James Fazzaro

LETHAL WEAPON is a classic piece of 80s product, distinguished somewhat with some suicidal edginess and amusing zingers by Shane Black, who has since graduated to Iron Man 3 (a contemporary piece of product also distinguished by some wit and devil-may-care attitude). The fact that Lethal Weapon came out in 1987 makes me feel a bit old, and revisiting it now was pretty fascinating. Mel Gibson, as yet untainted by his own failings, Stephen Goldblatt’s cinematography, Stuart Baird’s crisp editing and a refreshingly physical rather than digital action approach are big pluses. The desert showdown is easily the visual highlight. Must dig around for some more 80s action now!