. Just the way the first scene is handled (in the first movie) makes you want to know what's happening, and you worry about the next few scenes because of the first one. Here, it's more a continuation of affection—which means you might have to see the first one before this, in case you haven't!
The first half hour of this movie is such an empty mixture of very fast chase scenes and some dull talking between supposed bad guys you might not get to the final hour which is fun and funny and as good (in a way) as the first Lethal Weapon from two years earlier. Same cast, same crew, same assets.
The problem at first is partly that we don't know who the bad guys are. We have no reason to fear or hate them. We just know that Mel and Danny have to be in on some new awful crime situation. That requires faith, so okay, we keep watching. The opening chase is highly kinetic and violent and spectacular, if you like that kind of thing. It is also a heads up for a couple scenes later that are also really spectacular —a ridiculous machine gun festival from a helicopter (if they have helicopters that have rocket grenades and boom, that's that), and a really ridiculous yanking down of a spectacular building with a GMC pickup truck (an amazing highlight of the movie).
Yeah, it's a wonderful mixed bag. By the end I was loving it the way you love things like this—not as film studies, but as a lowbrow good time. There are some classic scenes, also ridiculous—like the great toilet one—and some filler, of course, but it clicks along and is a worthy sequel. If you liked the first, you'll like the second.
However, it's worth saying the first one has an elegance at times that makes it not just more artful (who cares?) but more compelling. Just the way the first scene is handled (in the first movie) makes you want to know what's happening, and you worry about the next few scenes because of the first one. Here, it's more a continuation of affection—which means you might have to see the first one before this, in case you haven't!
Slightly better than the first
zetes11 May 2008
A worthy sequel. In fact, I think it's a bit of an improvement, with tighter plotting and more kinetic action sequences. I also liked, to my surprise, the addition of Joe Pesci as a witness Riggs and Murtaugh are protecting. Yes, he's more than a tad annoying, but he's annoying in a mostly funny way. I also very much liked Mel Gibson's love interest, played by the cute Brit Patsy Kensit, who unfortunately never made it very big. The sequence with the bomb attached to Murtaugh's toilet is classic, and the shot with the woman cop getting blown off her diving board is (unintentionally) hilarious. Also side-splitting: the aging henchman played by Derrick O'Connor, who becomes a master of kung fu whenever the shot gets dark enough for a stunt double to take his place.
Pure Magic
oonagimakii11 February 2003
The first one was hard core. It was all about drugs, intrigue and Vietnam. It was also about Riggs' suicidal tendencies. It was serious. Too serious. That was awesome. This one is about a lighter, gentler Riggs. The same Murtaugh I'm afraid but a lighter gentler Riggs-for a while that is. Reasons why this film is better than the original: 1. Leo Getz, 2. Same chemistry but with a tighter bond, 3. Comic relief, 4. Truly despicable villains, 5. Revenge story that pops out of nowhere really (this is quite surprising for a Gibson flick mind you). This one's the best of the series. Part three was a joke. Part four...I dunno what the hell that one was. Part one was pure setup baby. This is the one. >
Great chemistry enhanced by funny Joe Pesci
SnoopyStyle1 January 2014
Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are back. The movie opens with the cops in hot pursuit of some drugs. It ends up with a big action chase and a helicopter to fly the bad guys away. The bad guys are South African and they threaten Murtaugh and his family. So the captain gives them an easy job babysitting a witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) who turns out to have laundered around half a billion dollar worth of drug money. And somebody immediately tries to kill him.
The chemistry is still great for the two guys. The car chase scene right off the bat only highlights their relationship. Joe Pesci adds a fun comedic element into this duo. This is energetic fun. It's funny, and it has good action. The only thing off is the South African bad guy. He is too much like a Bond villain. That's a different franchise.
The chemistry is still great for the two guys. The car chase scene right off the bat only highlights their relationship. Joe Pesci adds a fun comedic element into this duo. This is energetic fun. It's funny, and it has good action. The only thing off is the South African bad guy. He is too much like a Bond villain. That's a different franchise.
A complete review in as short as possible...
PeoplesBadmash7 August 1999
Lethal Weapon 2: A complete review in as short as possible
If you're looking for an extremely enjoyable movie, in all aspects of the word "enjoyable" i seriously recommend this masterpiece! It has everything anyone can ask for: a star-studded cast, excellent performances, masterful directions, engrossing story, amazing action-sequences, witty dialogue, sensational sound track, and this is just the beginning! And if this is not MAGIC then I don't know what is!
Gibson's Riggs and Glover's Murtaugh are amazing, the chemistry here is absolutely amazing! Each complements the other perfectly and the inclusion of Pesci's Getz is the best thing that could have ever happened to the movie.
It's not just the performances either. LW2 is an excellent follow-up to the original that spawned 4 sequels and is a MUST-SEE. As a matter of fact, I personally find it to be the best movie throughout the series. Do not pass this one up!
Oomph!-scale (from 5) : *****
If you're looking for an extremely enjoyable movie, in all aspects of the word "enjoyable" i seriously recommend this masterpiece! It has everything anyone can ask for: a star-studded cast, excellent performances, masterful directions, engrossing story, amazing action-sequences, witty dialogue, sensational sound track, and this is just the beginning! And if this is not MAGIC then I don't know what is!
Gibson's Riggs and Glover's Murtaugh are amazing, the chemistry here is absolutely amazing! Each complements the other perfectly and the inclusion of Pesci's Getz is the best thing that could have ever happened to the movie.
It's not just the performances either. LW2 is an excellent follow-up to the original that spawned 4 sequels and is a MUST-SEE. As a matter of fact, I personally find it to be the best movie throughout the series. Do not pass this one up!
Oomph!-scale (from 5) : *****
A sequel that is just as good as the original
TheLittleSongbird10 July 2017
Coming from somebody who really enjoyed the first 'Lethal Weapon', while not considering it quite perfect, this is quite high praise. Although there are sequels that are as good as their predecessors is nearly better ('Godfather Part II', 'Terminator 2', 'Aliens') there are many others that don't measure up and some even disgracing them.
'Lethal Weapon 2', thank goodness, is not one of those films. But saying that it is almost as good as the first 'Lethal Weapon' is genuinely meant, even if it is not in the same league as the three sequels listed above that are almost as good and nearly better. 'Lethal Weapon 2' has its faults but the good things are many and very obvious to spot.
It is let down a little by a script that's at times inconsistent, with the tone sometimes forced and confused and like it's trying to do too much. While the action is mostly great, the helicopter scene is somewhat implausible, more so than most of the script in the first film.
Most of the performances are spot on, but two didn't really do it for me. One was Patsy Kensit, who is attractive but looks lost. The other is Joss Ackland's hammy villain who looks like he belongs in another film entirely. Not things that everybody is going to share but just personal opinion.
However, like 'Lethal Weapon', the way 'Lethal Weapon 2' is shot and designed screams slick and stylish while Richard Donner once again directs with an assured hand. The score is atmospheric and groovy.
Despite not finding all the script working, a lot of it does with some cracking, sometimes hilarious humour, tension and dark pathos. The story is tightly structured and plotted, with some great tension and always being fun. Loved the bathroom scene, one of the best and most unique on film.
Once again, the action is slick and bursts with excitement and tension, apart from one that suffers from excessive implausibility. It is very easy to see why the chalk and cheese chemistry of the polar opposite characters of Riggs and Murtaugh became so popular, very rarely in a buddy-cop film has this kind of chemistry been so entertaining and perfectly pitched.
Mel Gibson continues to excel in a performance as witty and intense has before. Danny Glover gives Murtaugh the right amount of spirit, subtlety and no-nonsense attitude. They are matched well by Joe Pesci, who is a motormouth delight, and Derrick O'Connor who gives much more of a sinister edge than Ackland (have noticed that in both films that the henchman has always been the more memorable and better played than the lead villain).
In summary, very well done and just as good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Lethal Weapon 2', thank goodness, is not one of those films. But saying that it is almost as good as the first 'Lethal Weapon' is genuinely meant, even if it is not in the same league as the three sequels listed above that are almost as good and nearly better. 'Lethal Weapon 2' has its faults but the good things are many and very obvious to spot.
It is let down a little by a script that's at times inconsistent, with the tone sometimes forced and confused and like it's trying to do too much. While the action is mostly great, the helicopter scene is somewhat implausible, more so than most of the script in the first film.
Most of the performances are spot on, but two didn't really do it for me. One was Patsy Kensit, who is attractive but looks lost. The other is Joss Ackland's hammy villain who looks like he belongs in another film entirely. Not things that everybody is going to share but just personal opinion.
However, like 'Lethal Weapon', the way 'Lethal Weapon 2' is shot and designed screams slick and stylish while Richard Donner once again directs with an assured hand. The score is atmospheric and groovy.
Despite not finding all the script working, a lot of it does with some cracking, sometimes hilarious humour, tension and dark pathos. The story is tightly structured and plotted, with some great tension and always being fun. Loved the bathroom scene, one of the best and most unique on film.
Once again, the action is slick and bursts with excitement and tension, apart from one that suffers from excessive implausibility. It is very easy to see why the chalk and cheese chemistry of the polar opposite characters of Riggs and Murtaugh became so popular, very rarely in a buddy-cop film has this kind of chemistry been so entertaining and perfectly pitched.
Mel Gibson continues to excel in a performance as witty and intense has before. Danny Glover gives Murtaugh the right amount of spirit, subtlety and no-nonsense attitude. They are matched well by Joe Pesci, who is a motormouth delight, and Derrick O'Connor who gives much more of a sinister edge than Ackland (have noticed that in both films that the henchman has always been the more memorable and better played than the lead villain).
In summary, very well done and just as good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Best episode in the Lethal Weapon Saga
OMTR4 March 2019
Two years after having "shot Air America down" in LA, Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh are cracking down on another fascist gang: White supremacist South-African Nazis who are drug dealers hiding behind diplomatic immunity. In this second episode, Martin finds a new love interest embodied by sweet and lovely Patsy Kensit A great antifacist and antiracist movie, and one of the best films of 1989 (a great year at the movies).
Rather disjointed but still enjoyable
AlsExGal30 October 2022
The first one had a completely fresh and enjoyable concept - What happens when you pair an older cop who has a family that he loves and who just wants to live to see retirement (Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh) with a younger cop who has nothing to lose after the death of his wife and seems to have a death wish himself (Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs)?
So this film picks up where the first one left off, with Riggs still doing wild and crazy things, yet he now seems to want to live. He has also found a taste of family in his partner's wife and kids and spends lots of free time with them. To me those small scenes between Riggs and Martaugh's family are the best in the film.
The film's villain was a favorite punching bag of the day - and rightfully so - apartheid enforcing South Africa. So unless you know something of how that country was run historically, this plot might not make much sense to you. The actual villain is Arjen Rudd, a South African diplomat and the corrupt Minister of Affairs for the South African consulate in Los Angeles. He uses diplomatic immunity to manage to do all kinds of illegal racketeering and murder in defense of that racketeering . Now this is not really how diplomatic immunity works. The first time the diplomat is arrested, the country of origin has a choice. If it cares about its reputation and thinks the charges are valid, that country could allow you to be charged in America. If they don't care or don't think that the charges are valid, you would be protected by diplomatic immunity that first time. But then the country in which you are serving - in this case America - could just kick you out in which you can kiss your criminal career goodbye. But if this happened then we would have no plot.
I always thought the movie seemed disjointed, especially towards the end. Then I learned that it was originally intended that this would be the only sequel and so the script was changed multiple times, resulting in an ending that just didn't ring true to me. But it is still a pretty good action buddy flick.
So this film picks up where the first one left off, with Riggs still doing wild and crazy things, yet he now seems to want to live. He has also found a taste of family in his partner's wife and kids and spends lots of free time with them. To me those small scenes between Riggs and Martaugh's family are the best in the film.
The film's villain was a favorite punching bag of the day - and rightfully so - apartheid enforcing South Africa. So unless you know something of how that country was run historically, this plot might not make much sense to you. The actual villain is Arjen Rudd, a South African diplomat and the corrupt Minister of Affairs for the South African consulate in Los Angeles. He uses diplomatic immunity to manage to do all kinds of illegal racketeering and murder in defense of that racketeering . Now this is not really how diplomatic immunity works. The first time the diplomat is arrested, the country of origin has a choice. If it cares about its reputation and thinks the charges are valid, that country could allow you to be charged in America. If they don't care or don't think that the charges are valid, you would be protected by diplomatic immunity that first time. But then the country in which you are serving - in this case America - could just kick you out in which you can kiss your criminal career goodbye. But if this happened then we would have no plot.
I always thought the movie seemed disjointed, especially towards the end. Then I learned that it was originally intended that this would be the only sequel and so the script was changed multiple times, resulting in an ending that just didn't ring true to me. But it is still a pretty good action buddy flick.
A really lethal sequel
coverme68 August 2000
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return to kick heads and shoot bad guys for the second time, as Riggs and Murtaugh, the "Oscar and Felix" of law enforcement in "Lethal Weapon 2." This time
around, the boys are forced to become the 3 Stooges when they are assigned to guard a feisty, foul-mouthed federal witness named Leo Getz (the frantic Joe Pesci) from a group of sadistic Afrikaner thugs (led by the usually dark-natured character actor Joss Acklund). At the same time, Riggs meets a new love named
Rika (the hot Patsy Kensit), who happens to be a pawn in the
villain's dangerous games.
The action is faster and more furious in this sequel to the
slam-bang original. Even the banter gets a boost, thanks to the
added comedic riff by Pesci. Watch for his slightly annoying,
yet hilarious speech on a Subway tunafish sandwich!
around, the boys are forced to become the 3 Stooges when they are assigned to guard a feisty, foul-mouthed federal witness named Leo Getz (the frantic Joe Pesci) from a group of sadistic Afrikaner thugs (led by the usually dark-natured character actor Joss Acklund). At the same time, Riggs meets a new love named
Rika (the hot Patsy Kensit), who happens to be a pawn in the
villain's dangerous games.
The action is faster and more furious in this sequel to the
slam-bang original. Even the banter gets a boost, thanks to the
added comedic riff by Pesci. Watch for his slightly annoying,
yet hilarious speech on a Subway tunafish sandwich!
Not as awesome as the first movie but still a great ride
juneebuggy7 June 2015
This didn't live up to the awesomeness of the first film for me but it was still a hell of a ride. Unfortunately there's so many big action scenes here that it loses a bit of its charm, heading into over-the-top territory. Joe Pesci's character didn't help either, and I found his interaction, as the third wheel with Riggs and Murtaugh extremely annoying. Thankfully the plot moves along at a supercharged rate and he gets overshadowed.
Still this is better than a lot of sequels, as LA detective Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) reprise their roles and chemistry this time battling a vicious South African drug cartel.
I also enjoyed the quieter side here and seeing how Martin's relationship (and mental status) had progressed, in particular in his scenes with Rogers wife and family. Sadly he has bad luck in love again and a sore shoulder. 07.13
Still this is better than a lot of sequels, as LA detective Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) reprise their roles and chemistry this time battling a vicious South African drug cartel.
I also enjoyed the quieter side here and seeing how Martin's relationship (and mental status) had progressed, in particular in his scenes with Rogers wife and family. Sadly he has bad luck in love again and a sore shoulder. 07.13
On a par with the first.
BA_Harrison1 October 2013
With the possible exception of Martin Rigg's mullet, which actually looks like it's been given a bit of a trim, everything about Lethal Weapon 2 is bigger than the first movie: the explosions are more explosive, the shoot-outs more shooty, the car crashes more crashy, the widdly guitar more widdly, and the warbling sax more warbly. As 80s action flicks go, this is definitely one of the best for spectacular vehicular chaos, ballistic mayhem, random acts of death and destruction, and tuneless music.
Jeffrey Boam's script delivers on all counts, matching Shane Black's original in terms of wit, pathos, and excitement, and although it does introduce what would become one of the most irritating characters in cinematic history—fast talking money launderer Leo Getz (Joe Pesci)—at least Boam has the good sense to inflict a lot of pain and suffering on the guy in the process, Leo getting more than a few bruises as the story progresses.
Seasoned Hollywood director Richard Donner handles proceedings well, balancing the light-hearted moments and the gritty action just right (a trick he seems to have forgotten come part 3), and with the benefit of a bigger budget than before, he gets to pull off some truly impressive action scenes, including the amazing destruction of an entire house on stilts.
Part 2 also benefits immensely from a pair of memorable villains—South African diplomat Arjen Rudd, played by Joss Ackland, and his truly wicked henchman/assassin Pieter (Derrick O'Connor), and the welcome presence of the wooden but still very lovely Patsy Kensit, who very kindly strips off for a sex scene (the price we must pay for that pleasure is yet another Mel Gibson ass shot, but at least it's only a side view— not a full on crack shot like in the first film!).
Jeffrey Boam's script delivers on all counts, matching Shane Black's original in terms of wit, pathos, and excitement, and although it does introduce what would become one of the most irritating characters in cinematic history—fast talking money launderer Leo Getz (Joe Pesci)—at least Boam has the good sense to inflict a lot of pain and suffering on the guy in the process, Leo getting more than a few bruises as the story progresses.
Seasoned Hollywood director Richard Donner handles proceedings well, balancing the light-hearted moments and the gritty action just right (a trick he seems to have forgotten come part 3), and with the benefit of a bigger budget than before, he gets to pull off some truly impressive action scenes, including the amazing destruction of an entire house on stilts.
Part 2 also benefits immensely from a pair of memorable villains—South African diplomat Arjen Rudd, played by Joss Ackland, and his truly wicked henchman/assassin Pieter (Derrick O'Connor), and the welcome presence of the wooden but still very lovely Patsy Kensit, who very kindly strips off for a sex scene (the price we must pay for that pleasure is yet another Mel Gibson ass shot, but at least it's only a side view— not a full on crack shot like in the first film!).
Lethal Weapon 2 review
renegadeviking-271-52856813 March 2023
I must say that I enjoyed this one, though I was shocked, too. Now that I am older and I understand the nature of my country, to see a film focused so heavily on South African baddies pre the fall of Apartheid was heavy. Now, if you're from South Africa, just about any movies that refer back to our country way back in the day are bound to peeve you. They are usually stacked full of white guilt and terribly done, too, or done by people that don't get the history so it becomes a hollow experience. Well, Lethal Weapon 2 didn't try to be a very serious drama or anything. In fact, it took South African dudes as the bad guys and their awful racial biases and gave us a comedy. There are ridiculous accents (yes, Luke, it is an age old problem) to boot, though they did get some of the pronunciation down, and I laughed at the Afrikaans tossed in there. I was shocked at the rate the k-word was dropped because here, by us? Say it in the streets. I dare you. Either you are going to get your ass handed to you or you are going to land up fighting a massive legal battle. True story. The plot was alright here, and I liked the small little things that they did to make it authentic for the South African bad guy - how dangerous the country was then (when Murtaugh went with Leo to "move" to SA) and the shipping containers being "Transvaal Lines" and the Afrikaans cussing... very cool. I actually laughed with Murtaugh at his final joke for the movie - racial punning but it was funny. I am probably going to be shot. I liked the reveal of more of Riggs's past and the death of his wife, that was a little heavy. I was a huge fan of the partnership between Riggs and Murtaugh, obviously, and there were so many things that made me laugh (that commercial!), which is something I really value in a movie. Joe Pesci is introduced here, and while his character irritated me at times, I think he worked really well overall. It is such a cool thing for me to see how tight Riggs and Murtaugh are, and how Murtaugh's family has taken Riggs in. He really is a part of them. The humour was good, the action was well worth it, there was some cheese, pretty thin ideas and crazy shootouts and investigation techniques. The plot wasn't bad either, and there were some pretty intense South African throwbacks. Overall, I think that this holds up really well after all the years, so definitely an action film to check out and enjoy!
Double the lethal, double the weapon, double the fun! :D
Smells_Like_Cheese7 July 2005
A terrific sequel to one of the first action duo films that worked well. Adding Joe Pesci to the cast, what a great choice! He was so funny, together, Mel, Danny, and Joe are the three stooges of Lethal Weapon. They work together so well. This movie has everything that you could want: action, romance, comedy, and drama.
Again, like in my last Lethal Weapon comment, must we go on for ten sentences? I mean, is it just me or isn't that a little silly? I think so. It's like, you can't just put down you liked the movie or hated it? I miss the old IMDb! *sob!*
8/10
PS: Ask me questions about the movie if you have doubts about me witnessing it's glory.
Again, like in my last Lethal Weapon comment, must we go on for ten sentences? I mean, is it just me or isn't that a little silly? I think so. It's like, you can't just put down you liked the movie or hated it? I miss the old IMDb! *sob!*
8/10
PS: Ask me questions about the movie if you have doubts about me witnessing it's glory.
a great action sequal
thewalkingpuns18 October 2022
Just as fun as the first one , this movie manages to pull out all the punches to deliever an entertaining sequal once more our friends gibson and glover are back at it to stop the bad guys before it is too late. And this time around there is a new addition to the crew. Joe pesci is a pretty good addition and his chemistry works with the other two, I look forword to seeing him in the other films. We have great action scenes and jokes once more and a poor mertof getting caught in a compromising position involing a bomb. A young dean norris also appears and is fun for the time we see him. Overall this is what a good action sequal is and another classic.
A winning formula - better than the original
941578 December 1999
When I saw the first Lethal Weapon movie (admittedly I was underaged at the time) I thought a better flick could never be dreamed of. I was wrong, its all here the chemistry between Glover & Gibson is better than ever, the action is faster and to my lasting surprise the comedy has been much improved.
The inclusion of Joe Peschi as the whinny Leo Getz was a master stroke and finally completed the picture.
SEE IT!
The inclusion of Joe Peschi as the whinny Leo Getz was a master stroke and finally completed the picture.
SEE IT!
Not as Classic, but Still Good
gavin69423 August 2016
Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are on the trail of South African diplomats who are using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.
This is not as "classic" as the original, and lacks that Christmas element, but we have some new fun. Joe Pesci is here, though not used to his fullest. The "diplomatic immunity" idea is great, and there still remains debate to this day (2016) if such a thing could be used to facilitate crime. Allegedly, the Chicago mob used this method in Panama.
But the key scene that makes this film memorable is the "toilet bomb" scene. If nothing else, that one scene will make this go down in history as one of the essential buddy cop movies.
This is not as "classic" as the original, and lacks that Christmas element, but we have some new fun. Joe Pesci is here, though not used to his fullest. The "diplomatic immunity" idea is great, and there still remains debate to this day (2016) if such a thing could be used to facilitate crime. Allegedly, the Chicago mob used this method in Panama.
But the key scene that makes this film memorable is the "toilet bomb" scene. If nothing else, that one scene will make this go down in history as one of the essential buddy cop movies.
Best of the Series!
abrahamset16 February 2019
This is my fave of all of the Lethal Weapon movies. It has the great action of the first one and the comedy is even better. Joe Pesci is very funny, and unlike the later movies where they use him too much and he gets old, he doesn't get too annoying in this one, and he stays funny. Great performances, great action and comedy story. Glover and Gibson are great.
lethal weapon 2
marmar-697805 January 2020
Lethal weapon 2 is a worthy sucessor to first one and it is as much as fun as previous one,this film is at quality almost equal to first but i had some staff that could be changed,even if i like pesci in most of films he was in,in this one he was to much for me and his character was least person in film that was intersting and he in moments become annoying with his way of speeking,he reminded me of his persona in goodfellas but in that film it worked a lot better,villains in this film are supirior then in last one and they suceed to make me to hate them,lethal weapon 2 is a very good sequal that showed again great chemistry and action setpieces
Not bad, some interesting points
Ampers16 February 2003
The first point I found interesting is that it was evident they used real South Africans as extras in the film. In one scene one of the extras called out "Jou Moer" to our intrepid heroes.
"Jou Moer" translates into English, quite unmistakenly, as "You C*nt". As this was still in it, years later, when I just saw it for the second time, I feel that nobody in America check unidentified words for their true meaning.
This has given many South Africans high amusement over the years and they may not be well disposed towards me for spilling the beans.
Another thing was that Patsy Kensit played the part of an Afrikaaner (A Dutch descent South African and, whilst an English descent South African might say she (or he) hates his country, an Afrikaaner would never say that. He or she might say they hate the government but they would NEVER say they hate their country.
But apart from that, a good film, and it gave me so much amusement to see they hadn't cut out the offending word.
From an English rooinek.
Andrew
"Jou Moer" translates into English, quite unmistakenly, as "You C*nt". As this was still in it, years later, when I just saw it for the second time, I feel that nobody in America check unidentified words for their true meaning.
This has given many South Africans high amusement over the years and they may not be well disposed towards me for spilling the beans.
Another thing was that Patsy Kensit played the part of an Afrikaaner (A Dutch descent South African and, whilst an English descent South African might say she (or he) hates his country, an Afrikaaner would never say that. He or she might say they hate the government but they would NEVER say they hate their country.
But apart from that, a good film, and it gave me so much amusement to see they hadn't cut out the offending word.
From an English rooinek.
Andrew
All over the shop crazy, but still fun.
FieldCannotBeLeftBlank30 December 2021
All we need to know is that the bad guys are bad, the good guys are crazy but good, and Joe Pesci is Joe Pesci. Some political commentary on the death throes of apartheid, which just reinforces that the villains have no hope of redemption. Part of the genre-defining buddy movies of the end of the 80s, where no heart-ache, post traumatic stress, survivor guilt, or losing loved ones or property to violence can't be solved in an instant with a cold beer and a quip from your partner. Suspend disbelief, switch off most of your cortex and jump in for the ride!
An action gem
DarthVoorhees25 September 2015
'Lethal Weapon 2' is the absolute perfect example of why the eighties were the renaissance of the action film. I've seen so many bad action films that it becomes hard to decipher what makes an excellent one but I feel that 'Lethal Weapon 2' should be studied as an example. It has all the ingredients I think are essential to making a good action film. The movie most importantly has incredible loud action sequences that have weight because they aren't mired in computer effects or post production trickery and have stunt performers. It also isn't fearful in indulging in violence without being gratuitous. It isn't realistic and there's theatricality but it's not at the two extremes of cartoony blood or PG-13 action fast cuts when someone gets shot. It has grit and blood but it's also so alive with great characters.
Most importantly are the characters and the acting. This film solves the problem of the first film in having memorable villains. The whole South Africa apartheid villainy is played for all the hate you can project on these goofy characters. Joss Ackland is so delightful. His performance masterfully skates at being just campy enough to get all the smiles you can without going into the ridiculous. But of course the bulk of the praise must go to the leads. Glover and Gibson are so charismatic and likable that the scenes where they drive to the shoot outs are still highly entertaining.
I had a ball revisiting this one.
Most importantly are the characters and the acting. This film solves the problem of the first film in having memorable villains. The whole South Africa apartheid villainy is played for all the hate you can project on these goofy characters. Joss Ackland is so delightful. His performance masterfully skates at being just campy enough to get all the smiles you can without going into the ridiculous. But of course the bulk of the praise must go to the leads. Glover and Gibson are so charismatic and likable that the scenes where they drive to the shoot outs are still highly entertaining.
I had a ball revisiting this one.
A great sequel
deatman922 November 2012
This is the second of the Lethal Weapon movies and it is just as good if not better then the first and thats not something you see often with sequels so this was a pleasant surprise. Glover and Gibson are back as a crime fighting duo who fight crime, make jokes and have a very powerful friendship.
This movie is about Riggs and Murtaugh who are after South African diplomats who are using their diplomatic immunity to commit crimes in American without being arrested.
This is a great sequel to the original. Not only is this a great action movie but also has comedy and a very good story of friendship between the two cops.
This movie is about Riggs and Murtaugh who are after South African diplomats who are using their diplomatic immunity to commit crimes in American without being arrested.
This is a great sequel to the original. Not only is this a great action movie but also has comedy and a very good story of friendship between the two cops.
A fine Sequel
mjw230523 January 2005
Riggs and Murtaugh now face a bunch of south African criminals hiding behind their diplomatic immunity. The duo have to fight for their right to fight back, as the criminals declare war on the cops, and arouse the lethal weapon in Riggs.
The introdction of Joe Pesci's character is a little annoying at first but it soon grows on you and he adds a focus for the comedy element.
Richard Donner again directs the cop duo and again we have a movie well worth watching.
Plenty of action, a few more laughs and a lethal weapon that is still just as sharp, all combine to deliver another great outing for Riggs and Murtaugh.
8/10
The introdction of Joe Pesci's character is a little annoying at first but it soon grows on you and he adds a focus for the comedy element.
Richard Donner again directs the cop duo and again we have a movie well worth watching.
Plenty of action, a few more laughs and a lethal weapon that is still just as sharp, all combine to deliver another great outing for Riggs and Murtaugh.
8/10
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