Tequila Sunrise (1988)

"This is my backyard damnit, and I wanna know what goes on in my backyard...he's my best friend!"

In this complex thriller we find two friends on opposite sides of the law. Dale Mckussic (Mel Gibson) is a somewhat retired drug dealer attempting a normal life for fear that the long arm of the law is fresh on his tracks and his luck may soon run out. Narcotics Lt. Nick Vallenari (Kurt Russell) just so happens to be Dale' s best friend but is also pressured by the department and the government to investigate suspicious activites with Dale's life. These including a love interest with a local restaurant owner (Michelle Pfeiffer), who may have knowledge of a shipment of cocaine coming up through Mexico being handled by Dale and a man named "Carlos" who the Mexican bureau, headed by the fabulous Raul Julia, have been watching for some time now.

Having never seen this movie until now and only recently watching "Chinatown", I have a newfound respect for writer/director Robert Towne who somehow creates a genre out of material that most would say has run its course. As in "Chinatown", the story and the characters blend together so well you cant help but to be pulled into their world. At times it is a dark comedy, especially between Gibson and Raul Julia. Julia is a force to be reckoned with on screen, although I wont give away anything if you havent seen it , both deliver Oscar-worthy performances. "Tequila Sunrise" did however garner an oscar nod for its cinematography. It is a wondeful film and one I would watch again. 4/5-tom

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

"But... your ble'ck"

Picking up a few years after the first, we find Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) still together this time on the trail of South African currency called Krugerrand which is coming into LA illegally and being used for the trade and distribution of drugs. Riggs and Murtaugh are sent to protect a witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) who has information on the case, but after an attempted assassination on him he now must go with them on the hunt for whoever is responsible. The three follow the trail to Arjen Rudd (Joss Ackland) and his South African henchmen who are hiding behind diplomatic immunity, which as Rudd describes "my dear officer, you couldnt even give me a parking ticket". Riggs soon finds out that not only are these men in the country conducting illegal activities but one of them is involved in what was supposedly the accidental death of his wife.

"Lethal Weapon 2" is a little more upbeat than the original with comedy relief from Pesci escpecially in the South African consulant where he tries to get Murtaugh a visa back to Africa. Gibson and Glover once again shine and are a treat together. Joss Ackland brings to the table a kind of 'James Bond' type villian, and my personal favorite of the four films, with his venomous lead henchman Pieter Vorstedt (Derrick O'Connor) tempting Riggs with stories of how his wife died. "Lethal Weapon 2" is a film that shouldn't be missed and is a good example of great movie sequels. 4.5/5 -tom

Lethal Weapon (1987)

"I'm still here asshole, or do you only shoot kids!"

Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is an LAPD cop struggling to make it through everyday. After losing his wife Victoria in tragic car accident, Riggs is obsessed with death and even contemplates taking his own life. He is considered by the department as a "Lethal Weapon". Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is also a cop who is on the verge of retirement, father of three, and married happily. Given Rigg's recent behavior their captain decides to make them partners giving Murtaugh the job of watching over Riggs. The two are investigating a suspicious suicide of the daughter of one of Murtaugh's Vietnam buddies which leads them to a unit of former soldiers, now guns for hire, sneaking drugs into the country.The main villains, The General (Mitchell Ryan) and Joshua (Gary Busey), attempt to keep the new duo off their backs even if it means going after their families.

With excellent action, a strong storyline, good characters, and great acting by all, you cant help but to have a good time. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are perfectly cast creating one of the most memorable duos in movie history. The two work great together and have some hilarious moments. Director Richard Donner spawned three other just as good sequels. Over twenty years later this film never gets old. This is what you want from an action movie and should be an example for all. It is 80s, it is kick-ass, it is "Lethal Weapon". 5/5 -tom

SECOND OPINION

Not much to add this except to say that Tom is right on the money. "Lethal Weapon" is a ton of fun and one of the few cases where all the sequels are nearly as good as the original. Don't let Mel Gibson's current insane behavior deter you from this awesome 80s Action movie. 5/5 -andy