Movie Guys: 'Lethal' debate over latest Gibson-Glover reunion

* Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Chris Rock and Jet Li.

* Director: Richard Donner.

* Screenplay: Channing Gibson.

* Rated: R for profanity, adult situations, pervasive violence and mass destruction.

* Running time: 100 minutes.

* Playing at: Las Vegas Drive-In, Rancho Santa Fe 16, Cinedome 12 Las Vegas, Cinedome 12 Henderson, ACT III Village Square, ACT III Boulder Station, UA Showcase mall.

Synopsis: An Asian crime family comes to Los Angeles to expand its influence; Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are drawn into the case, joined by a new detective, played by Chris Rock. (The movie was partially filmed in Las Vegas.)

Jeff: I'll get right to the point: "Lethal Weapon 4" has four times the action, four times the adventure and four times the laughs of any of the "Lethal" sequels. Yes, the first "Lethal Weapon" will always be the best, but this latest sequel is as close as you can get. "Lethal Weapon 4" is a powder keg of dynamite action. It's the most lethal surprise of the summer.

Dave: There you go again, Jeff, making a futile attempt at a cheap quote in hopes that network television will use it and credit your name. Now let me get to the real point: Producers Joel Silver and Richard Donner simply do not know how to leave well enough alone. The first of the "Lethal" series was a great buddy-cop flick with heart, drama, action and suspense. Then came the dreaded sequels that were simple, contrived, dull, predictable ... I think you get the point.

Jeff: I got the point and you didn't, Dave. Silver and Donner have taken the series to the next level: Riggs and Murtaugh not only keep our interest with an exciting new murder case, but the characters are put through the ringer. A running gag in the series is that Det. Murtaugh is too old for the job, while Riggs has endless energy (chasing down every crook on foot, leaping from rooftops, guns blazing) and is a risk to everyone around him.

How the times are changing -- Riggs doesn't win every fight this time around. In fact, he gets the tar beat out of him. Coming to terms with his age, and the fact that he is going to be a father for the first time, takes Riggs' character to new levels of complexity and dimension. Plus, the love and genuine friendship of these two misfit cops comes through unlike any other time in the series.

Dave: Unlike any other time in the series, huh? Do you have any idea how over-dramatic you sound, Jeff? The film should have the subtitle "The Continuing Adventures of Riggs & Murtaugh." Don't get me wrong: Gibson and Glover share a unique chemistry that has always been fun to watch -- probably the most redeeming quality of the franchise. Their constant wise-cracking, differences in approach and respect for one another are all elements that have helped developed their friendship/partnership.

I'll admit, "LW4" actually makes up for the last two flicks that followed the 1987 original, but to say their friendship is any different throughout the series is misleading. The film has more violent action sequences with the help of Asian action star Jet Li, and loads of comedy relief with both Chris Rock and the return of Joe Pesci.

Jeff: Different? Who said different? I meant their friendship had evolved. Even Pesci's character, Leo Getz, has changed for the better, with an all-new catch phrase that's sure to sweep the nation. Director Richard Donner has a secret weapon for Riggs and Murtaugh in the form of super-villain Jet Li, the martial arts superstar from Hong Kong. He's evil, ruthless and boy can he kick! Warner Bros. took one look at "Lethal Weapon 4" and signed him to a multi-picture deal. Watch out Jackie Chan! There's a new kid in town. Even Chris Rock, who toned down his hyper humor, was a welcome breath of fresh air as the rookie detective trying to please the legendary team of Riggs and Murtaugh. This was a good time, Dave!

Dave:

First off, this "new catch phrase that's sure to sweep the nation" that Jeff is so passionately referring to is as memorable as any phrase Pesci may have said in last year's turkey "Gone Fishin.' " Second, Donner may have a fine cast of talent to work with, but the script had more holes in it than any gunfire may have left in the movie. Screenwriter Channing Gibson had reworked -- and even improvised at times -- a variety of scenes during production, and it shows.

However, as lazy as the dialogue is, and as weak as the plot points are, the fast-paced action delivers a few big pay-offs. Finally, there is Chris Rock as Det. Butters, who is allowed to showboat his comic routine in a few scenes, which result in big laughs. Just him sporting a gun and badge as he chases down a suspect is funny enough.

Jeff:

The only holes I could find, Dave, were in your review. The script was well structured and as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. The action was superb and had me on the edge of my seat. This is a pleasant surprise and is sure to be one of the biggest hits of the summer. Gibson, Glover, spectacular action sequences and lots of laughs make a successful and lethal combination. And for the last time, Dave, would you please stop ragging on "Gone Fishin.' "

MOVIE BUZZ

"Legend"-ary director":

It looks like director Rob Bowman ("The X-Files" movie) may take Ridley Scott's place at the helm of "I Am Legend," the adaption of the classic Richard Matheson sci-fi novel. The project was originally put on hold because of its $100 million-plus budget, though it seems Warner Bros. believes Bowman can do it cheaper -- even if it means dumping Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was in serious discussions to star in the film. Stay tuned...

Pullman and Fonda dive into "Lake":

Bill Pullman ("Independence Day") and Bridget Fonda ("Jackie Brown") have joined the cast of the horror-thriller "Lake Placid." The $30 million film from 20th Century Fox has Steve Miner ("Friday the 13th II and III," "Halloween: H2O") directing a script by David E. Kelley (creator of "Ally McBeal," "Picket Fences" and "The Practice"). The film is about a New York paleontologist (Fonda) who investigates a strange death in Maine, only to uncover a super-sized, and very nasty, reptile. No, not Godzilla!

Bay of the "Apes":

"Armageddon" director Michael Bay is in discussions with "Titanic" director James Cameron about directing the proposed "Planet of the Apes" remake for Fox. Cameron will write and produce the project. The film has been in "development hell" for years due to script and budget concerns. With Cameron on board, and Bay a possibility, it doesn't seem like money is an object anymore. We wonder if the deal will still be made after Cameron actually sees "Armageddon." Yuck.

NAME THAT FLICK

We have a winner! Danny Gomer was the first to call and identify last week's quote: "I'm gonna tell you something. 'Bonanza' is not an accurate depiction of the West ... You ever see the show? It's a 50-year-old father with three 40-year-old sons. You know why they get along so good? 'Cause they're all the same age." Danny corrrectly guessed that it was Jackie Gale from "Tin Men." Shazam, Danny! Way to go!

Now, for this week -- Who said this and in what film: "We don't surrender! You hear that, New York? We don't quit. Now, how do you like that? You go ahead and you can rob me, and starve me, and break my teeth and my wife's ankles! I'm not leaving. And you're not getting away with anything! I got all your names and your addresses!"

Does it sound familiar? If you think you know, call The Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026 or e-mail us at [email protected]. (If you haven't read it before, it's new to you!) Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number, and if you're the first correct caller/e-mailer, we will print your name right here in our column for the entire Las Vegas Valley to read.

See you next week!

THE MOVIE GUYS, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears Fridays in the Sun (additional material provided by Thomas Feeney). You can also read their capsule reviews of movies in Scope magazine and watch their reviews every Friday on Channel 3's 11 p.m. newscast. Plus, check them out online at: www.lasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/movies/.

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