DVD With Murtaugh just days from retirement, Riggs and his partner face a former cop selling armour-piercing "cop killer" bullets to criminals across Los Angeles.
Details
Murtaugh is once again counting down the days to retirement - six of them, to be precise - when a stolen cache of weapons from a police evidence facility hits the streets. The thief is Jack Travis, a former cop turned arms dealer who is supplying criminals with armour-piercing ammunition capable of slicing straight through police vests. Not exactly ideal timing.
As Riggs and Murtaugh dig deeper, they cross paths with Internal Affairs officer Lorna Cole. Unlike most of Riggs' previous romantic interests, Lorna can handle herself - physically and verbally. Rene Russo brings a toughness and chemistry that shifts the dynamic of the series, giving Riggs a partner who mirrors his recklessness rather than fears it.
The opening sequence - involving an attempt to defuse a bomb that goes spectacularly wrong - sets the tone: bigger stunts, broader humour and more spectacle. The action remains energetic and well staged, but the comedy is now far more pronounced. Leo Getz's role expands further, sometimes to amusing effect, sometimes tipping a little too far into obvious punchlines.
While the film continues to explore Riggs' emotional vulnerability - particularly in his growing relationship with Lorna - it lacks some of the grit that defined the first two instalments. The villain, though suitably ruthless, never quite reaches the icy menace of Mr. Joshua or the smug arrogance of Arjen Rudd.
Picture & Sound
The transfer is noticeably improved over the earlier films in the series. The image is brighter and cleaner, with no significant artifacting and a solid bit-rate throughout. Some grain remains, particularly visible during the opening titles, but overall this is the strongest visual presentation of the trilogy so far.
The remastered 5.1 soundtrack is also an upgrade. The distinctive saxophone score is crisp, and the LFE channel gets a healthy workout during the explosive opening and various action set pieces. Surround activity is more pronounced than in the earlier entries, though much of the audio remains front-focused.
Overall
Director Richard Donner attempts to replicate the successful blend of action and humour that made Lethal Weapon 2 such a crowd-pleaser. However, the balance shifts slightly too far toward comedy, occasionally undercutting the tension.
This third outing feels more polished and more commercial - and perhaps inevitably a little safer. It may not reach the heights of the first two films, but it remains an entertaining chapter in the franchise, particularly for fans invested in the evolving partnership.
If you're completing the set, it's an essential purchase. Just don't expect lightning to strike quite as powerfully for a third time.
Special features
- Two Theatrical Trailers
- Production Notes
