Lethal Weapon (1987)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I think the PC thing is that I'm not supposed to like this one but I'm supposed to like the horrible TV series instead? Something like that?
Forget about it this is Shane Black at his finest macho shoot 'em up standards. And it's fun.
Two cops, two Vietnam vets, two wonderfully colorful characters come together to solve a murder that grows and grows and grows until it becomes appropriately over the top and action packed fun.
And, of course, by over-the-top I mean it spirals into the land of unbelievable in the way that only the finest action movies can deliver.

On the face of it, it's a lot like "Beverly Hill Cop" (1984) only the chemistry between rookies "Riggs" (Mel Gibson) and "Murtaugh" (Danny Glover) is way more gritty, sharp and comical. The pair could hardly be more different when they are partnered. The former has a messy history, the latter is older with an unlucky one but when combined this mismatch proves quite effective. Initially it's the murder of a well-connected hooker and daughter of a marine colleague of "Murtaugh" from Vietnam that sees the two forced together, but it's not long before the Laurel and Hardy of modern policing are delivering results, especially when they find themselves on the trail of some big-time drug smugglers who are probably implicated in her murder. Not only that, but it appears the criminals are themselves former military and so no easy target for our intrepid, slightly disaster-prone, investigators. Gibson and Glover just click here. They are naturals as they present play polar opposite characters amiably and enthusiastically. There's plenty of smart-mouthed dialogue, loads of action and Gibson's almost maniacal behaviour at times is really quite funny. Of course there's no jeopardy, and yes it does sort of squeal franchise at you, but if what's to come can mirror this fast-paced and entertaining adventure, then bring it on!