Lethal Weapon 4 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two aging cops discover they’re both going to be fathers, then punch a lot of people involved in counterfeiting and slavery, then everyone gets married, and finally, they are NOT too old for this *stuff*.

🍿 Lethal Weapon 4: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Opening Chaos and Pregnancies

The film opens with Riggs and Murtaugh confronting a heavily armed and armored individual wreaking havoc on the city. This sequence sets the stage for their continued high-octane lifestyle, but also serves as a backdrop to reveal that both Lorna Cole (Riggs’ partner) and Murtaugh’s daughter, Rianne, are pregnant. This news prompts both Riggs and Murtaugh to reflect on their aging and the responsibilities that come with impending parenthood.

Investigating the Triads and Human Smuggling

The main plot kicks off when Riggs and Murtaugh stumble upon a Chinese immigrant smuggling ring, run by the ruthless Triad leader, Wah Sing Ku. The discovery leads them down a dangerous path, involving counterfeit money, indentured servitude, and high-stakes confrontations. They enlist the help of Leo Getz, now a private investigator, and Lee Butters, a young detective secretly married to Murtaugh’s daughter.

Family Under Threat

As Riggs and Murtaugh close in on Wah Sing Ku, the Triads retaliate by attacking Murtaugh’s house, holding his family hostage and setting the house ablaze. Little Ping, a young Chinese boy Murtaugh had rescued, helps the family escape. This attack intensifies the conflict, making it personal for both Riggs and Murtaugh, and highlighting the vulnerability of their loved ones.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson): A reckless and skilled LAPD detective struggling with personal issues while facing dangerous criminals.
• Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover): A seasoned LAPD detective partnered with Riggs, often contemplating retirement while facing dangerous situations.
• Leo Getz (Joe Pesci): A fast-talking, often annoying, but ultimately helpful private investigator and friend to Riggs and Murtaugh.
• Lorna Cole (Rene Russo): An Internal Affairs Sergeant and Riggs’s girlfriend, who is now pregnant and contemplating marriage.
• Lee Butters (Chris Rock): A young, somewhat loud-mouthed LAPD detective secretly married to Murtaugh’s daughter.
• Wah Sing Ku (Jet Li): A lethal and skilled Triad enforcer and the main antagonist, involved in human trafficking and counterfeit currency.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Murtaugh: “I am too old for this.” – Murtaugh’s catchphrase continues, reflecting his weariness with the dangers of their job.
• Lee Butters: “You have the right to remain silent, so shut the fuck up, okay?” – Butters’ aggressive take on the Miranda rights, showcasing his street-smart cop persona.
• Leo Getz: “They fuck you in the DMV. They fuck you good!” – A memorable rant by Leo Getz, highlighting his character’s tendency to complain about everything.
• Riggs: “Maybe I should get the dog.” – Said before an intense standoff with Triad members, showing Riggs’ flippant disregard for danger

💰Box Office

• Budget: $140,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $130,444,603
• Worldwide Gross: $285,444,603

💥 Lethal Weapon 4 Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Lethal Weapon 4 might not be the BEST in the series, but I still have a soft spot for it. Seeing Riggs and Murtaugh deal with becoming dads is hilarious and surprisingly sweet. The fight with Jet Li is awesome, and Chris Rock brings some funny moments, even if it’s a bit much sometimes. Overall, it’s a fun action flick and a decent ending to a great series. I love the part when Murtaugh’s house is destroyed!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-comedy movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy buddy-cop films”
  • “Fans of the Lethal Weapon franchise”
  • “Those who like martial arts films featuring Jet Li”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Suggestive material”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While not as sharp as its predecessors, Lethal Weapon 4 delivers enough action and humor to satisfy fans of the franchise, even if Chris Rock’s addition feels a bit forced.
• Empire Magazine: “Lethal Weapon 4 isn’t the strongest entry, but the core dynamic between Gibson and Glover remains entertaining. Jet Li adds a formidable villain, and the action sequences are as over-the-top as ever.
• Variety: “Despite a convoluted plot and some questionable comedic choices, Lethal Weapon 4 manages to deliver enough explosive action and familiar banter to provide a passable conclusion to the franchise.

Audience Reactions

Jet Li’s action scenes were a standout, adding a new level of intensity to the film.: Many viewers appreciated the high-octane action and Jet Li’s portrayal of the villain.

The humor was hit-or-miss, with some finding Chris Rock hilarious and others finding him annoying.: Opinions on Chris Rock’s performance were divided, with some enjoying his comedic style and others finding it disruptive.

Overall Consensus: Lethal Weapon 4 is a fun but flawed conclusion to the series, offering plenty of action and humor but suffering from a convoluted plot and uneven performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Warner Bros. had to persuade Mel Gibson to return to the Lethal Weapon franchise after he hinted numerous times that he had no intention of starring in another sequel after Lethal Weapon 3.”
• “Jet Li made his American film debut in ‘Lethal Weapon 4’, launching his Hollywood career.”
• “The film’s ending, with the wedding and the birth of the babies, was intended to bring a sense of closure to the series, hinting at a more settled future for Riggs and Murtaugh.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lethal Weapon 4?

Lethal Weapon 4 is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Availability may vary by region, so confirm before purchasing or renting.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lethal Weapon 4, you might like these similar films:

• Rush Hour (1998): Another buddy cop action-comedy released the same year, pairing a Hong Kong martial arts expert with a talkative American cop.
• Bad Boys (1995): Features a similar dynamic of two contrasting cops in Miami, relying on action and humor.
• Shanghai Noon (2000): It merges martial arts action with buddy comedy elements and highlights Jackie Chan’s comedic timing.
• Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Eddie Murphy’s charisma and action blended with humor, predating and influencing the buddy cop dynamics of the Lethal Weapon series.

🛒 Lethal Weapon 4 Related Products

• Lethal Weapon 1-4 – The Complete Collection (Blu-ray): Own the complete Lethal Weapon saga in stunning Blu-ray quality. Relive the action, comedy, and iconic moments of Riggs and Murtaugh’s adventures. A must-have for any fan of the series.
• Lethal Weapon: The Complete First Season (DVD): Based on the hit movie franchise, the television series follows a slightly new buddy cop duo as they navigate the crime filled Los Angeles. A must-have for any fan of the franchise looking to extend the experience.
• Hot Wheels Lethal Weapon Car Set (Die-Cast): This limited-edition set includes die-cast models of vehicles featured throughout the Lethal Weapon films. Each car is meticulously detailed and comes in a collector’s display case, making it a treasured item for die-hard fans.
• Limited Edition Lethal Weapon Movie Poster Set: A set of high-quality, glossy movie posters featuring iconic artwork from all four Lethal Weapon films. These posters are perfect for framing and displaying in any fan’s home theater or collection, adding a touch of classic action cinema to any space.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lethal Weapon 4 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Fire in the Hole” – performed by Van Halen
• “Pilgrim” – performed by Eric Clapton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jet Li on Set of Lethal Weapon 4

Ever wondered what it was like on the set of Lethal Weapon 4? Check out this behind-the-scenes interview with Jet Li and get a glimpse into the making of this action classic!

Jet Li on The Tonight Show Promoting Lethal Weapon 4

Want to know what Jet Li had to say about Lethal Weapon 4 when he appeared on The Tonight Show? This interview has got you covered!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=gyWhUSVKbHU

Lethal Weapon 1,2,3,4 Bloopers Mix

Get ready for some laughs! This bloopers and outtakes compilation from all four Lethal Weapon movies is sure to put a smile on your face.

‘Lethal Weapon’ Cast Reunites for 30th Anniversary

Join the Lethal Weapon cast as they reunite for a special 30th anniversary celebration. Hear their thoughts on the film and its lasting impact on the action genre.

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