Lethal Weapon II (1989)

Ahhhh. So the need to be politically correct is still nowhere to be found as the cops at the precinct are taking bets in a high-speed car pursuit involving shooting. Very promising.

The ominous introduction of our villain and the following acts set up the same darkness as the first installment. Unfortunately, this time around they fail to pull off a credible darkness throughout, destroying the flow and credibility. Nothing is worse for that flow than Pesci's Leo Getz. Not a bad character as comical relief, but there is no need for comical relief here, and most of the interaction between Gibson, Glover and their colleagues is much, much funnier than anything Pesci brings. all of a sudden there are mass assassinations of cops in most brutal ways. Pick a lane and stay with it please.

Joss Ackland as the villain has a nice few couple of scenes in the first half, but as time goes by he's more and more of a cartoon. His main henchman, portrayed by Derrick O'Connor, does little to aid.

Worse though, is the romantic interest. Patsy Kensit is, quite frankly, a ridiculous match to Gibson with her fragile appearance and demeanor. So she's the "first half" Bond-girl. Some flirting, some bedtime and some permanent bedtime. At least she won't be back and she gave Gibson some angry motivation. Besides, a buddy-cop really doesn't need romance.

The humor is much lighter this time around, with the condom-gags a particular highlight. Hilarious.Generally, there is still absolutely nothing wrong with the chemistry between the two leads, whether it's for dramatic, suspenseful or (hooray) comedic effect.

They try to insert a racial sub-story here, but they're just not willing to spend enough energy and time on it to make it believable and interesting. Even worse is the lame attempt to solve the "murder" of Riggs' wife with a couple of random sentences.

So to the set pieces. The original car chase is most delightful, the second somewhat drab and daft (with a key piece busted on "Mythbusters"). A real treat, though, is the toilet-scene. Wonderful suspense with some good jokes and prime acting thrown into the mix. The big whoop however is the end game. Very nicely executed from start to finish leaving you wanting a third installment.

This is not a a bad film, it has action and humor a-plenty, just not always the right types at the right times. But considering the prequel, it is still somewhat of a disappointment

6/10