Lethal Weapon 2

1989
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Lethal Weapon 2

Critics Consensus

Lethal Weapon 2 may sport a thin plot typical of action fare, but its combination of humor and adrenaline, along with the chemistry between its leads, make this a playful, entertaining sequel.

83%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 36

77%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 250,685
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Lethal Weapon 2 Photos

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Movie Info

This high-voltage sequel continues the adventures of Los Angeles detectives Riggs and Murtaugh (Oscar-winner Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) as they try to thwart a smuggling ring of blond South African "diplomats". Gibson finds romance this time around, and Academy Award- winner Joe Pesci ("GoodFellas," "My Cousin Vinnie") joins the team as fast-talking con artist Leo Getz. "At the Movies" calls this "...Pure dynamite!...a summer blockbuster with enough humor, excitement and action for two movies," while Roger Ebert praises "...Terrific... entertaining from one end to the other." Gene Shalit sums up all the cheers, calling it "...even more fun than the original ...directed at a mile a minute by Richard Donner...lots of laughs.
  • Rating:
    R (adult situations/language, nudity, violence)
  • Genre:
    Action & Adventure, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Richard Donner
  • Written By:
    Jeffrey Boam
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Warner Bros. Pictures

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Cast

Mel Gibson
as Martin Riggs
Danny Glover
as Roger Murtaugh
Joe Pesci
as Leo Getz
Joss Ackland
as Arjen Rudd
Patsy Kensit
as Rika Van Den Haas
Derrick O'Connor
as Pieter Vorstedt
Darlene Love
as Trish Murtaugh
Traci Wolfe
as Rianne Murtaugh
Stephen Kahan
as Capt. Murphy
Steve Kahan
as Capt. Murphy
Burbank the Cat
as Itself
Mark Rolston
as Hans
Jenette Goldstein
as Meagan Shapiro
Marion Dougherty
Sam the Dog
as Itself
Dean Norris
as Tim Cavanaugh
Al Weber Jr.
as Poolside Card Player
Juney Smith
as Tom Wyler
Nestor Serrano
as Eddie Estaban
Philip Suriano
as Joseph Ragucci
Grand L. Bush
as Jerry Collins
Tony Carreiro
as Marcelli
Damon Hines
as Nick Murtaugh
Ebonie Smith
as Carrie Murtaugh
Ken Tigar
Allan Moore
as George
Jack McGee
as Carpenter
Robert Fol
as Consulate Guard
Virginia Shannon
as Consulate Office Worker
Danny Ondrejko
as Consulate Clerk
Jim Piddock
as Consulate Envoy
Paul Tuerpé
as Hit Man
Kenneth Tigar
as Bomb Squad Leader
Philip Maurice Miller
as Hit Man
Mary Ellen Trainor
as Police Psychiatrist
Sherman Howard
as Hit Man
Norm Wilson
as Detective in Squad Room
Guy Mack
as Hit Man
Lionel Douglass
as Officer Friesen
James Oliver
as Officer Moss
Danny Wynands
as Hitman
Salim Jaidi
as Policeman
Pat Skipper
as Hit Man
Orlando Bonner
as Tow Truck Driver
Cynthia Burr
as Owner of Honda
Jim Birge
as Bomb Squad Cop
Patrick Cameron
as Bomb Squad Cop
David Marciano
as Cop
Tommy Hinkley
as Cop
Norman D. Wilson
as Detective in Squad Room
Jeanne McGuire
as Computer Operator
Catherine Guel
as Computer Operator
Edward J. Rosen
as Poolside Card Player
Jay Della Valle
as Poolside Card Player
Marian Collier
as Poolside Card Player
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Critic Reviews for Lethal Weapon 2

All Critics (36) | Top Critics (6)

  • Loaded with the usual elements, Lethal Weapon 2 benefits from a consistency of tone that was lacking in the first film.

    Jun 6, 2008 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • By concentrating on the often frustrating, funny relationship between the three men, the film gains in humour but loses some of the momentum and panache which distinguished the original.

    Feb 9, 2006 | Full Review…

    Geoff Andrew

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • If you liked Lethal Weapon, you'll like Lethal Weapon 2; it's almost as simple as that.

    May 20, 2003

    Caryn James

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • It's fun stuff -- crackling, playfully escapist summer fare that doesn't make you feel taken advantage of later.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

    Roger Piantadosi

    Washington Post
    Top Critic

  • You've got your chases, you've got your explosions, you've got your destruction of property and death of innocent bystanders -- all this and bonding too.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

    Rita Kempley

    Washington Post
    Top Critic

  • A film with the same off-center invention and wild energy as the original.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (36)

Audience Reviews for Lethal Weapon 2

  • Mar 12, 2016
    Just as good as the first, More action and a very good car chase in the middle of the film, Same old predictable plot and obviously the reason for bringing in Joe Pesci was to provide more humour but he ended up being very annoying and unfunny plus Mel and Danny's onscreen chemistry was more than enough to bring the touch of humour it needed.
    Jamie C Super Reviewer
  • Nov 23, 2015
    Disclaimer: The following review is for "Lethal Weapon 2: Director's Cut". Throughout the review it will be referred to as simply "Lethal Weapon 2". "Lethal Weapon 2" is a great sequel to 1987's "Lethal Weapon". "Lethal Weapon 2" there is amazing acting from "Mel Gibson" and "Patsy Kensit". The plot to this movie is good, one scene in the film is funny but is very unnecessary as well a character in the film. The special effects in this film still look real now days. And the music in this movie is so awesome. If you haven't "Lethal Weapon" or it's sequel "Lethal Weapon 2" I highly recommend watching it. I give "Lethal Weapon 2" a 8.5/10.
    Steve G Super Reviewer
  • Nov 09, 2013
    <i>"Dehplomatic immuniteehhh!"</i> Starting off with a bang, Donner takes the wheel and proves once again that such an unlikely likeable duo could create perfect chemistry and double the fun in this decent action thriller that makes us miss the decade of the 80s. The dose of adrenaline has been increased 150% (not quite doubled), the humor is still present but it also increased (hmmm... should I be worried?) and, unfortunately, Joss Ackland didn't prove to be a worthy new villain like Joe Pesci proved to be an awesome comedic addition. 62/100
    Edgar C Super Reviewer
  • Jun 24, 2013
    A sequel that's just as good as the first one. It's the continuation of the adventures of the likable duo of Riggs and Murtaugh. It retains everything that made the first movie great and then some. Now we have Joe Pesci playing Leo Getz, the irritating yet harmless tag along. This one even packs some more emotional punches into it, turning it into a revenge-buddy cop-thriller. In the beginning, it drops you straight into the action and doesn't lose your attention for the rest of the film, ending on an emotional yet comical note. Lethal Weapon 2 is a great sequel. Letter Grade: A
    Chris M Super Reviewer
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