The first 'Lethal Weapon' wasn't perfect, but it is still a very good film and important to the development of the buddy-cop film as well as being one of the best examples. Its first sequel is almost as good, if just missing out on being on the same level or surpassing it.'Lethal Weapon 3' is fun enough, and there is plenty to enjoy, but after the impressive first two films it was somewhat of a let-down. It didn't feel as fresh and had a ran out of ideas feel sometimes. Its weak link is the story, which does have some exciting moments and some good scenes but the first two films were much more focused and tight in plotting, here the story does meander in places and parts drag. Some of the dialogue is a lot of fun, some of it is repetitive and convoluted with a little too much emphasis at times on humour.After being such a delight in the second film, Joe Pesci returns and one was hoping he would be a welcome presence. Sadly count me in as one of the people who found him underused, his character merely being a plot device and Pesci being irritating this time round (the first time ever he's had that effect on me). Was mixed on the villain, Stuart Wilson does enjoy himself immensely and does bring a sinister edge to easily the best acted head villain in comparison to the first two films where the henchmen were more memorable and better played. The character himself was a little sketchy in development however and he could have been used more.However, the way 'Lethal Weapon 3' is shot and designed screams slick and stylish while Richard Donner once again directs with an assured hand. The score is atmospheric and groovy.Parts of the script doe entertain hugely and crackle in wit and tension.Once again, the action is slick and bursts with excitement and tension, with terrific stunts and the sheer scale of them being worthy of huge admiration. It is very easy to see why the chalk and cheese chemistry of the polar opposite characters of Riggs and Murtaugh became so popular, very rarely in a buddy-cop film has this kind of chemistry been so entertaining and perfectly pitched.Mel Gibson continues to excel in a performance as witty and intense has before. Danny Glover gives Murtaugh the right amount of spirit, subtlety and no-nonsense attitude. Rene Russo brings some much needed freshness and gives a strong performance.In summary, fun but the magic is not quite there for me. Not one of the best sequels there is, but hardly a disgrace and nowhere near among the worst. 6/10 Bethany Cox

LETHAL WEAPON 3 suffers from being the weakest film in the series, but that's really only because the other three are so good that they make this one inferior by comparison. It still marks a hugely entertaining piece of Hollywood entertainment, slicker than the first two with more of a '90s vibe, but plenty of incident to see it through.This time around, Riggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of a former cop and gun runner. There are big explosive set-pieces, lots of humour at the expensive of our heroes, and a little male bonding. I don't like Rene Russo much and she gets a lot of screen time as a tough internal affairs cop who is supposed to be some real bad ass, although that didn't convince me. Stuart Wilson's villain is also quite weak and lacking in presence.The good news is that Joe Pesci is back and as funny as ever, livening things up whenever he appears. Gibson and Glover are both as sharp as ever and have settled well into their roles without ever feeling that they're phoning it in; they both work hard to bring a lot of energy to their parts. The film is well directed with some solid action scenes that have a John Woo vibe to them with lots of large-scale shoot-outs; the subway bit and the burning climax are real highlights here.

After a botched bomb disposal job, Riggs and Murtagh find themselves on foot patrol (which they both aren't happy about). After witnessing a murder at the hands of a bogus security team, Riggs sets off in hot pursuit with Murtagh not far behind in the 'real' security vehicle. Riggs and Murtagh contain the situation following a pursuit and some fisticuffs and arrest the driver Billy Phelps (Mark Pellegrino). When they examine his weapon, it turns out that it is a special type of gun that is able to pierce 'armour'. However, before Riggs and Murtagh manage to question Phelps, a man comes into the police station and shoots Phelps and calmly walks away. Riggs, Murtagh and internal affairs officer Lorna Cole (Russo) discover that Phelps has been shot and promptly examine the CCTV footage where Cole identifies the killer as 'Jack Travis' - a former police officer who is into arms in a big way. Riggs, Murtagh and Cole find that they must all work together to try and find out why Travis has murdered Phelps and how the 2 of them are linked; For me, the main problem with this Lethal Weapon entry is that there is very little in the way of a plot. The plot is basically Travis steals lots of arms and uses them against the police and that's pretty much it. We learn very little about Travis's motivations and we get no background information about him. Why did he get involved with arms? Why did he have a vendetta against the police? Who knows? Second we come to Leo Getz - OK,OK,OK,OK,OK,OK,OK,OK,OK (sorry I couldn't resist). I thought it was quite refreshing when he was introduced in the second film and found him to be tolerable in that film. Getz character also had more relevance to the plot in LW2. I found his character beyond irritating in this film and what exactly was the point of him being in this film? Oh yeah, he's an Estate Agent. Really? I like Joe Pesci and I've enjoyed every other film that he's been in, but I really couldn't stand him in LW3 - as I mentioned he was tolerable in the second film, but I felt he was a bit OTT here.There were other absurd scenes as well like where Cole and Riggs are both showing each other scars from where they've been shot and injured in various places. Why? Not only was it pointless, but it was also unfunny.At least, LW3 still had its funny moments and the chemistry is still strong between Riggs and Murtagh. As far as entertainment goes, this is good. But if you are the sort of person who enjoys a film with a well thought out and coherent plot then this may come as a disappointment. I gave it 5/10 purely for its entertainment value.

Lethal Weapon 3 is Action-packed and entertaining sequel to the first two Lethal Weapon's that is filled great direction,amazing Action,wonderful cast and a memorable score. Although it's not as good as the first two Lethal Weapon 3 is still a wonderful sequel.Lethal Weapon 3 sees Riggs(Mel Gibson)and Murtaugh(Danny Glover)back once again now having to deal with Jack Travers(Stuart Wilson)a former L.A.P.D cop turned arms dealer. Now with the help Leo Getz(Joe Pesci)and Internal Affairs cop Sgt. Lorna Cole(Rene Russo),Riggs and Murtaugh look to take down Jack Travers at all costs.Lethal Weapon 3 is fantastic Action film that I always liked since seeing it in 1992/93 especially after loving the first two Lethal Weapons. I can see why some people wouldn't like this one as much as the first two because the first two Lethal Weapon's set the bar so high for Action how do you top those two and where do you go with the franchise. The story for Lethal Weapon 3 Isn't groundbreaking or original by any stretch of the imagination because LW3 follows the same formula of the first two films:the hilarious Adventures of Riggs and Murtuagh,lots of Action,a memorable villain and lots of explosions and thrills to satisfy the viewer. With some franchises or film series there is a formula that works and when something works you just don't change it. The film has a great barrel of laughs and humor which is first shown in the beginning of the film which pretty starts off with a big giant bang. It's a great opening that will have you laughing your head off. The characters and the terrific offbeat personalities of Riggs,Murtaugh,Leo and Lorna Cole brings laughs and hilarious dialog just like the second one. While LW3 is a funny film it is also a very emotional film especially with the examination about guns and gang violence and how gang violence or the possession of guns can lead to death. LW3 is also an examination of the great characters of Riggs and Murtaugh and how Murtaugh wants to retire and how it affects Riggs and the relationship he has with Murtaugh while Murtaugh is getting older and wants to retire. This film shows viewers that Riggs and Murtaugh's partnership and relationship is more complex than we thought. What I also love about the film is the addition of the character Lorna Cole as Riggs' love interest because in many respects Lorna is the female version of Riggs like Riggs she loves The Three Stooges,Action and Lorna could be slightly insane like Riggs and that is one of the reasons this film as flawed as it is works because of the chemistry between these two characters and that both characters are pretty much on an even keel when compared to each other. This movie like the other LW films moves at a fast pace and it never slows down once the Action starts and once the Action starts there's non-stop thrills and excitement. The LW films have always been known for great villains and Jack Travis is a great villain because this time instead of being a villain from another country or from the army,Travis is a former cop who is now an arms dealer selling guns and armor piercing bullets that can and will kill cops in a heartbeat and in some ways that make Jack Travers dangerous to not only Riggs and Murtaugh but other cops as well even though he's not as intimidating as the villains in LW1,2 or 4. The Action scenes in this film are great and intense and make the film more suspenseful and insane with great shootouts,explosions and fires all around giving the film a powerful rush. The final 20-30 minutes like the other LW films are great and Action filled and also look at the film and look for the scene after the credits the scene will have you roaring in laughter.The cast does great jobs in their roles. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are brilliant once again as Riggs and Murtaugh bringing the same intensity,laughs and chemistry as in the first two. Joe Pesci is fantastic and hilarious once again as fast talking Leo Getz. Rene Russo is great,tough and sexy as Sgt. Lorna Cole,Riggs' love interest. Stuart Wilson does a wonderful job as Jack Travis,the villain of the film. Steve Kahan(Capt. Murphy),Mary Ellen Trainer(Stephanie Woods,Psychachirst),Darlene Love(Trish Murtaugh),Traci Wolfe(Rianne Murtaugh),Damon Hines(Nick Murtaugh),Ebonie Smith(Carrie Murtaugh),Gregory Miller(Tyrone)and Jason Meshover-Lorg(Young Cop)giver go performances as well.The direction by Richard Donner is excellent,with Donner always moving the camera and using great angles while also doing well in the Action scenes. Great direction by Donner.The score by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen is effective and intense and goes well with the film. Another great score by Clapton and Kamen. There is also great songs by Sting with Eric Clapton(It's Probably Me),Elton John and Eric Clapton(Runaway Train)and Boyz II Men(It's So Hard To Say Goodbye). Great songs.In final word,if you love Action films or the Lethal Weapon franchise,I highly suggest you see Lethal Weapon 3,a Action-packed,funny and entertaining sequel that's not as good as the first two but you watch again and again with the rest of the series. Highly Recommended. 9.5/10.