Lethal Weapon is essentially the blueprint of buddy cop movies. And every single one that has attempted to follow has tried to emulate the same humorous chemistry have all have fallen short. Few films have captured the delightful back-and-forth that serves as the foundation for every goofily evil protagonist Agent Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Agent Riggs (Mel Gibson) encounter over the multitude of adventures they embark on.

The adrenaline-filled, beating heart at the center of the film is the sense of found family that builds the stakes of Murtaugh and Riggs's partnership. No iteration of the buddy-cop formula works without chemistry-induced stakes. Our protagonists —however odd-coupled they are — have an innate rapport for us to buy into. This partnership doesn’t work without the trauma and emotional backlog of Riggs, though, it is the reason why his connection with Murtaugh is so important.

We meet Agent Riggs when he is suicidal and nearing retirement due to the death of his wife. When the LAPD doesn’t let him retire, they instead partner him with Agent Murtaugh: a tough family man who frequently considers retirement. Together, the two find their magnetic chemistry and humorously dangerous banter to create a fantastic partnership – and an even better friendship.

One of the most special, personally favorable features of the original Lethal Weapon film is how it is a Christmas movie. It’s one of the more overlooked aspects of the movie, but it is important to the comedic notes and narrative tone of the film; it’s more than just strings of colorful lights gracing the Los Angeles-based setting. The slow welcoming of Riggs — in all his craziness and instability — into Murtaugh’s tight-knit family, centers feelings of belonging and love during the season of giving.

Lethal Weapon also doesn’t take itself too seriously; an important aspect of creating an entertaining thriller. Films with extended chase scenes often become drab when the characters lack a true bond, a sense of humor, or authentic stakes. The relationship between Murtaugh and Riggs creates strong emotional stakes that make the film entrancing to viewers, and the reveals and dramatic moments showcase the importance of humor in the film. It’s not really about the villains, the battles, or the chases – it’s all about the partnership between Murtaugh and Riggs.

Though the mantle of ‘Christmas Action Movie’ almost always goes to Die Hard; though, I beg that Lethal Weapon is not to be forgotten, cherishing its entertainment value and beautiful found family tale. Though Lethal Weapon is most definitely not without its flaws, the comedic back-and-forth between Murtaugh and Riggs, as well as the driving force of healing through friendship, provide the foundation for crime comedy films today. The bizarre adventures of Murtaugh and Riggs are the perfect addition to your holiday watchlist.

Lethal Weapon screens on Monday, December 25 at the Brattle Theater.

Until next week,

Karenna

Photograph: Pinterest

Murtaugh & Riggs