Debunking the Myth: Is Lethal Weapon Truly a Christmas Movie?
Join the holiday debate: Is Lethal Weapon a Christmas movie? Discover why Riggs finds his own version of 'It's a Wonderful Life' in this action-packed seasonal flick
Die Hard is universally recognized as a Christmas classic, but what about Lethal Weapon? As we approach the holiday season, people will be scouring their DVD and streaming collections for festive movies. However, not everyone is in the mood for sentimentality with Elf, Home Alone, or Love Actually. For some, Christmas doesn't truly begin until there are explosions.
John McClane’s epic confrontation at Nakatomi Plaza exemplifies one of the most enduring debates of the season. Consider the evidence: there are festive songs and numerous references, a woman about to give birth, a Grinch-like villain in Hans Gruber, and themes of forgiveness and family. It’s unequivocally a Christmas movie.
Then there's Lethal Weapon, Richard Donner's 1987 buddy cop action-comedy starring Danny Glover and Mel Gibson; one is a by-the-book officer who's too old for this nonsense, the other a "psycho" teetering on the brink of losing his mind and life. How do they even recognize that it's Christmas time?
Lethal Weapon is a Christmas movie – here’s why
Lethal Weapon begins with a hazy, twinkling LA sky, as your head bobs along to Bobby Helms’ Jingle Bell Rock. The scene then transitions to a penthouse hotel suite, complete with a Christmas tree and festive lights, where a half-naked prostitute lies amidst drugs on the table, clearly under the influence. As the soft sound of bells fills the air, she jumps to her fateful Silent Night.
The movie's main plot isn't typical for a Christmas movie: a mismatched pair, Riggs (played by Gibson) and Murtaugh (played by Glover), team up to thwart a heroin-trafficking operation, facing a barrage of gunfire, kidnappings, and electric shock torture as they go. The screenplay was written by Shane Black, known for incorporating the holiday season into his works such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Nice Guys, The Last Boy Scout, Iron Man 3, and The Long Kiss Goodnight.
The content is chock-full of music and references, such as police officers in the station practicing carol-singing, Riggs taking down drug dealers in a Christmas tree lot, chases under the glow of festive lights, and a brutal fistfight amidst lawn decorations. But simply being set at Christmas and featuring holiday elements does not automatically qualify a film for the December distinction. In a previous interview, Gibson discussed how setting action movies during the festive season was a popular gimmick in the 1980s, with directors often opting for a Christmas setting while emphasizing the presence of snow, catchy songs, and music to accompany intense action scenes.
Riggs finds a Wonderful Life in Lethal Weapon
Black has reflected on the uniqueness of his scripts, stating in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, "Christmas serves as a significant touchstone for me. It is a pause in the daily hustle, a moment to contemplate and review our lives. Additionally, I believe it serves as a rich backdrop... I also find the beauty of Christmas to be particularly striking, especially in places like Los Angeles, where it may not be immediately obvious, and one must seek it out like hidden treasures."
The strongest evidence of Lethal Weapon's standing as a Christmas movie is Riggs' emotional journey. In a poignant moment, he struggles with the decision to end his life, but ultimately can't go through with it. When his partner, Murtaugh, learns of Riggs' suicidal thoughts, Riggs insists that it's his work as a police officer that keeps him going, even making light of the holiday stress.
Inspired by the classic Christmas tearjerker "It's a Wonderful Life," there is a deeper current at play here. The 1946 film follows George Bailey as his life crumbles, leading him to wish he had never been born. With the help of Clarence the angel, George sees what life in Bedford Falls would be like without him, ultimately revitalizing his spirit and renewed appreciation for life.
Following his failed suicide attempt, we witness Riggs gradually forming a friendship with Murtaugh, rescuing his life, and channeling his reckless behavior for the greater good in taking on the villains. With his new partner, who essentially becomes his guiding force, he discovers a purpose that is more meaningful than putting his life on the line against criminals – he rediscovers his desire to live.
Murtaugh and Riggs lead completely different lives, especially during the holiday season; the former enjoys a peaceful home with his wife and children, while the latter resides in a cluttered mobile home, isolated from society.
At the height of the story, Riggs gives Murtaugh's daughter his sacred bullet, presented with a red velvet bow, realizing he no longer needs it. Shortly after, he is welcomed into their home for a turkey dinner with Murtaugh's wife and children, finally free from the despair that had consumed his life.
Finding solace in the warmth of a family, some might say he found the true spirit of Christmas. So, it's settled: Lethal Weapon is indeed a Christmas movie.
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Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Lethal Weapon, I strongly believe that it is indeed a Christmas movie. The movie is set during Christmas time, and it features many Christmas elements such as festive songs, decorations, and references. The movie also has a strong emotional journey that is reminiscent of classic Christmas movies like "It's a Wonderful Life." Riggs' struggle with suicidal thoughts and his ultimate redemption is a powerful story that resonates with the spirit of Christmas.
However, I can also understand why some people may not consider Lethal Weapon to be a Christmas movie. The movie is an action-packed thriller, and it does not have the same sentimental tone as other Christmas movies. Additionally, the movie's main plot does not revolve around Christmas, and it could be argued that the Christmas setting is simply a backdrop for the action. Ultimately, whether or not Lethal Weapon is considered a Christmas movie is a matter of personal opinion.
