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Lethal Weapon 2

(1989, Rated R, Action/adventure, Starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sequel adds Joe Pesci to the buddy cop formula.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Onscreen shootings, death by nail gun, explosions, stabbing.
  • Sex:

    A recurring condom joke, brief simulated sex, female nudity.
  • Language:

    Plenty of cursing.
  • Consumerism:

    Part of a series of films. There are references to Subway, Ramses condoms, GMC.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol, smoking, portrayed in a negative light.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Lethal Weapon 2

Parents need to know that this film contains graphic violence and a sex scene. There are several shootouts, some beatings, and a stabbing. Though the violence is graphic, the camera doesn't linger on the characters' suffering. The villains are racist South African diplomats, and the film seems to draw a connection between their country of origin and their racism. Though this made sense at the time, it might give young viewers the impression that Apartheid is still policy in South Africa. One character is essentially given a pass for money laundering.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the mix of comedy and violence here. Does the comedy make the killing less intense -- or does the combination seem odd to you? Can you think of other films that mix these elements?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Lethally violent

    Great classic film with very violent scenes and alot of suspense. I love mel gibson in movies and this was a prime performance. Great for older teens.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 5.0

    A great sequel to a supurb cop movie

    Lethal Weapon 2 picks up with Riggs and Rog on a new case. The violence is pretty strong (i.e. a man is killed with a nail gun, two men are beaten to death by Riggs), so is the language (i.e. several uses of f--k and s--t as well as religious slurs). Sex is also pretty strong as well: there is a realistic passionate sex scene between Riggs and his new girlfriend, which contains some nudity (i.e. Rigg's rear end and his girlfriend's breasts; they are shown in more than one possition).

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