Lethal Weapon (1987)

🎬 Reel Pain – Episode 3 Show Notes

Movie Reviewed: Lethal Weapon (1987)

In this episode of Reel Pain, John and Matthew tackle Lethal Weapon, one of the most iconic buddy-cop films of the 1980s—and discover that nostalgia and modern perspective don’t always agree.

John enters the conversation with deep affection for the film, having grown up watching it repeatedly on VHS. Matthew, watching Lethal Weapon for the very first time, comes in completely blind—no clips, no context, and no prior connection to the franchise. That contrast immediately shapes the discussion, especially as the film’s tone, humor, and content are examined through a modern lens.

Early conversation centers around age and perspective, including the now-famous “I’m getting too old for this” line and the realization that Danny Glover was only 41 years old during filming. From there, the group dives into how differently ’80s action movies handled ratings, nudity, and violence—and how those choices feel far more jarring today.

As the episode unfolds, the hosts break down the film’s structure, praising how quickly it establishes character motivations. Riggs’ grief over his wife and Murtaugh’s struggle with aging are clearly defined early, allowing the story to move fast. The chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover earns consistent praise, particularly their bickering, banter, and contrasting personalities.

However, the discussion turns more critical as the group examines moments that didn’t age well. Certain lines of dialogue, character interactions, and scenes are openly questioned—especially those that feel uncomfortable or off-putting to modern audiences. Matthew explains how these moments made it difficult to fully root for the characters, while Tabi highlights how the film often feels designed around the male gaze.

Favorite scenes include the chase involving Gary Busey’s character, Riggs’ reckless intensity, and quieter moments that hint at emotional depth—particularly Riggs handing over the bullet at the end of the film as a sign of choosing life. Least favorite moments spark lengthy debate, especially the climactic fight scene, which both Matthew and Tabby argue undermines Riggs’ entire character arc by undoing his growth in the final moments.

The episode also touches on filmmaking details such as helicopter shots as “OG drone footage,” action choreography, plot threads that go nowhere, and storytelling moments that rely too heavily on telling instead of showing. Fun facts wrap up the discussion, including casting what-ifs involving Bruce Willis, real stunt work in the opening scene, and the dedication honoring a stuntman who died after production.

Final ratings reflect a wide generational divide. Matthew lands significantly lower than John, while John himself lowers his original score after acknowledging critiques he can’t fully defend. The episode closes with reflection on how Lethal Weapon helped launch a franchise that would later lean more heavily into humor—and whether future installments might fare better under the Reel Pain microscope.