Lethal Weapon 3
Violent action sequel on par with rest of series.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this film contains lots of violence and the suggestion of sex. The violence isn't especially graphic in this installment of the series. No one seems to suffer or bleed that much, but there are several onscreen deaths. There are also a few homophobic jokes.
Community Reviews
Report this review
A nice movie to see; intense momets
Report this review
What's the Story?
LETHAL WEAPON 3 returns to the tried-and-true formula of guns, jokes, and male bonding. After a botched attempt to diffuse a bomb, detectives Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are bussed down to the position of patrol officer. While Murtaugh contemplates retirement, Riggs finds himself smitten with no-nonsense internal affairs agent Lorna Cole (Renee Russo). Riggs, Murtaugh and Cole team up to stop former cop Jack Travis (Stuart Wilson) from supplying guns to gang members. The mission turns deadly when a young cop dies and Lorna is shot, and once again, a revenge-fueled Riggs goes after the culprits.
Is It Any Good?
As most series do, the Lethal Weapon series gets sillier and more self-referential as it progresses; however, this film also features the beginnings of a social message. The plot follows the path of illegally sold guns, from the runners to the kid on the street. The film deals briefly and indirectly with the issue of race, particularly the chronic involvement of young black men in gang warfare.
This installment focuses more on Murtaugh's problems than Riggs'. As in all films in the series, there's an abrupt shift in mood from humor to violent death about halfway through. The fate of Lorna leaves a slightly less bleak resolution, in which Riggs may not keep having to avenge the deaths of the women he loves. Overall, there isn't anything remarkable about this film, but it manages to deliver all the elements that fans of the series have come to expect.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sequels. Why do they get made? Are they ever as good as the originals? What are some of the common problems that plague the newer installments? Do you like seeing the same characters come to life again?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 15, 1992
- On DVD or streaming: December 15, 1998
- Cast: Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Mel Gibson
- Director: Richard Donner
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 118 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence and language
- Last updated: March 2, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Rush Hour
Buddy cop fun amidst explosions, bad guys, and language.
-
Rush Hour 2
Less compelling than the first, but fun for fans.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate