LAPD Detectives Riggs and Murtaugh are back on the streets, this time trying to bring down a Chinese Triad who are involved in importing Chinese slaves, and using them to counterfeit money so that a highly skilled martial artist gangster can buy the freedom of four Triad heads, including his brother, who are being kept as prisoners by the Chinese military. In other news, Riggs girlfriend and Murtaugh's duaghter are expecting, and the father of Murtaugh's grandchild is an annoying fellow detective Murtaugh doesn't much care for, but he doesn't know it. Pesci is also back as a private investigator helping them out.
This series is beginning to show it's age almost as much as the two leads. The previous films have always had their share of funny comedy, likeable characters, and thrilling action. This time the action isn't as thrilling, despite the unbelievable talents of martial arts star Li. It's always been over-the-top but this film had far too much to swallow. The name of the series had originated due to Riggs being a skilled martial artist himself, and loose cannon. I'm not sure why he has forgotten how to fight well in this film, despite his age. Chris Rock rattles off some of his stand-up routine (he's a one-dimensional actor) and Pesci resurrects the same old routine that was funny in part 2, tolerable in 3, but is tedious now. However, the film is saved from being bad from terrific cast chemistry and a few truly funny moments. It's enjoyable while it lasts, if neither exciting nor good. I like the series but it's really time to end it here, before the chemistry fizzles out.
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