LW2 is an absolute classic. Great action, lots of laughs and awesome actors. Far out it is hard to believe how many amazing movies came out in 1989 like LW2, Batman, Last Crusade, Licence to kill, Back to the future 2, GHostbusters 2, Glory, etc.... just to name a few. Good times
For me the “Lethal Weapon” franchise was one of those “lightening in a bottle” occurrences that started out with a great chemistry from the leading stars and kept getting better as it went. They kept going with great stories and great stars like Joe Pesci. Rene Russo and Chris Rock just added to the greatness of an already successful franchise. It is a shame that more movies like this aren’t made.
Compared to how franchises like Ghostbusters and Terminator ended up like, LW is perfection. But really, the first one puts all of the sequels to shame. 2 and 3 are just good fun. And 4 is just awful imo - and I'm a big Jet Li fan.
Lethal Weapon is a rare series of films where everybody comes back in the sequels. Director, Cast, composer. It creates consistency in style and themes, though the series does become more comedic later on. I love these moves.
Watched it again recently. The emotional drop as Murtaugh is calling out for Riggs to Knockin' on 'Heaven's Door' and then tells him he can't die until he says he can, to then having them laughing together as Harrison's 'Cheer Down' comes up is just excellent. Couldn't of ended better.
I have rewatched this series so many times since they were all released. Recently just watched them with my 20 year old son, since he wants to watch some of these "old" movies. He loved them all. This one holds a special memory with me that I remember every time I watch it. I even had Mel Gibson hair in high school and a few years beyond
Richard Donner is one of the reasons why LW franchises works. His direction made all 4 movies awesome. Which proves why he shouldn’t have been taken away from Superman. If he stayed as Superman director those movies would have been great. Since WB forced him out Superman 3 and 4 were terrible movies.
I love this series of movies, it's a really nice portrayal of male friendship, and Murtaughs family dynamic is so refreshing in how down to earth it is.
Such an awesome sequel! Definitely one of the best ever made. The balance of everything was spot on, and the chemistry between the two was perfect. Thank you for giving this some well deserved love!
I always felt this was the best in the franchise of four awesome films. The chemistry with Danny and Mel is what makes this the top of the four films. The evolution of their friendship and how they care for each other but still have a touch of comedy is on point in LW2.
I love this movie so much. Somehow they made the second story even better than the first and connected it with the death of Rigg's wife. Leo was a great addition here but seem like he outstayed his welcome for me in 3. The social commentary was good for the day and raised awareness and the epic drive thru rant had me rolling in my seat. Patsy Kinsit played her Rika beautifully here and was shocked and horrified they killed her off. Just when it seemed Riggs was doing all right. The music was great and haunting for the last part and I thought Riggs was going to die at the end, but once the banter started up and Cheer Down started playing, it was a great happy turn. I bought the CD and would listen to it all the time. Great retrospective, guys.
The whole franchise wore out its welcome beginning, with, Lethal Weapon 3, Stuart Wilson, was a great villain, that got totally wasted, much, like, Gary Busey in, Under Siege, that same year, and, his career, flatlined, combined, with, the disastrous, TMNT 3, Lethal Weapon 4, was even worse, just an unmitigated disaster.
Fun fact: Shane Black ( the writer) said that in his treatment Riggs dies. The studio wanted the series to continue, so they edited it to be more light hearted/ open ended. Black told the studio “You can continue the series if you want, but without me. Just mail me the checks” That’s why the next two are so dramatically inferior
@@timwong5908 I saw Titanic in the Theater when released, but only because the girl I was dating wanted to see it, probably why I haven't seen it since... Cameron liked using the same people in his movies.
@@briandain8432 Hey man. I’ve had that happen to me with films where I’ve shared them with someone and then been burnt and refused to watch them again. Then I realised “nah…. I’m taking these films back!!”. I strongly recommend you do the same and revisit titanic. It’s bloody awesome!!
@@TheDreamfinder99 just popped in Sin City. If You haven't seen Josh Harnett lately he's got a sweet Classic Kenner Star Wars channel called GQJEDI. Funny it was months before I realized it was him cuz he grew his hair out & had a beard.
I always say Magnum Force is the best but that "Dipohhh-matic Ee-moon-ee-tay" scene with Danny and Joss at the end gets me every time; awesome at its most epic - never gets old!
I remember watching this as a kid. I liked Leo as well as the returning characters. The toilet bomb scene was intense. Even bought the "Lethal Weapon 2" toilet paper pin from the WB catalog.
I love the bit when the psychologist who claims to have helped police officers through the most traumatic events of their lives sees Murtaugh on the toilet and says "I was wrong".
The film starts with the Warner Bros logo and the beginning music to the Warner Bros Cartoons. That sets the tone before the film even starts. I love this sequel. Gremlins 2 is also better than the first.
100% Classic. Excitement, entertainment, excellence, exhilarating. And thats only the open car chase segment. The chemistry between the two lads has never been bettered, the banter and connections with RIggs and Murtagh's family is addictive and laugh out loud brilliance. Between the high octane suspense and action, there is dark dark drama with Riggs, and it fits like a glove with the hilarity of the Toilet scene, or the condom prank the guys play on Murtagh. And Murtagh's scene in the South African Embassy is one of the best scenes of the whole 4 movies.
This movie is my third favorite of all time, with Beverly Hills Cop being one and Die Hard being two. The first Lethal Weapon was so good and I love it so much, but like the video said, Lethal Weapon 2 uped everything. The action, the comedy, and the darkness. It was better than the first one to me and the best movie in the series. Excellent sequel and Excellent video to JoBlo.
@@thedys70 I finally watched Running Scared and I loved it so much. The movie Stakeout, with Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez, gave me vibes of Running Scared. They were similar to me, but Running Scared was better than Stakeout in my opinion.
Little-Known Fact: even in the worst periods of Apartheid, saying something racist, like, that, or, The, K-Word, would, get diplomats instantly fired, but, hey, why let the facts get in the way of a good story.
I love Lethal Weapon 2. I haven't seen it in a long time, although I've the whole series lots of times. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover had such great chemistry together in those movies.
"Your Black, I'm Mad, We're back." The magic is back, Lethal Weapon 2 is my favourite entry in this series. I am still very curious as to what Black original script Play Dirty would have been like. Lethal Weapon 2 was very notable in its use of Apartheid in South Africa, which was only hinted at in the background of the first film It has a dark 2nd half but overall is much more fun. It was the 3rd highest grossing movie of 1989 coming in after, Batman & Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade. Ironically the script doctor here Jeffrey Boam also wrote the hit Last Crusade. Sequels ruled the roost during this time and had the same sort of success comic book movies enjoy today. If ain't broke don't fix it.
One of my favourite action movies of all time. I bought it on video and watched it so many times that I wore out the tape. I know every line of dialogue and every cut - and now this video helped me learn so much about it. Thank you!
I love those extended cuts. They give you more time in the LW world, and in the case of the first film we get even more unhinged Riggs, which is a good thing. I wish those hit 4K Blu-ray all the time, but I know they won’t get there. I’m surprised the theatrical versions haven’t been released on the format yet.
It was years before I saw the proper uncut version where Riggs kills the guys on the pier. I was like… “what!!! What the hell is happening!!” Finally have it now on blu ray. Also the 4th uncut is like a completely different film! Much more brutal!
"You give a whole meaning to the word 'dropcloth,' Mr Rudd" got the single biggest audience laugh Ive ever experienced in a theater. AMC Orleans 8 in Northeast Philly, July, '89.
The original is better, and, given, George Floyd, and, other scandals, plus, Hollywood's, stubborn refusal, on, ever, holding England responsible, for, creating, Apartheid, I'd argue the exact opposite, no question.
08:26 - In Shane Black's first draft of Lethal Weapon 1, it is revealed that Gary Busey's character Mr. Joshua had killed Riggs' wife in a failed attempt to kill Riggs when he worked the Narco Squad in Long Beach. However, when that tidbit failed to make it into the film, screenwriter Jeffrey Boam chose to use it for the second film. Only he changed it to Vorstadt killing Victoria Lynn. Boam would go on to say the entire reason he agreed to rewrite LW2 was because he wanted so desperately to write the scene where Riggs finds out about his late wife and confronts her killer!
Remember getting this on vhs for Christmas one year, I think I was 15 at the time, almost 32 years ago, wow time flies, it's still as good to watch today as its always been, a classic, all of them are imo.
South African consulate: *"Listen to your friend here. You don't want to go to South Africa."* Murtaugh: *"Why not?"* S African consulate: *"Because........you're bleck."* (added the "e" for that S African accent!)
I was in my early teens when my friends got a copy of this. We were so excited to watch it since we were too young to get into R movies easily. Such a good movie, probably made more exciting at the time since we weren't supposed to be seeing it.
Like, Superman II, Lethal Weapon 2, is, less, a, sequel, and, more, the, second half of a whole, the two obscure connections, are, an, End Apartheid, Now, sticker, on Roger Murtaugh's refrigerator, and, Martin Riggs finally avenging the death of his wife.
@@gmac5112 Thank You, but, I actually got that analogy from Jabootu, speaking of which, firing Richard Donner from Superman II, was almost as totally dumb as Shane Black getting fired from Lethal Weapon 2, almost.
@@matthewdaley746 Just as well we didn't have interfering knobs like Pierre Spengler and the Salkinds sabotaging Lethal Weapon 1 + 2 production, and ruining another Donner masterpiece.
I kinda do want to see Shane Black and Warren Murphy's draft of the Play Dirty script. Like Black shouldn't have sold himself short. As an artist myself, I can understand if something you create may not be good for your audience, but at the same time you should enjoy the fruits of your labor and share something you worked so hard on. Like maybe if Shane gets the OK from the executives from Warner Bros. or whoever owns the Lethal Weapon rights currently, he should have the script re-worked into graphic novel format. Cause I think Lethal Weapon overall deserves a comic book adaptation, especially since Black's writing style was inspired by pulp novels and comics.
I´ve read the original script for The last Boy Scout, another film written by Black that he claims was too altered and honestly, I can totally agree with the changes. I mean dude, come on, putting your villain cutting a girl with a chainsaw for a snuff film or mowing an entire family with an Uzi in an action vehicle for Bruce Willis? That was NEVER going to pass! There´s no real point in those scenes either other than "look how horrible the villains are!". Yeah, because otherwise we would be all rooting for Milo.... Get the impression that he sabotaged himself because of those feelings of insecurity the video explains at the beggining.
Interesting concept - Lethal Weapon script re-worked into graphic novel format; but is it okay to upset the canon for a one-off publication such as this?
Lethal Weapon 2 is one of the best sequels of all time. The established universe from the first film allowed us to pick up the action where we left off. Also, foundation of the success for the entire franchise relies on the returning cast Danny Glover, Mel Gibson, Steve Kahan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Damon Hinds, Ebonie Smith, Mary Ellen Trainor, and crew Richard Donner, Shane Black, Jennie Lew Tugend, J Michael Riva, Marion Dougherty, Michael Kamen & Eric Clapton. Give us standalone videos for Lethal Weapon 3 and 4 @JoeBlo
The only thing these series truly missed out on. Riggs is supposed to be a bad ass marine scout sniper throughout the Vietnam War. We didn't see that potential. Short 2 minutes in the first movie that was it. Besides that all great movies
I liked lethal weapon 2 more than the original combination of action and humor the villains we're great you just hated them couldn't wait for Riggs and Murtaugh to take them down
I love the Lethal Weapon series and I always preferred Lethal Weapon 2. Always thought it was better than even the original. best film of the series for me.
1989 The year of the Sequels Lethal Weapon 2 Ghostbusters 2 Back to the Future 2 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Karate Kid 3 Star Trek 5 License to Kill
Ah, the 80s... when Hollyweird conceded it had very little imaginative talent, and remorselessly bled any profitable original film into an unsustainable franchise mess
Damn, he really wanted drugs raining down LA lol. I couldn't watch scenes with him in it in mighty ducks two without thinking, Diplomatic immunity! Same with Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey.
Yes, I do believe Lethal Weapon 2 IS one of the best sequels ever made. It delivers on the promise of the first film, continuing the chemistry and misadventures of Riggs and Murtaugh. It also adds Joe Pesci to the wacky mix and the action is bigger, badder, more outrageous.
They were walking a tight rope with the comedy of the Leo Getz character. It could have brought the movie crashing down. Joe Pesci pulled off the role in fine style.
Even though I like this film, I still really want to see Shane Black’s original script where Riggs dies at the end. Richard Donner and Joel Silver liked it, but wanted more sequels and a more comedic tone
Yeah, and, the fact that the last two entries, were, so, pathetic, proved that Shane Black, was, the real star of the franchise, also, the reason why I still prefer, the, original.
Did you get your hands on the 8-disc set from La-La Land Records when it was released; complete (unreleased) scores in their entirety, as well as the album versions, and the never-released score for 4? I think it's now gone, but I had to buy it twice (lost the first set in a house move, damn it!).
I loved this movie but always hated that they killed Rika. She was just too innocent, and loveable, and beautiful. You wanted to see Riggs end up with her after the torment of losing his wife. That part of the movie hit too hard. But it made sense in the grand scheme of things...didn't stop me from hating it any less though. And Renee russoo did prove to be the perfect companion for Riggs at the end of the series
The editor had a bit of a brain fart at 17:50 it appears, but that happens to the best of us. I once turned a B+ into an 8+ when trying to make it into an A+ when I was in grade school.
As much as I love the first film, LW2 is a much better film and has always been my favorite of the series. And it’s part of the Class of ‘89 classics! So many great movies that year!
yup Leathal weapon was one of these movies you had to mute or turn down the volume if the parents were around because of the language, we checked the movie out, or it came on FREE HBO month was when i saw it back in the day, i to had Riggs hair.
Nobody I know had Riggs pegged sideways like I did. This video made me a bit relieved that my take on the grief-ridden character was intended by Shane Black to be just that. (the letterman's jacket was an odd costume choice, BTW)
I like Lethal weapon 2, but I don’t agree with it being the best of the franchise, like many people say. I actually found the movie a little disapointing. First of all, I thought the villains were kind of bland and forgettable. Sure, they had their moments, but i couldn’t imagine Pieter Vorstedt as a worthy adversary to Riggs, like Busey was in the first movie. There was nothing special about him. So when it was supposed to be him who killed Riggs’ wife, i thought it was a cheap tactic, to make a villain who was dull in the first place more interesting. I just feel like the villain should have been more special and interesting when it’s the guy responsible for Riggs’ wife’s death. The film has redeeming qualities though, like the continuation of Riggs’ and Murtaugh’s friendship, Murtaugh’s family dynamic and Leo Getz.
Not, to mention, the, knee-jerk, decision to give them stereotypically atrocious accents, Apartheid, was actually England's idea, they should have gotten Australian actors to play them, really, that's just it.
From what I've read, this was, yet, another, consequence of firing Shane Black, she lived in his original script, and, Jeffrey Boam's terribly hasty, re-write, wasn't given the time to address this.
Majority of films no matter how many prequels and sequels the original and the second are usually the best hands down, Terminator 1 & 2, ghostbuster 1&2 (although not agreed by many) predator 1&2, lethal weapon 1&2, alien and aliens, and many more but some are better than first film
A nice additional connection to the anti-apartheid message in the film is Danny Glover's portrayal Willie in two early stagings of Athol Fugard's play, "Master Harold"...and the Boys.
I remember being 9 years old and hearing my sister crying hysterically from the other room. I ran in and said, "What's wrong?" GO AWAY GO AWAY! She was watching LW2... I saw it a couple years later and was like, damn... this movie is awesome.
1 is still the best imo, but LW2 is a fantastic sequel. They really took the formula and made a good film. The chemistry of the leads is undeniable. Mel is directing LW5 as a request by Donner before he passed, so I hope they go out with a bang!
Love LW2, if only it was also set in Christmas. I would say that even though Riggs married René Russos character in LW 3 and 4, that I felt was just having a counterpart to Riggs. Here I felt that the character really fell in love.
LW2 is an absolute classic. Great action, lots of laughs and awesome actors. Far out it is hard to believe how many amazing movies came out in 1989 like LW2, Batman, Last Crusade, Licence to kill, Back to the future 2, GHostbusters 2, Glory, etc.... just to name a few. Good times
Terminator IMO is still the greatest sequel ever made. Godfather 2 honorable mention
@@GisherJohn24 The first Terminator is the best.
Very significant in 1989
For me the “Lethal Weapon” franchise was one of those “lightening in a bottle” occurrences that started out with a great chemistry from the leading stars and kept getting better as it went. They kept going with great stories and great stars like Joe Pesci. Rene Russo and Chris Rock just added to the greatness of an already successful franchise. It is a shame that more movies like this aren’t made.
Just a heads up there's no "e" in lightning
Simple Hollywood is about pushing anti family anti entertainment movies
They’re all about pushing
their 🏳️🌈 and anti white agenda
@@cliffordfernandez3524 bahahahaha!!!!! 😂😀😀😀😀
Compared to how franchises like Ghostbusters and Terminator ended up like, LW is perfection. But really, the first one puts all of the sequels to shame. 2 and 3 are just good fun. And 4 is just awful imo - and I'm a big Jet Li fan.
Lethal Weapon is a rare series of films where everybody comes back in the sequels. Director, Cast, composer. It creates consistency in style and themes, though the series does become more comedic later on. I love these moves.
Danny Glover shooting the South African bad guy through the head, at the end, was really satisfying
Agreed lol
"Diplomatic immunity" BANG
"it's just been revoked"
He's been decaffeinated :)
SPOILER !!!!!
DEEPLOMATIC EMUUNITEEEE
Watched it again recently. The emotional drop as Murtaugh is calling out for Riggs to Knockin' on 'Heaven's Door' and then tells him he can't die until he says he can, to then having them laughing together as Harrison's 'Cheer Down' comes up is just excellent. Couldn't of ended better.
I have rewatched this series so many times since they were all released. Recently just watched them with my 20 year old son, since he wants to watch some of these "old" movies. He loved them all. This one holds a special memory with me that I remember every time I watch it. I even had Mel Gibson hair in high school and a few years beyond
Does ur hair look like his mug shot now loljkkkkkjkjk
I like when Murtaugh's daughter accidentally slaps Riggs. I'm 99% sure it was accidental
The Lethal Weapon movies deserves more appreciation
They were huge in the video tape era but it’s a long time ago now
All 4 movies were awesome, they created a great family, and i think the reason the whole franchise was a hit, it was due to LW2 being so good.
You came back to watch the chemistry between the characters and their arcs. 2 showed it worked and we wanted to see more.
@@AndyJay1985 exactly and each addition was good, i mean, even chris rock on 4 was passable, but the end theme at the cemetery explained it all
Richard Donner is one of the reasons why LW franchises works. His direction made all 4 movies awesome. Which proves why he shouldn’t have been taken away from Superman. If he stayed as Superman director those movies would have been great. Since WB forced him out Superman 3 and 4 were terrible movies.
Clearly you haven't seen lethal weapon 6. Best one
You guys need to watch LOADED WEAPON
Wow. Batman, Last Crusade, & LW2..
What an amazing Year.
Saw this and Batman at the drive in
I love this series of movies, it's a really nice portrayal of male friendship, and Murtaughs family dynamic is so refreshing in how down to earth it is.
Such an awesome sequel! Definitely one of the best ever made. The balance of everything was spot on, and the chemistry between the two was perfect. Thank you for giving this some well deserved love!
I always felt this was the best in the franchise of four awesome films. The chemistry with Danny and Mel is what makes this the top of the four films. The evolution of their friendship and how they care for each other but still have a touch of comedy is on point in LW2.
This was my favorite of the series but I would love to have seen how Shane Black’s Play Dirty script would’ve turned out on screen.
I love this movie so much. Somehow they made the second story even better than the first and connected it with the death of Rigg's wife. Leo was a great addition here but seem like he outstayed his welcome for me in 3. The social commentary was good for the day and raised awareness and the epic drive thru rant had me rolling in my seat. Patsy Kinsit played her Rika beautifully here and was shocked and horrified they killed her off. Just when it seemed Riggs was doing all right. The music was great and haunting for the last part and I thought Riggs was going to die at the end, but once the banter started up and Cheer Down started playing, it was a great happy turn. I bought the CD and would listen to it all the time. Great retrospective, guys.
The whole franchise wore out its welcome beginning, with, Lethal Weapon 3, Stuart Wilson, was a great villain, that got totally wasted, much, like, Gary Busey in, Under Siege, that same year, and, his career, flatlined, combined, with, the disastrous, TMNT 3, Lethal Weapon 4, was even worse, just an unmitigated disaster.
Agree , Pesci was just annoying in 3 and 4
@lard_lad_AU Just, absolutely, horrifically-unnecessary, unquestionably.
Fun fact: Shane Black ( the writer) said that in his treatment Riggs dies.
The studio wanted the series to continue, so they edited it to be more light hearted/ open ended.
Black told the studio “You can continue the series if you want, but without me. Just mail me the checks”
That’s why the next two are so dramatically inferior
@@brianmurphy250 You're absolutely right, outstanding.
The cop who died on the diving board was the Foster Mom in T2, and unbelievably was the kickass Latina in Aliens 2.
Yup, she died in T2, Aliens, Lethal Weapon 2 and even Titanic
@@timwong5908 I saw Titanic in the Theater when released, but only because the girl I was dating wanted to see it, probably why I haven't seen it since... Cameron liked using the same people in his movies.
@@briandain8432 Hey man. I’ve had that happen to me with films where I’ve shared them with someone and then been burnt and refused to watch them again. Then I realised “nah…. I’m taking these films back!!”. I strongly recommend you do the same and revisit titanic. It’s bloody awesome!!
@@TheDreamfinder99 just popped in Sin City. If You haven't seen Josh Harnett lately he's got a sweet Classic Kenner Star Wars channel called GQJEDI. Funny it was months before I realized it was him cuz he grew his hair out & had a beard.
Yes. She’s been in the best movie sequels of all time! ‘LW2’, ‘Aliens’, ‘T2’…
Leathal Weapon, as a series of movies, is one of the only instances where a franchise got better as it progressed.
The past couple months of content has undoubtedly moved Joblo to the top of my favorite movie review RUclips channels. Keep it up guys!
I always say Magnum Force is the best but that "Dipohhh-matic Ee-moon-ee-tay" scene with Danny and Joss at the end gets me every time; awesome at its most epic - never gets old!
Looking forward to more talk about these movies! My dad and I watched these a ton when i was a child. I rewatched all of them a couple weeks ago.
I love when you remind me what good movies we had in the past.
The toilet bomb scene was surprisingly touching...
I remember watching this as a kid. I liked Leo as well as the returning characters. The toilet bomb scene was intense. Even bought the "Lethal Weapon 2" toilet paper pin from the WB catalog.
He was good in that film, unfortunately, he wore out his welcome in the, later, entries.
I love the bit when the psychologist who claims to have helped police officers through the most traumatic events of their lives sees Murtaugh on the toilet and says "I was wrong".
@@kthx1138 Severely, wrong, totally, definitely.
The film starts with the Warner Bros logo and the beginning music to the Warner Bros Cartoons. That sets the tone before the film even starts. I love this sequel.
Gremlins 2 is also better than the first.
Loony Tunes!
It fits so well the first 10 seconds
100% Classic. Excitement, entertainment, excellence, exhilarating. And thats only the open car chase segment. The chemistry between the two lads has never been bettered, the banter and connections with RIggs and Murtagh's family is addictive and laugh out loud brilliance. Between the high octane suspense and action, there is dark dark drama with Riggs, and it fits like a glove with the hilarity of the Toilet scene, or the condom prank the guys play on Murtagh. And Murtagh's scene in the South African Embassy is one of the best scenes of the whole 4 movies.
This movie is my third favorite of all time, with Beverly Hills Cop being one and Die Hard being two. The first Lethal Weapon was so good and I love it so much, but like the video said, Lethal Weapon 2 uped everything. The action, the comedy, and the darkness. It was better than the first one to me and the best movie in the series. Excellent sequel and Excellent video to JoBlo.
As far as cop buddy movies go, I agree with your selections. And might I suggest Running Scared from 1986 as next in the queue?
@@thedys70 I finally watched Running Scared and I loved it so much. The movie Stakeout, with Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez, gave me vibes of Running Scared. They were similar to me, but Running Scared was better than Stakeout in my opinion.
@@captaingeek8541 yes, I have them both on DVD, just waiting for a local bluray or 4K release to upgrade collection
It is a lot lighter and "more fun," but the darker tone of the first movie comes back with a vengeance in the last act.
100%. My fav of the series. Expanded on Riggs story and introduced Leo. Found memories of this flic. Series needs a 4K release!
Signed.. come on Warner Brothers give us a UHD release.
"Bu-bu-bu-bu-but... your black!" breaks me every time. It's freakin' hilarious.
Little-Known Fact: even in the worst periods of Apartheid, saying something racist, like, that, or, The, K-Word, would, get diplomats instantly fired, but, hey, why let the facts get in the way of a good story.
You are... he is...
@@JMurdochNZ An absolutely, bizarre parlay.
@@JMurdochNZ of course im black! thats why i wanna go to south africa!!!!!
okay, okay, okay.... but.. you're bleck...?
I love Lethal Weapon 2. I haven't seen it in a long time, although I've the whole series lots of times. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover had such great chemistry together in those movies.
By far one of the best sequel ever. It is almost a perfect movie.
I thought, DHWAV, was much better, even, though, it wasn't technically a direct sequel.
@@matthewdaley746
Yeah I love that movie too.
@@Mike-zs8hq John McTiernan, absolute craftsman.
Vengeance was the last good Die Hard film.
@@jdxsr85 Unquestionably, misery, inevitably, followed.
"Your Black, I'm Mad, We're back."
The magic is back, Lethal Weapon 2 is my favourite entry in this series. I am still very curious as to what Black original script Play Dirty would have been like. Lethal Weapon 2 was very notable in its use of Apartheid in South Africa, which was only hinted at in the background of the first film It has a dark 2nd half but overall is much more fun. It was the 3rd highest grossing movie of 1989 coming in after, Batman & Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade. Ironically the script doctor here Jeffrey Boam also wrote the hit Last Crusade. Sequels ruled the roost during this time and had the same sort of success comic book movies enjoy today. If ain't broke don't fix it.
"We're back! We're bad! You're black! I'm mad!"
It would be still the same formula
One of my favourite action movies of all time. I bought it on video and watched it so many times that I wore out the tape. I know every line of dialogue and every cut - and now this video helped me learn so much about it. Thank you!
I love those extended cuts. They give you more time in the LW world, and in the case of the first film we get even more unhinged Riggs, which is a good thing. I wish those hit 4K Blu-ray all the time, but I know they won’t get there. I’m surprised the theatrical versions haven’t been released on the format yet.
It was years before I saw the proper uncut version where Riggs kills the guys on the pier. I was like… “what!!! What the hell is happening!!”
Finally have it now on blu ray. Also the 4th uncut is like a completely different film! Much more brutal!
This is my favorite of The Lethal Weapon films. So many funny lines and great action scenes.
"You give a whole meaning to the word 'dropcloth,' Mr Rudd" got the single biggest audience laugh Ive ever experienced in a theater.
AMC Orleans 8 in Northeast Philly, July, '89.
"Diplomatic Immunity!"
"They've been dekaffanated" still slays me every time 😄
Funniest line! Flipping racism on its head.
Yes it is! I've been preaching that this is the best of the series for a few years now. It has aged extremely well.
The original is better, and, given, George Floyd, and, other scandals, plus, Hollywood's, stubborn refusal, on, ever, holding England responsible, for, creating, Apartheid, I'd argue the exact opposite, no question.
Best sequels
Lethal Weapon 2
Evil Dead 2
Aliens
Die Hard 3
Godfather II
Empire Strikes Back
Superman 2 Donner cut
@@biguy617 I think they did very well to edit what they could salvage, prior to Spengler and Salkind's self sabotage to the project and Donner
Don't forget Terminator 2
RIP Richard Donner
If I recall correctly, the car chase was also used as the premise/video at the beginning of the Lethal Weapon Ride at WB Movie World Australia
Absolutely it’s one of the greatest sequels ever!!!
As my daughter wrote in the Christmas card she sent me:
"Lethal Weapon is a Christmas movie!"
I have hope for the future.
As is Die Hard! And to those who say otherwise - NO presents!
08:26 - In Shane Black's first draft of Lethal Weapon 1, it is revealed that Gary Busey's character Mr. Joshua had killed Riggs' wife in a failed attempt to kill Riggs when he worked the Narco Squad in Long Beach. However, when that tidbit failed to make it into the film, screenwriter Jeffrey Boam chose to use it for the second film. Only he changed it to Vorstadt killing Victoria Lynn. Boam would go on to say the entire reason he agreed to rewrite LW2 was because he wanted so desperately to write the scene where Riggs finds out about his late wife and confronts her killer!
Wow, I did not know that. Glad it came out in the second one.
@@charliebronson1274 Me, too! It actually worked a whole lot better in LW2. Lethal 1 was dark enough.
That's certainly plausible, as Mr.Joshua was totally looney tunes, to state the obvious...
Lethal Weapon 2 was my favorite movie of the series!!
Lethal Weapon 2: One of the Best Sequels Ever Made? - Yes. On Par with Die Hard 2, and Terminator 2
Remember getting this on vhs for Christmas one year, I think I was 15 at the time, almost 32 years ago, wow time flies, it's still as good to watch today as its always been, a classic, all of them are imo.
Thrilling, step, down, anyway.
It was always my favorite Lethal Weapon movie. Still have a crush on Rika ❤️
This movie rocks. One of the few sequels to live up to if not be better than the original
Just came here to say : "Diplomatic Immunity"!!!!!
It's just been revoked, "bang," and, they've-instantly, totally, been, De-******nated.
@@matthewdaley746 loooolll
@@raoulhery He absolutely, earned it.
South African consulate: *"Listen to your friend here. You don't want to go to South Africa."*
Murtaugh: *"Why not?"*
S African consulate: *"Because........you're bleck."* (added the "e" for that S African accent!)
I was in my early teens when my friends got a copy of this. We were so excited to watch it since we were too young to get into R movies easily. Such a good movie, probably made more exciting at the time since we weren't supposed to be seeing it.
I just remembered Danny Glover's best line from LW2, YOU'VE BEEN DECAFFEINATED!
Man I love this movie! I can easily watch Lethal weapon and this back to back.
Like, Superman II, Lethal Weapon 2, is, less, a, sequel, and, more, the, second half of a whole, the two obscure connections, are, an, End Apartheid, Now, sticker, on Roger Murtaugh's refrigerator, and, Martin Riggs finally avenging the death of his wife.
@@matthewdaley746 Good analogy
@@gmac5112 Thank You, but, I actually got that analogy from Jabootu, speaking of which, firing Richard Donner from Superman II, was almost as totally dumb as Shane Black getting fired from Lethal Weapon 2, almost.
@@matthewdaley746 Just as well we didn't have interfering knobs like Pierre Spengler and the Salkinds sabotaging Lethal Weapon 1 + 2 production, and ruining another Donner masterpiece.
@@thedys70 Executive Meddling, ridiculously forever.
I kinda do want to see Shane Black and Warren Murphy's draft of the Play Dirty script.
Like Black shouldn't have sold himself short. As an artist myself, I can understand if something you create may not be good for your audience, but at the same time you should enjoy the fruits of your labor and share something you worked so hard on.
Like maybe if Shane gets the OK from the executives from Warner Bros. or whoever owns the Lethal Weapon rights currently, he should have the script re-worked into graphic novel format. Cause I think Lethal Weapon overall deserves a comic book adaptation, especially since Black's writing style was inspired by pulp novels and comics.
I´ve read the original script for The last Boy Scout, another film written by Black that he claims was too altered and honestly, I can totally agree with the changes. I mean dude, come on, putting your villain cutting a girl with a chainsaw for a snuff film or mowing an entire family with an Uzi in an action vehicle for Bruce Willis? That was NEVER going to pass! There´s no real point in those scenes either other than "look how horrible the villains are!". Yeah, because otherwise we would be all rooting for Milo.... Get the impression that he sabotaged himself because of those feelings of insecurity the video explains at the beggining.
Interesting concept - Lethal Weapon script re-worked into graphic novel format; but is it okay to upset the canon for a one-off publication such as this?
It's very refreshing to see the same actors trough out the series
One of the best elements of the series. All of the cops were the same and we even saw Murtaugh's kids grow up throughout the series.
the reason we all wanted a dually gmc
Yup South Africa in 1989 was a prosperous country, now it is a cesspool....
Everything is a good idea at the time I guess...
I found Lethal Weapon 2 A little sad Nevertheless, it is indeed one of the best movie sequels
What Joel Silver did to Shane Black's script, was a real tragedy, that's all.
I like this film better than the original, and it’s the best in the series. The series could have stopped after this movie
I, liked, the, original, better, because Shane Black got totally done dirty, Terminator, and, Alien, also, needed to end, after, two films.
@@matthewdaley746 Agree with you and Omar, but Hollyweird will always milk the cow dry into it's grave...
@@thedys70 An oversight miserably, repeated.
Hell they even had a nod to how good Gibson and Glover are together in Maverick.
Lethal Weapon 2 is one of the best sequels of all time. The established universe from the first film allowed us to pick up the action where we left off. Also, foundation of the success for the entire franchise relies on the returning cast Danny Glover, Mel Gibson, Steve Kahan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Damon Hinds, Ebonie Smith, Mary Ellen Trainor, and crew Richard Donner, Shane Black, Jennie Lew Tugend, J Michael Riva, Marion Dougherty, Michael Kamen & Eric Clapton.
Give us standalone videos for Lethal Weapon 3 and 4 @JoeBlo
Knocking on Heaven's Door played when Murtaugh climbed down to check on Riggs. Awesome setup really.
The only thing these series truly missed out on. Riggs is supposed to be a bad ass marine scout sniper throughout the Vietnam War. We didn't see that potential. Short 2 minutes in the first movie that was it. Besides that all great movies
I liked lethal weapon 2 more than the original combination of action and humor the villains we're great you just hated them couldn't wait for Riggs and Murtaugh to take them down
great movie just rewatched them over christmas . after all lethal weapon 1 is a christmas movie
Whenever a Drive Through order is screwed up I always remember Lego Getz line, They (Fudge) You at the Drive Through!
The tv cut for this was funny. They FOOL you in the drive through!
I love the Lethal Weapon series and I always preferred Lethal Weapon 2. Always thought it was better than even the original. best film of the series for me.
A classic series of films
That im finally about to sit and watch with my son,its time he saw these movies
I Watch these films on a regular rotation every year. Fantastic cast and storylines.
1989
The year of the Sequels
Lethal Weapon 2
Ghostbusters 2
Back to the Future 2
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Karate Kid 3
Star Trek 5
License to Kill
Ah, the 80s... when Hollyweird conceded it had very little imaginative talent, and remorselessly bled any profitable original film into an unsustainable franchise mess
Very significant
"But...but...but...but...you're bleck!"
Damn, he really wanted drugs raining down LA lol. I couldn't watch scenes with him in it in mighty ducks two without thinking, Diplomatic immunity! Same with Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey.
Those embassy scenes were epically hilarious! >_
Yes, I do believe Lethal Weapon 2 IS one of the best sequels ever made. It delivers on the promise of the first film, continuing the chemistry and misadventures of Riggs and Murtaugh. It also adds Joe Pesci to the wacky mix and the action is bigger, badder, more outrageous.
They were walking a tight rope with the comedy of the Leo Getz character. It could have brought the movie crashing down. Joe Pesci pulled off the role in fine style.
YES! What a friggin movie!
Was the woman who got blown up on the diving board the woman who the t1000 spiked?
When Riggs pulls down the house is sort of used in GTA 5.
Even though I like this film, I still really want to see Shane Black’s original script where Riggs dies at the end. Richard Donner and Joel Silver liked it, but wanted more sequels and a more comedic tone
Yeah, and, the fact that the last two entries, were, so, pathetic, proved that Shane Black, was, the real star of the franchise, also, the reason why I still prefer, the, original.
always loved the soundtrack to these movies
Very true and Cheer Down is an amazing song. It should have been a radio hit.
Did you get your hands on the 8-disc set from La-La Land Records when it was released; complete (unreleased) scores in their entirety, as well as the album versions, and the never-released score for 4? I think it's now gone, but I had to buy it twice (lost the first set in a house move, damn it!).
The only action film that begins with the Looney Tunes theme 😂
Too funny intro.
I loved this movie but always hated that they killed Rika. She was just too innocent, and loveable, and beautiful. You wanted to see Riggs end up with her after the torment of losing his wife. That part of the movie hit too hard. But it made sense in the grand scheme of things...didn't stop me from hating it any less though. And Renee russoo did prove to be the perfect companion for Riggs at the end of the series
They did shoot a version where she survived. Was a tragic twist, but adds the how dark it gets in the last act.
The editor had a bit of a brain fart at 17:50 it appears, but that happens to the best of us. I once turned a B+ into an 8+ when trying to make it into an A+ when I was in grade school.
As much as I love the first film, LW2 is a much better film and has always been my favorite of the series. And it’s part of the Class of ‘89 classics! So many great movies that year!
yup Leathal weapon was one of these movies you had to mute or turn down the volume if the parents were around because of the language, we checked the movie out, or it came on FREE HBO month was when i saw it back in the day, i to had Riggs hair.
Nobody I know had Riggs pegged sideways like I did. This video made me a bit relieved that my take on the grief-ridden character was intended by Shane Black to be just that. (the letterman's jacket was an odd costume choice, BTW)
Lethal Weapon Paddy's Pub edition has best bad guy.
I like Lethal weapon 2, but I don’t agree with it being the best of the franchise, like many people say. I actually found the movie a little disapointing.
First of all, I thought the villains were kind of bland and forgettable. Sure, they had their moments, but i couldn’t imagine Pieter Vorstedt as a worthy adversary to Riggs, like Busey was in the first movie. There was nothing special about him. So when it was supposed to be him who killed Riggs’ wife, i thought it was a cheap tactic, to make a villain who was dull in the first place more interesting.
I just feel like the villain should have been more special and interesting when it’s the guy responsible for Riggs’ wife’s death.
The film has redeeming qualities though, like the continuation of Riggs’ and Murtaugh’s friendship, Murtaugh’s family dynamic and Leo Getz.
Not, to mention, the, knee-jerk, decision to give them stereotypically atrocious accents, Apartheid, was actually England's idea, they should have gotten Australian actors to play them, really, that's just it.
I love this sequel, definitely the best buddy cop series of all time.
It still makes no sense why Riggs would bring Rika back to her house after that shootout, wouldn't he take her back to the police station?
From what I've read, this was, yet, another, consequence of firing Shane Black, she lived in his original script, and, Jeffrey Boam's terribly hasty, re-write, wasn't given the time to address this.
Majority of films no matter how many prequels and sequels the original and the second are usually the best hands down, Terminator 1 & 2, ghostbuster 1&2 (although not agreed by many) predator 1&2, lethal weapon 1&2, alien and aliens, and many more but some are better than first film
patsy kensit was sooooo frickin' cuuuuute in this movie, my gawd.
A nice additional connection to the anti-apartheid message in the film is Danny Glover's portrayal Willie in two early stagings of Athol Fugard's play, "Master Harold"...and the Boys.
Leo Gettz is one of my all time favorite side characters. Nothing but gold out of his mouth. Lol
Alas, lead, inevitably, formed.
Does Pesci amuse you? Does he make you laff? lol
@@thedys70 like a clown.
@@rodneywear7501 and yet, he could also play an intimidating gangster thug, i.e. Goodfellas, when he is psyching out Ray Liotta
@thedys70 the only movie he's done that was bad is Gone Fishing with Danny Glover. Other than that this Hoe is masterful.
I remember being 9 years old and hearing my sister crying hysterically from the other room. I ran in and said, "What's wrong?"
GO AWAY GO AWAY!
She was watching LW2...
I saw it a couple years later and was like, damn... this movie is awesome.
Shane Black's impostor syndrome is an interesting case of how someone so talented could feel so inadequate.
1 is still the best imo, but LW2 is a fantastic sequel. They really took the formula and made a good film. The chemistry of the leads is undeniable. Mel is directing LW5 as a request by Donner before he passed, so I hope they go out with a bang!
Remembered Indiana Jones and Batman coming also summer of 89
Ghostbusters 2
Love LW2, if only it was also set in Christmas. I would say that even though Riggs married René Russos character in LW 3 and 4, that I felt was just having a counterpart to Riggs. Here I felt that the character really fell in love.