Lethal Weapon - Zwei stahlharte Profis

Ein unverschämtes Sackwerk mit einem Drehbuch, das zu wünschen übrig lässt, und jeder Menge schräger Sprüche, aber das Glover-Gibson-Schauspielpaket klingt unglaublich lustig, leicht, natürlich und originell. Obwohl es sich um eine Mischung aus Männergesprächen, Action-Klischees und sinnlosem Humor handelt, hebt das Zusammenspiel des Titel-Duos Donners Film zwei Klassen höher. Mir persönlich gefallen die Szenen aus dem Murtaugh-Haushalt am besten, die an eine Familiensitcom erinnern und einen wunderbaren Kontrast zum anderen Gesicht des Films bilden - dem düsteren Action-Krimi. Es ist schwer, sich einen besseren Action-Spaß als Lethal Weapon - Zwei stahlharte Profis vorzustellen: Er ist unprätentiös, wahnsinnig lustig und herrlich klischeehaft. (17.10.2005)

A great first part of a series of genius. A clever screenplay and Donner’s superb directing, with a clutch of great actors. Mel Gibson is invincible as Martin Riggs. His performance as a total lunatic and miserable cop is flawless and you can see that spark of madness in Riggs’ fits of emotion. And it’s full of unforgettable lines and gags that make me laugh even for the twentieth time. A classic. (09.09.2006)

Not that funny, not that action-packed, but quite well balanced nonetheless. Either way, the first Lethal Weapon failed to really grow on me, and I prefer watching the later installments. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover make a solid duo and complement each other excellently, but there is relatively little action, and it doesn't make a big splash in the world. It's nice to see Gary Busey again in the role of a villain, and his final brawl on the lawn, as well as Gibson's character's suicidal tendencies gazing at a photo of his wife, and the the opening scene are noteworthy. Otherwise, it's a typical American action fairy tale. I prefer Die Hard. The rating is somewhere between three and four stars. (21.04.2007)

By far the most satisfying buddy-cop movie of the '80s. Two amazing protagonists, smart villains and an excellent script that could confidently play on a more serious note. Glover and Gibson in the roles of their lives and Donner at the top of his game. Iconic and immortal. (30.08.2011)

Donner and Black's old-school attempt at a gritty urban western that veered away from its original vibe with subsequent installments, which is probably the fault of the unique and, for me and probably for the filmmakers, unexpected chemistry between the leads. I love the world of six-wheelers, honking horns, dirty streets, fast food joints, and blood on the tarmac, so for me this is the strongest installment. (22.04.2019)

I truly adored this duo back in the day. I must say, even after years, I immensely enjoy them. Moreover, Donner showed that he always had the ability to make a proper action spectacle with excellent scenes. Shane Black's screenplay is one of his best ever written. And Gibson and Glover are simply captivating characters. (10.03.2015)