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Lethal Weapon 4 - 7 Reasons Why It Went Wrong

posted 8 days ago by TMC-4 (20484)
2 replies | jump to latest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSOca5hajJk

In this video, we break down 7 reasons why Lethal Weapon 4 went wrong, turning what was once a gritty buddy-cop classic into an overstuffed action-comedy struggling to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling. While the film still delivered explosive action and Jet Li’s Hollywood debut, it was clear the franchise was running out of steam.

We’ll explore:
1) From Gritty Action to Comedy Overload – The franchise started as a dark and emotional cop thriller, but by Lethal Weapon 4, it had lost its edge, focusing too much on slapstick humor.
2) Too Many Side Characters – The film tried to juggle too many storylines, with Riggs, Murtaugh, Leo Getz, Lorna, Butters, and an entire family subplot, making it feel bloated and unfocused.
3) Weak Villain Syndrome – Jet Li was incredible in the action sequences, but his character lacked depth, making him less memorable than past villains.
4) The Aging Action Hero Dilemma – By Lethal Weapon 4, Riggs and Murtaugh were visibly past their prime, yet the film refused to acknowledge that they couldn’t keep up with their younger enemies.
5) A Predictable & Recycled Story – The same buddy-cop formula was repeated without adding anything new, making it feel like a cash grab rather than a worthy sequel.
6) The TV Show Attempted a Reboot (And Failed) – The Lethal Weapon TV show tried to revive the franchise but collapsed under behind-the-scenes drama and creative differences.
7) The Franchise Is Now Stuck in Nostalgia – The endless rumors of Lethal Weapon 5 prove Hollywood is more interested in reboots than original ideas, but does anyone actually want another sequel?

[–] CraigJamesReview (1814) 8 days ago

1. I think the series ended up doing this fully in the third one and it was just part of what it was becoming now

2. Maybe. But I loved all these side characters though, thought they were always very funny and had a terrific chemistry with each other. The strange family they created was very likable and I think this one another thing the series just went with and coasted on

3. To this I say the action of the film is the juice. Even in the third one the villain plot was very strong but I still had a good time with it. Li became a star off this and I agree that he should have. But mostly the plot is just a clothesline to string action and funny character interactions on and both are quite good here

4. This is why i'm glad Donner ended here, and yes, they did end it very well here. I liked the ending scene in the hospital with everyone there and the pictures of them all. To me it has always signaled what the series ultimately became which is that these people have grown into a weird sort of family and that is what Donner wanted us to take away from it. I don't believe he ever wanted to do another one after this and I felt he did mean this final scene as a sentimental goodbye- a bringing together of the cast and all the fun they had with each other. I remember Glover also coming out and saying this movie was meant to be the last around this time too so maybe that has always stuck out in my mind every time I see this ending.

5. I mentioned this already but bascially it what the series became. More character interactions, comedy, and action than fresh plots. That this cast was so lovable together I think covered these deficiencies well

6. now sure how the TV show being a generic cop show reflects badly on this movie at all.

[–] CraigJamesReview (1814) 8 days ago

7. This is why I hope it is in fact over. I believe 4 wraps it up nicely and I agree trying to make a 5th now feels like these characters not only really are too old for this shit but also that it's probably going to bring a lot more characters in, people we don;t know, and who are going to upset the chemistry among the cast in the hopes of possibly rebooting this franchise. It won't work and nostalgia is why. There's too much love for what Donner, Gibson, Glover and the rest put together here that trying something new now will feel too much like a betrayal of what made the past movies so enjoyable