Lethal Weapon (1987)

It takes a potent motion-picture experience to launch a major-studio movie franchise, and there was little doubt among blown-away viewers of buddy-cop flick Lethal Weapon (1987) that this explosive piece of dynamite entertainment would revisit the multiplexes in a slightly different guise every few film seasons. Indeed, mismatched crime crusaders Mel Gibson and Danny Glover seem to always have room for another Lethal sequel on their resumés, and fervent fans of the original Weapon’s witty interracial byplay, wacky cracker-copper hijinks, big-budget, big-bang heroics, and pulse-quickening testimonial to the all-conquering bond of partnership have flocked to each new episode, pausing more often than not afterward to go back and revisit this, the hallowed progenitor. Between all the manic excitement and explosive moments, Mel Gibson brings a softer side to the flick by baring his butt in all its glory. Mr. Man would love to melt in Mel’s mouth and hands.