Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

Dir Richard Donner

Written by Jeffrey Boam, Robert Mark Kamen

Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Stuart Wilson, Steve Kahan, Darlene Love, Traci Woolfe.

In the third film in the franchise, Murtaugh (Glover) is preparing for retirement. he and Riggs (Gibson) are soon demoted due to mistake that saw them accidentally blow up a building early in the film, in a hilarious sequence that upped the ante on what the tone of the franchise had been at this point.

Soon, they find themselves involved in the investigation of an illegal supply of semi automatic guns hitting the streets, and they are joined by Internal Affairs agent Cole (Russo) in trying to stop ex cop Travis (Wilson), who is behind it.

Returning for his second time is Pesci, as Leo Getz – still able to use is past connections for whatever they need… Also returning are the regular gang of Kahan, Love and Woolfe.

Pretty solid third entry into the franchise, which starts with a catchy opening credits, (which  foreshadows the explosive final), and the before mentioned building explosion.

The relationship between Riggs and Murtaugh has grown tremendously over the franchise, and Riggs’ heartbreaking confession of how much it means to him, shows his characters growth since they met.

The ups are the action sequences are pretty solid, with some well choreographed car chase sequences, as well as the character development of Riggs and Murtaugh. Riggs is not as zany as he was in the first two films.

The down is Wilson is probably the least threatening of all the antagonists in the series to date. While this is nothing against him as an actor (he was a ‘go to’ bad guy in the 90s, in films like Escape from Absolom and The Mask of Zorro). There is also the cliché character that has a ‘bad’ birthday near the end of the film.

Still a great film and solid entry in the franchise.

Followed by Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998.

3.5/5