Starting with the very memorable opening scene — a blonde leaps out of a skyscraper to her death — this Richard Donner film is a snapshot of over-the-top, Reagan-era action movie excess. In a welcome twist on the buddy convention, it's the black character who is solid and dependable (Danny Glover as Sgt. Murtaugh), while Mel Gibson is all wide-eyed frenzy as the erratic, suicidal, and truly off-the-rails Sgt. Riggs. Audiences loved the pair too: the four Lethal Weapon films have grossed a total of almost $500 million.