Lethal Weapon 3

In Lethal Weapon 3, hard-edged detective Martin Riggs and steady veteran Roger Murtaugh tackle a case that exposes a dangerous loophole inside the city's own ranks. A retired LAPD officer has found a way to weaponize inside knowledge of procedures and policies to lift seized guns and ammo from evidence rooms and push them into the street through a shadowy network. As Riggs chases reckless leads and Murtaugh weighs family duties, the two allies confront a web of corruption that tests their trust in colleagues and the system. The case grows tense as a killer crew and a cunning financier pull strings, forcing the partners into a fast moving confrontation that balances humor with danger. Their banter lightens the mood.

Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon 3 reteams the franchise with a brisk blend of action and humor. Script credits include Jeffrey Boam, Robert Mark Kamen, and Shane Black, adapting the familiar duo for a new case in Los Angeles.

The film grossed over $321 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, making it a robust hit within the series and helping to sustain the franchise through the early 90s. It stands as one of the more successful sequels overall.

Joe Pesci's Leo Getz returns as the fast talking foil whose quips lightens tense moments, helping define the franchise's playful balance of thriller and comedy. The movie reinforced the late 90s buddy cop tone and lingered in popular culture through its banter and brisk pacing for fans and casual viewers.

Critics welcomed the return of the duo while noting the film leans into its familiar formula with sharper action and wry humor. Themes of corruption, loyalty, and moral compromise run through the plot as the partners face pressure from both criminals and an imperfect system built on protocol and tradition.