Lethal Weapon 2 (Director's Cut) Reviews



Amazon.com Customer Reviews

Varying Quality - Review written on January 07, 2008
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

Overall, a good movie; however the visual clarity was somewhat mixed.

I have a 46" Sharp LCD paired with a PS3 via HDMI, other movies look excellent, little to no visual artifacts (Planet Earth, The Christmas Story, Oceans 13, Casino Royale, 5th Element, etc); however it was very clear in the opening scenes that it was pretty much just an upscale, not a native remaster.

Overall, I didn't have it already, so now I do, but some scenes were cleaner than others (ie: the infamous Mel and the girl getting shot at in their trainer; clearly remasterd, very clean)

I give it a 4 star since it looks better than when I saw it in the theatre
The Return of Murtaugh and Riggs - Review written on December 27, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

With the success of the original film, Warner Brothers knew they had a good thing going and brought back Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Riggs (Mel Gibson) for another go around. Like all of the LETHAL WEAPON movies, LETHAL WEAPON 2 has the duo trying to bring down a drug cartel. Like the group in the first movie, this group is international in scope, but this time around the ring leaders also happen to be diplomats of the South African government and are seemingly immune to the local laws. Still, just to be sure they do everything they can to get rid of Murtaugh and Riggs so that their thriving and extremely profitable business survives.

The film also has a couple of subplots. Early in the film, Riggs and Murtaugh are assigned to protect a federal informant. That man turns out to be Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). Getz's role could easily have been a minor part, but Pesci pours on the charm and steals almost every scene he is in. Getz provided Pesci with a character that seem to have a perfect balance between the edgy Pesci characters we see in films such as GOODFELLAS and his comedic talents. The other subplot involves Riggs romantic involvement with a secretary of the South Africans, Rika van den Haas (Patsy Kensit). Their relationship doesn't last the film, but is important because it shows that Riggs is beginning to live with the death of his wife and move on with his life.

LETHAL WEAPON 2 built on the success of the first film and just made everything better. There are some unforgettable scenes in the movie, such as the famous "toilet scene" or the scene where Riggs "brings down the house" which have become classic movie moments. The film also proved that the chemistry between Glover and Gibson wasn't just a fluke.

LETHAL WEAPON 2 also had something that the first movie didn't: a message. The film was made at the height that apartheid in South Africa was on the verge of coming to an end. It's the only movie I know of that used the bigotry of the government establishment of old South Africa as the source for film villains. The movie tries to point out how bad apartheid is. Of course, the message is really just superficial because this is an action movie after all. Probably the real reason the bad guys were South Africans was because the Cold War was coming to an end and you can't pick on the Russians when they're not your enemies anymore. Which also partially explains why the bad guys in the 3rd installment turn out to be ex-cops.
Lethal Weapn 2 - Review written on December 06, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

I bought this for my husband & he loves it and can't wait to get the rest in this series!!!!!
"Jagged" 1080i master makes for a poor and unacceptable Blu-ray debut for Riggs & Murtaugh - Review written on July 26, 2007
*
Rating: 1 out of 5
12 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

After recently purchasing a PlayStation3 primarily for its functionality as a Blu-ray high-definition movie disc player, I was really looking forward to seeing some of my all-time favorite films on the new format. I mean, Blu-ray has 50gb of storage capacity on one side of a disc, enough room to pack a pristine 1080p video print and uncompressed 7.1 PCM audio, not to mention loads of extras... Having said that, Warner Home Video really let me down with their first issue of 1989's "Lethal Weapon 2" on Blu-ray disc. This is exactly what I feared they would do. Rather than do the job right the first time out, consumers are being setup for an obvious double-dip on several titles, including the first two "Lethal Weapon" films.

I grew up watching a VHS of "Lethal Weapon 2" with my older brother. He and I both loved this movie and used to watch it constantly, so naturally over the years we hope and pray for vastly improved ways to watch this 18-year old favorite. This Blu-ray disc is NOT that vast improvement we've been waiting for. From the opening frame, what we get is an image so jagged and grainy that it tempted me to insert my "Lethal Weapon 2: Director's Cut" DVD and see if the 480p image upconverted to 1080p was any better. So I did that, and while the DVD did make the Blu-ray presentation look good, that's not saying much. While there's a lot more detail and color depth in the Blu-ray version, there is also the huge distraction of seeing jagged edges around everything and everyone on screen. Just look at the opening frame of the film, where it says "A Time Warner Communications..." etc, and look at the text. Skip into the film a few chapters where we see a fax printing out of a fax machine, and look at the jagged edges around the printed page, everything on Murtaugh's desk... The list of flaws is endless, because it goes on throughout the entire film. Did anyone actually watch this master before sending it off to the Blu-ray duplication factory? The biggest reason why I would consider upgrading my DVD library to Blu-ray is for film-like images and detail, and this is one title where the studio needs to mint a brand new master from the ground-up if we're ever to see a better presentation. I have two words for Warner Bros: Lowry Digital. See what they did for James Bond? Enough said. Incidentally, after watching the film, I did some searching online to find out if other's have complained about this problem. I found out the technical reason for this is that Warner simply took an existing 1080i master and put it through a process of "vertical filtering" to convert it to 1080p. They did the same thing with the first "Lethal Weapon" film, along with at least five other Blu-ray transfers created from 1080i masters, so I'd be cautious of which early Warner titles you pick up on Blu-ray.

For this initial wave of Blu-ray titles, Warner also decided to do nothing with the format's audio capabilities. Instead, we just get the same Dolby Digital 5.1 track with slightly more detail, but not enough of an improvement to really notice. Where's the Dolby TrueHD or uncompressed 5.1 PCM audio tracks? On top of that, where are the audio commentaries? Come on, "Lethal Weapon 2" is a modern classic, surely deserving an audio commentary with Richard Donner, Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, etc. Instead, we get a French language track. Lame.

The extras are equally as unspectacular as the picture and sound. I just don't get how some films are treated to 2-3 re-releases over 10 years, yet the "Lethal Weapon" franchise goes by hugely overlooked in the Special Edition department.

Bottom-line: Don't buy it. I bought it, and I'm returning it. Hold out until Warner gets their act together, creates new 1080p masters from cleaner elements, and gives us a deluxe box set of all four films with new extras. They've proved they can do it with other films, so I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before Riggs & Murtaugh get their due respect on high-def disc.
Lethal Weapon 2 [HD DVD] - Review written on July 13, 2007
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5

As with the first Lethal Weapon (LW1) HD DVD transfer the picture and sound quality is not too bad, possible could be better but ok. I am rather dissapointed with the fact that there are no real extras on either this or LW1. I would of thought that as this is on HD DVD rather than just DVD they would of made the effort to put more extra features on considering the room, maybe the price should be lowered when they don't have extras. Apart from that it was good to watch the film again as it is possible my favourite of all of the LW films. I hope they will release the rest on HD DVD soon.
bruce willis you got competition - Review written on May 04, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

For those of you that are over 17 or grew up watching the die hard movies or were able to see rated r movies when you were three years under age because your parents thought you were mature enough this movie is for you. Do to heavy violencen action seqeunces, occasional language this movie might not be appropriate or may be questionable to children under the age of 17 depending on what there parents or guardian think is appropriate. This is and very old dvd it celebrate it's 7th anniversary in DVD format this year. Since this dvd is old and there are plenty of copies tdue to it's high popularity you probably should not pay more than $25 dollars for a copy of this unless you are bying the whole quadrilogy at once and not just the second film. Try to get this used to if possible and not in new condition because some the copies can be over 25 dollars. Mel Gibson an Danny glover take up there gones again in this action packed seqeul to the original movie. Can young Revis and his partner stop a drug gain from smugglig out of the country find out in this action packed sligtly extended version. If you liked the die hard movies and the robo cops which were good until the fourth installment then they went done hill you will enjoy this.
Still working the bad hair Mel? - Review written on April 25, 2007
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5

Before controversial religious films, arrests for being drunk amongst other things, and lots of negative press reared their ugly heads, Mel Gibson was one of the biggest stars in the film world. Personally I haven't liked a couple of his films so far (Mad Max - apart from the leather trousers) but Braveheart more than makes up for. Yes I know it's cliched, but I love that story! Soppy romantic at heart here, hi!

I was not that keen on the first Lethal Weapon movie, but this one was a lot exciting, apart from the South African politics. And Mel's hair. What's worse, that or his hair in Braveheart? Let me ponder that for a while.

About half way through - okay, the scene with Danny Glover sitting on the toilet - I realised I'd already seen it many years ago! Back in the *good* old days of high school, when nothing could ever replace video, and my mate and me had nothing better to do that rent Mel Gibson movies. And of course I remembered Miss Wooden, Patsy Kensit. (She's starring in some British TV shows and she still hasn't taken any acting classes.) Her final scene still freaks me out in the film as it does when I was at high school. I still didn't remember that much of it - I definitely didn't remember Joe Pesci's character being that irritating! SIT! STAY!

Lethal Weapon 2 is better than the first, and all the better for watching in HD - beats video anyday - but I still feel the ending felt ever so slightly wrong. He was meant to be killed off at the end, and it does feel like he should have been, rather than survive. But I guess the director saw dollar signs before his eyes, and made two more, which according to my boyfriend, sound pretty dismal. There are some scenes for the ladeez of Mel with a certain lack of clothes, so enjoy. And Patsy Kensit for the guys. It's definitely the better of the two.
They're back, they're bad. He's black, he's mad. - Review written on April 24, 2007
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

The topical plot of Lethal Weapon 2 may seem a little dated now, but Soud Av-ree-gan villains are always despicable and who doesn't love to them get blown away.

In this second installment in the LW series, Riggs and Murtaugh babysit FBI witness Leo Getz (a wimpy, eager to be friends Joe Pesci), much to their displeasure. Stuck with nothing much to do, they decide to investigate the criminals Leo is testifying against-a rude lot of Soud Av-ree-gan diplomats with immunity to commit as many crimes as they want. Riggs also takes a fancy to their secretary Rika (Patsy Kensit), but obviously their romance isn't going to last. She might as well have a death-clock counting down on her forehead.

Richard Donner seems more involved in making LW2 a better film than the original. This time he shoots in Panavision (why he didn't do this first time around I don't know), allows more time for character development and tries hard to make a political message out of the South African Apartheid situation. Even in his previous film Scrooged, which came out a year earlier, he had anti-apartheid messages. And, if you're really sad like me, you'll notice that Riggs and Rika bang their heads together when they first meet in the exact same way that Frank Cross and Claire Phillips do in Scrooged. And his then pro-NRA posters are still hanging around in the background. Donner later reversed his opinion on this organisation.

I always felt that the original Lethal Weapon was far too plain and straight-forward. It lacked spark in every way, but LW2 introduces more characters, has more sophisticated action and a better plot. Michael Kamen however pretty much cuts and pastes his score from the first and even rips-off his own Die Hard score in a couple of cues. This got worse in LW3.

The ending could have killed the series off had Riggs died, which is what Shane Black originally intended. We would have been spared the awful LW3 had this been so. But instead Riggs manages to fight off death and stay alive in Murtaughs arms despite being shot about 86 times. A nice touch having Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" playing over his potential last moments alive though.

After this the series became too comical and diluted. They SHOULD have killed him.

The HD-DVD shines with a beautiful 2.4:1 1080p image and has pretty damn good Dolby Digital+ sound. Extras are minimal I'm afraid. But still well worth the money.
Great movie - Review written on March 09, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

This looked great on HD-DVD. I can't wait until everyone moves to HD-DVD so the prices get even better.
High-Def Gibson and Glover - Review written on March 09, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

This is the third time I've owned this movie. The HD experience is without a doubt the best way to watch it. The picture was crystal clear no more lines or glitches in the film just purity.If you have a Dolby Surround Sound that heightens the experience in sound. There is nothing like the total HD experience. I also have the original Leathal Weapon in HD and it's a great item too. Both in HD, both an HD experience, and both worth every penny!
can it be? Is Lethal Weapon dated? - Review written on March 08, 2007
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5

When LW first came out, I loved it!! Now it seems horribly dated. How times have changed!!
Mel,Danny and Richard reunite! - Review written on January 24, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

The success of the 1987 Warner Bros. action film LETHAL WEAPON inspired director Richard Donner to reunite with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover for this first of three sequels which was more successful than the first film. Oscar-winner Joe Pesci(GOODFELLAS,THE SUPER,MY COUSIN VINNY,BETSY'S WEDDING,HOME ALONE 1 & 2) joins the cast as Leo Getz,who is often a nuisance to Sgt. Roger Murtaugh(Glover) and his partner-buddy Martin Riggs(Gibson). Not only that,Roger and Martin tease Leo often as if they were grade school kids. Leo's tagline is "Anything you need,Leo gets!". Once again Darlene Love again plays Roger's wife Trish. The Murtaughs' kids are back as well. The funniest scene in this film,believed by many,is when Roger sits on his toilet in his upstairs bathroom,and a planted bomb inside the Murtaughs' home explodes. In reality,that would have been sad. Patsy Kensit(BLAME IT ON THE BELLBOY) plays Martin's love interest. Great music soundtrack which includes the late George Harrison performing CHEER DOWN during the end credits.
"You Know What They Do At The Drive-Thru..." - Review written on November 13, 2006
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

Riggs and Murtaugh chase a drug dealer through the streets and end up finding a cache of illegal South African gold coins that puts them in the cross hairs of a vindictive villain. Despite being warned off by the bad guys, and later by their superiors because Arjen Rudd has diplomatic immunity, Riggs and Murtaugh stick with the investigation, even taking along the fast-talking, opinionated Leo Getz, a snitch in witness protection they're supposed to be protecting. As the stakes elevate, Riggs and Murtaugh go incendiary.

Mel Gibson and Danny Glover starred in a four-movie franchise that always did well at the box office. The chemistry between the two is fantastic, and they were the epitome of the buddy cops that elevated the television standard presented by STARSKY AND HUTCH to R movies filled with violence and grown-up language. Shane Black created the characters in his original script, then went on to write THE LAST BOY SCOUT, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, and KISS KISS, BANG BANG. Director Richard Donner stayed with the franchise through all four movies.

Murtaugh and Riggs cover a lot of the same ground in this film, but although it's familiar, it's also a lot of fun. The action sequences are big and often, and there's never a dull moment in the film. The quips and wry asides as well as the visual humor never lets up. Although the film is now starting to show its age (17 years, and the absence of cell phones is a dead giveaway and the political issues involved are a dead giveaway), LETHAL WEAPON 2 is still a fun ride.

Fans of action movies who own the new Blu-ray player will want this disc if they don't already have it on another DVD format. Unfortunately, there's no added value to sweeten the pot and the disc's special features are practically non-existent. Still, the picture and the sound are first-rate, so if that's why you're rebuilding your collection of favorite movies, that will be enough.
Lethal Weapon 2 - Review written on June 16, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

Saw this movie on HBO and loved it.Rated R for violence,language,some drug use and sexualty.Canada:18A.Not for children.
THE BEST OF THE SERIES - Review written on June 15, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

I've lost count how many times I've watched this film. Gibson and Glover are excelent but the inclusion of Joe Pesci was the stroke of genius. His "steak sandwich" monologue is a classic. It's hard to believe he became so obnoxious in future sequels.
If you were going to watch only one Lethal Weapon movie, this should be it.
Gibson and Glover reunite for fun cop movie - Review written on May 12, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

The summer of 1989 was loaded with blockbusters, yet there was only one movie that I really wanted to see more than any other. In a season that saw such blockbusters as a new Indiana Jones movie, the latest Star Trek picture and Timothy Dalton's second outing as 007, the movie that held the most excitement for me was LETHAL WEAPON 2. Not because of Mel Gibson or Danny Glover or a particular love of the original, but because the love interest came in the very lovely shape of the lead singer of one of my favorite 1980s bands (Eighth Wonder) Patsy Kensit.
Truth be told though, there's not much to Kensit's role here, she is there simply as window dressing in the part of a secretary at the South African consulate. The movie as a whole though is a great, fun ride and is easily my favorite of the franchise.
The plot of the movie involves drug smuggling that is being conducted by officials at the South African consulate. Back in the 1980s South Africa was largely an international pariah because of its policy of apartheid. This made it easy to target them as the villains and their position as diplomats provides them with the protective vbeil of diplomatic immunity. As lead villain Arjen Rudd (played wonderfully by British actor Joss Ackland) comments when confronting the Los Angeles police officers "you could not even give me a parking ticket."
Starting with a chase through the night streets of Los Angeles, the movie races from one action sequence to another rarely pausing for breath in what is a classic cop buddy movie. Both Gibson and Glover make a great team and the interplay between them provides for some really subtle humor.
Which brings us to Joe Pesci, whose humor is about as subtle as a sledgehammer in the role of witness Leo Getz - "Whatever you want Leo Getz - get it!?" Pesci is at times annoying and at other times loveable, but he is always funny. Obviously he was also a hit with the audience too as he would return in the third and fourth movie of the series.
As a bonus for Kensit fans like myself - in the scene where Leo is cleaning Riggs house you can hear Eighth Wonder's biggest hit "I'm not Scared" playing in the background. It's a shame they did not have Kensit's character survive until the end as they had originally planned, but I understand that her death leads Riggs to take the dramatic action that he does.
This is my favorite cop movie (alongside "Beverly Hills Cop" and an entertaining way to spend 114 minutes or 118 minutes if you go with the directors cut.
Scenes included in the directors cut includes Leo using numbers to remember a suspects address and Murtaugh getting some bad news from an auto-repair man after Riggs drives his new station wagon up against a guardrail. Pretty standard stuff that I felt did not add anything particularly.
The directors cut also comes with a making of featurette, cast and crew bios and a theatrical trailer. Here's hoping that one day soon Warner will put out an ultimate edition. Director Richard Donner has already done a great commentary track on the original Suoerman movie and a commentary track here would be welcome also.
Recommended.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) - Review written on January 01, 2006
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review not to be helpful.
Director: Richard Donner
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Joss Ackland, Derrick O'Connor, Patsy Kensit, Darlen Love, Traci Wolfe, Steve Kahan, Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, Dean Norris.
Running Time: 114 minutes
Rated R for violence, language, and sexual situations.

"Lethal Weapon 2" is a rarity: a sequel with most of the same qualities as the original. It has the same off-center invention and wild energy as the original. The movie continues the friendship between Riggs and Murtaugh who are in the great tradition of buddy cops, while capturing the magic of the original. The film opens with a high-speed car chase on a freeway in Downtown LA. Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are in hot pursuit, tearing up Murtaugh's wife's brand-new car as they chase the speeder through an underground tunnel, up a bridge, and so on and so forth. When they finally catch the speeder they find African gold hidden in the back of his truck and soon they are being threatened to stay off of the case by African diplomats, one of whom Riggs really enjoys annoying. They can't arrest them because of diplomatic immunity, so Riggs goes in and shoots up the place where they're staying. Riggs finds himself a new girl (Patsy Kensit), while Murtaugh protects a federal witness named Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), a lovable little blabbermouth who likes being one of the cops. He waddles around throughout the film like a little eager puppy, ready to do anything he's told. Of course Riggs and Murtaugh pick on him throughout the movie, but their friendship is a sort of love-to-hate. Together they must take on the group of South African thugs involved in a smuggling scheme while hiding behind their precious immunity before it is too late.

As he did with the first "Lethal Weapon", director Richard Donner keeps it all moving along at a brisk pace, though he allows the intensity level to drop somewhat this time while infusing more humor. There's some `Stooges' on hand, and a bit that finds Murtaugh the target of some office gags after the debut of a television commercial, starring his daughter, Rianne (Traci Wolfe), for a product that takes him by surprise, but the real laughs come courtesy of Pesci, who's upbeat, manic characterization of Getz becomes a real scene stealer. Though serious at the core, this movie is more of a joy ride than the first, though there are moments of true menace and apprehension, as well as a sobering resolution involving one of the featured characters. Performance wise, Gibson is as charismatic as ever, by now settling comfortably into Riggs' skin while further exploring the more intricate details of the character's personality. Glover, too, manages to take Murtaugh to the next level, leaving no doubt as to who this guy is and what he's about, from his dedication to the job, to his even more stringent dedication to his family. And, most importantly, these two really click as a team, and Donner knows just how to bring out the best in them. The supporting cast includes Darlene Love (Trish), Derrick O'Connor (Adolph), Steve Kahan (Capt. Murphy), Mark Rolston (Hans) and Jenette Goldstein (Officer Meagan Shapiro). With snappy dialogue, plenty of action and some good guys to root for, "Lethal Weapon 2" is a thoroughly entertaining sequel that more than does justice to the original. Donner knows his territory, and his stars know their stuff and how to deliver it, and that's a `lethal' combination any way you look at it. "Lethal Weapon 2" should be the benchmark for action movie sequel making. In a way, this is Donner's no-sequels-rule movie. It's fresher, it doesen't have that rushed-into-production feel, and it doesn't have that bitter taste of repetition or greed for more money. This bang-up sequel serves as a fond portrait of superheroes with their pants down (literally) and a hopeful model of brotherly love.
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THIS WEAPON COULDNT GET ANY MORE LETHALER - Review written on December 17, 2005
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
3 customers found this review not to be helpful.
mel gibson is back with more laughs before he went all nutty and jew hating in his later work...this marks the great re-teamup of gibson and sam jackson as the lethal duo with lethal weapons doing stuff that is..well, lethal! like holding guns and mean muggin for the camera. great parts include gibson being "cracy" and jackson being "too old for this crap" except he doesnt really say crap if you get what i am saying, nudge nudge wink wink. i also like the part where this big red "2" comes out of no where. THEY DONT MAKE SURPRISE ENDING LIKE THAT ANYMORE!!! this movie makes rush hour 2 look like lethal weapon 4
Somebody needs to just say NO - Review written on December 13, 2005
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

This is a good film, and for your info they are from South Africa not Germany..... did you even see it? someone needs to grow up and stop being a B**ch
Lethal and Fun - Review written on October 03, 2005
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

Still maintaining its hard edge, "Lethal Weapon 2 (Director's Cut)" manages to add in a bit more humor with the addition of Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). The chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover is one of the reasons why these movies work. You honestly believe they are (or could be) friends and partners. The story is well written and the action sequences well choreographed. "Lethal Weapon" and "Lethal Weapon 2" are the best two of the Lethal Weapon series. Often times a director's cut splices in some extraneous material that is not all that great, but that's not the case here.
Where's the Cut - Review written on September 25, 2005
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5

I love the Lethal Weapon movies, though they get sillier as they progress, and more vulgar. As for a "Director's Cut", I couldn't tell much difference. I don't know if that's my fault, or his for selling a flick with little change. The intro of Leo Getz makes this one funnier as the novelty of Rigg's crazy "angst" lessens and/or gets tired.
A LOT MORE LETHAL - Review written on November 20, 2004
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are probably the best "buddy" film duo in action films. Their on screen chemistry lights up the screen and they are truly gifted actors to take these roles and elevate them to not only good action heroes, but good actors as well. Director Richard Donner is back in this second film, and the action starts out fast and furious with an incredible multi-car chase and never lets up. Gibson is as "stressed" as ever, although he seems to have channeled it better, until a key plot revelation about his wife's death turns him into a walking timebomb.
This sequel is harsher than the original, with a lot of carnage and much of the action towards the end borders on cruel retribution. A lot of the policemen bite the dust, without telling too much Riggs' newest love interest doesn't last too long, and Gibson meets Derrick O'Connor in a vicious showdown in which Mel doesn't come out too well.
However, this is what action movies are all about and the film is a blistering, adrenaline pumped winner. Joss Ackland is maliciously repugnant as the South African diplomat; Derrick O'Connor ranks up there with the nastiest of James Bond villains, and the irascible Joe Pesci is brilliant as the protected witness our boys are assigned to protect.
A top notch entry in the series, but be warned---this one isn't pretty.
Just as Lethal as the original. - Review written on September 21, 2004
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

Letahl Weapon 2 delivers action/comedy packed in 2 hours that it
stands well in the test of time dept. This time around the boys are up against crooked burrecrats from South Africa hiding behind "Diplomatic Immunity" to Bring in shipment of heroin. And
at the same time babysiting a loudmouth witness for the state.
Mel Gibson is more lethal then ever. A lot of action try to copy the moves, gunfire and it never seems to pay as well as it did in
the Lethal Weapon series
LETHAL WEAPON 2 - Review written on June 26, 2004
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

The boys are back in town for the second film in the legendary "Lethal Weapon" series. This time around, Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) stumble upon a South African drug ring while babysitting key witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). All the laughs and action of the original; Pesci is outrageous. Richard Donner knows when to let up, and he hasn't done it yet.
* This director's cut includes four minutes of additonal footage.
Lethal Carnage - Review written on April 30, 2004
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

The engaging chemistry of Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs) and Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh) continues into LETHAL WEAPON 2 as they take on a South African drug kingpin, Arjen Rudd(Joss Ackland). He also happens to be a South African diplomat with immunity to any type of persecution. So, Riggs and Murtaugh harrass him and his henchmen, playing a lethal cat and mouse game of picking off each other from both sides. A key witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) stands in the middle of all the carnage and the carnage mounts. Practically everyone from Riggs' and Murtaugh's precinct (detectives, officers and what have you) are eliminated... even the female lead/love interest to Riggs-(Patty Kensit) is oft in the proceedings. It seems the only ones left alive are Riggs and Murtaugh (it was reported that Shane Black's original screenplay was to have Riggs killed at the end) to take on the South African drug cartell. Even with the body count, the film is very entertaining due to Gibson and Glover's characters, a witty script, and the direction of Richard Donner (SUPERMAN-THE MOVIE, THE OMEN) who seems to have a fond affection for the two characters since he's directed all four films. The film franchise probably "perfected" (not invented)the buddy cop genre (forerunners: SUPERCOPS, FREEBIE AND THE BEAN, RUNNING SCARED) and is the "yardstick" for others that haven't come close (i.e. TANGO AND CASH...?). Lastly as the final credits roll in LW2, George Harrison's great song CHEER DOWN plays. Perhaps because guitar god/legend Eric Clapton did part of the muscial score for the film, he got pal Harrison to contribute the song. The song sounds very much like a James Bond-type tune and perhaps was inspired by the nature of the film. When the film is shown on network televison, its too bad the song is always drowned out by programming or commercial announcements (notoriously and especially on TNT and TBS). On cable, DVD, and video, the song can be heard in its entirety.
Terrific - Review written on April 03, 2004
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

My all time favorite action movie. Nothing else even comes close in terms of action and comedy. Gibson and Glover are outrageous as goofball cops Riggs and Murtaugh and Joe Pesci adds another element of wackiness. Tremendous action also.....a must see!!!. Go get it!!!
Fun continued - Review written on February 06, 2004
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Rating: 3 out of 5

A good second installment in the series. It does some good character development of the principles, but it's easy to see why "buddies" became more important in the later films.
The last one ... - Review written on January 12, 2004
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review not to be helpful.
Although this one does not start out [like] the first movie it still has a good beggining that sucks you right in. But don't wrry just because there arn't [bosoms] in the beginging doesn't mean they wont show up later in the film. There is even more action in this film in the origial and Joe Peci was a great addition to it. "whatever you want Leo Getz! you get it?" classic.
3.5 out of 5 - Review written on September 26, 2003
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Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review not to be helpful.
They're back. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as LAPD cops Murtaugh and Riggs; this time they're on the tail of an African diplomat (Joss Ackland) who's using his diplomatic immunity to smuggle drugs in and out of the country. Richard Donner returns to direct, and shows he hasn't changed a bit; Jeffrey Boam, who also scripted Spielberg's INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, scripts; there's also a very good score by Eric Clapton, Michael Kamen and David Sanborn. Joe Pesci enters the series here - he's hilarious. The drive-thru sequence is unforgettable and an essential watch.

The biggest problem, I feel, is Riggs' new girlfriend, played by Patsy Kensit. I know the film probably wouldn't make it without it, but hey, I don't know. It just doesn't feel right to me - I mean, it was the whole point of the first film! Riggs was going insane and...I don't know, it just doesn't feel right to me.

If that doesn't matter to you, you'll like the film just fine. It comes nowhere near being as good as the first film, but it cemented the series formula and continued one of the most successful action series of all time.<....

Sequel lives up to first... - Review written on August 08, 2003
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Rating: 4 out of 5

"Empire Strikes Back," "X-Men 2," "Terminator 2," "Lethal Weapon 2." What do these have in common? They are all sequels that live up to and succesfully complement the original. "Lethal Weapon 2" reunites us with Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Riggs (Mel Gibson) and adds a new character, Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) into the mix. The results are explosive and hilarious. While the first was mostly about the two characters and their lives, this is more about action and suspense. But the development of characters is still there and still very strong. The plot revolves around South African diplomats, who are conducting some bad business and yet can't be stopped due to diplomatic immunity. The action is very well executed and the story is about as good an action plot as you can get! I would strongly recommend this to any action fan.
MIGHT POSSIBLY BE BETTER THAN THE FIRST! - Review written on July 18, 2003
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Rating: 4 out of 5

THIS TIME, RIGGS AND MURTAUGH RETURN TO FACE SOUTH AFRICAN DRUG RUNNERS WHO HIDE BEHIND DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY. THIS MOVIE, LIKE THE FIRST, HAS GREAT ACTION, GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR, AND GREAT PLOT. AND THIS MOVIE JUST MIGHT BE EVEN MORE ENTERTAINING THAN THE FIRST! WHICH IS VERY RARE IN MOVIES. JOE PESCI IS GREAT AS LEO GETZ, THE MAN THAT RIGGS AND MURTAUGH ARE ASSIGNED TO WATCH OVER SINCE HE'S TESTIFYING AGAINST THE DRUG RUNNERS. THIS MOVIE IS TOO GOOD TO MISS. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET OR IF YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT IT YET, I'D ADVISE YOU TO DO SO. YOU'LL DEFINITELY GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH.
Terrible - Review written on May 29, 2003
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Rating: 1 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 5 did not.

This is without a doubt the worst DVD I have ever seen. The plot is non-existant, the acting terrible and the action is understated.
This film is even more boring than Priscilla Fresh Queen of the Desert, worse it gives a distorted and one sided view of the South African situation by portraying white South Africans as racists and making no reference to the gross human rights attrocities commited by the racist ANC in its' grab for power.
One would think the directors would know better than to make one sided derogatory films such as this.
Can Sequels be as Good as the 1st? - Review written on February 06, 2003
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Of course sequels can be as good as the first, but it is very, very rare. Not in this instance. The 1st movie was much, more serious that the 2nd, but that left more room for the 2nd to be more commical. I loved this movie, and the writers didn't stray too far from the original style of the first movie by giving it a lighter feel. It is still action packed, and full of suspense. The characters were developed more fully, but remained easy to relate to. A must watch for Mel Gibson lovers and Danny Glover fans.
Master Race - Review written on January 12, 2003
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review not to be helpful.
Gibson's got stamina, an ex-suicidal roman candle vietnam veteran who unleashes all his rage when Pleter Vorstedt said softly to him: "I pulled this mop of bloodsoaked hair to see this woman's face. Your wife, right?" Riggs lets all of hs fury loose on the cougar ants, to avenge the demise of his wife, (similar to Bruce Lee in the Chinese Connection) or angry that they might kill his Dutch sweetheart, such as when he iced that one guy, and said: "Master Race." Gover's married, three kids, worried that Riggs (Gibson) is going to get the two of them smoked like a hookah, but his nervousness gives him that deadly, bad boy angry attitude. For instance, when he picked up the nailgun and drilled those two South Africans, stops, takes a deep breath, and in a rugged, worn-out tone says: "Nailed 'em both!" Pesci's got an in-your-face, ranting, humorous personality, such as: "Everyone cheats a little bit, look at he Pentagon!" Or when he said: "See these these silk pajamas? Free!" Murtaugh replied: "It's not free, it's taxes paying for it!" "Oh, come on, it's the same thing, okay, okay?" By the way, is that Home Alone, or moan on the phone? O'Connor is pure evil, and builds up his anger, when Riggs is reading his diplomatic liscence, saying: "Ok, you're Vo-Vorsh-enofk, ah, forget it, I'll just call you Adolf. His appearence extremely wicked, and his delivery of his lines and the look in his eyes when he was spin-kicking Riggs in the face on the cruise is 100% demonlike.
The best in the series... no doubt! - Review written on November 10, 2002
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review not to be helpful.
This one is far out my favorite one, it action-packed, funny, and endearing, the story is solid as Mel and Danny are hunting down drug-smulling money-hungry diplomats! This movie is awesome, Joe Pesci is great, but he's not just the reason this movie perfect, I don't care what everyone says, this is the best one in the series, my favorites screens: Mel shots the fishtank, Mel and Pesci complaining about the Drive-thru "CLASSIC"! and Danny "YOU just got revoke"! this the best one one ever! buy it for god sake!! this one rules!!!