Lethal Weapon: That Score Though...

Alright soundtrack junkies, let's talk Lethal Weapon. Action movies aren't usually my go-to, I admit. I'm all about the mood and emotion a good score can bring. But Lethal Weapon? It got me hooked. Michael Kamen at his finest. I mean, that saxophone riff? Instantly iconic. It perfectly captures Riggs's… well, edge. It's both mournful and kinda wild, which describes pretty much everything about Mel Gibson's character in the film. The quieter cues are what really get me, though. There's this undercurrent of sadness, y'know? Especially during the scenes where Riggs is just…existing. Like when he's sitting in his trailer, or visiting his wife's grave. The music there isn't trying to be BIG or dramatic; its just there, adding layers, reflecting his internal turmoil. You feel the loss and regret in the melody. I'm not sure if I’d love the movie as much without the score, to be honest. And then you've got the action sequences! Kamen masterfully blends the sax with driving percussion and synth elements, ramping up the tension perfectly. The fight scenes are already great, but the music elevates them. Think about the garden fight with Mr. Joshua... It's relentless! It works on a similar level to a Bond films in that sense. I have the whole thing on repeat, so I'm sure my roommates love me right now. I do think the film suffers a bit in terms of some of the dialogue – a few cringey lines here and there, let's be real. But overall, Lethal Weapon is a solid action flick made absolutely killer (pun kinda intended) BECAUSE of its score. If you haven't given it a listen outside of the movie, you're missing out. It's more than just '80s cheese; it's genuinely great film composition.