Tools for this page
Print

Lethal Weapon 4

(1998, Rated R, Action/adventure, Starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Rene Russo)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

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

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Hong Kong action plus buddy cop formula.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Characters use violence to solve conflicts, and don't take it seriously. Offensive portrayals of Chinese people. Homophobic jokes.
  • Violence:

    Death by shooting, explosion and impaling. Man hit by a bus onscreen.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Plenty of foul language, though less than in previous sequels.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some abuse of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) in a dentist's office.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Lethal Weapon 4

Parents need to know that this is a violent film, including shootings, explosions and even an impaling. Characters don't take the violence seriously. There are offensive portrayals of Chinese people, and some homophobic jokes. Characters also abuse laughing gas.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about stereotypes in action films. What stereotypes do you see here? Are any of them offensive to you -- or are the familiar representations part of the formula (and fun)? Can you think of an action film that did thing a little differently?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Lethal Weapon 4?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 5.0

    A good end to the classic cop series

    Lethal Weapon 4 is a great film that makes up for the disappointing Lethal Weapon 3. Violence is very strong in this movie, so is language (i.e. f--k, s--t, and racial as well as religious slurs). Sex is not an issue with this film.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name