Lethal Weapon  ★★★★

THERE is a strong argument that Mel Gibson is Australia’s greatest film star.

Not any more of course. For the past 20 years he has been fighting to get out of Hollywood’s black book due to some of his personal issues and opinions.

But from Mad Max in 1978 to 2002’s Signs he was firing with a charisma that held the attention whatever role he was in.

One of his most successful films during that period was the 1987 American genre-crossing Lethal Weapon. Part action, drama, thriller and comedy, it reinvented the buddy cop film courtesy of the chemistry between Gibson and co-star Danny Glover enhancing even further the great first script by Shane Black.

With seasoned director Richard Donner at the helm and a top-flight stunt team, the action sequences popped off the screen and brought real tension to the proceedings.

The unhinged Martin Riggs (Gibson) and family man Roger Murtaugh (Glover) are the most unlikely of partners whose respect and friendship grows naturally and beautifully during the course of the film which has them investigating a woman’s death which develops into a massive drug conspiracy involving a murderous group of former Vietnam War veterans.

One of the other great aspects of the film are its action sequences which manage to retain the film’s propulsive narrative and acting chemistry while providing plenty of thrills.

Lethal Weapon is one of the best films of its kind and a testament to the talent and star power of Gibson over such a long period.