Onto the sequel! I just finished watching Beverly Hills Cop II (continuing the movie marathon for this series) and let me tell you, it was a fun ride down memory lane. Eddie Murphy is back as the charming and fast-talking Detroit cop, Axel Foley. This time, he’s returning to Beverly Hills to help his buddies Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) crack a series of violent robberies dubbed the "Alphabet Crimes." Of course, Foley's unconventional style shakes things up in the usually posh and proper Beverly Hills police force.
Eddie Murphy is just as energetic and hilarious as ever, effortlessly delivering those witty lines that make Axel Foley such a lovable character. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton are great too, with Reinhold's character getting into some pretty funny situations thanks to his new obsession with heavy weapons. And then there's Brigitte Nielsen as the intimidating villain, Karla Fry - though I would say, her character doesn’t go much beyond just being menacing.
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Tony Scott directed this one, and you can really see his touch in the stylish visuals and high-energy action scenes. The movie looks fantastic with its sleek set pieces and vibrant cinematography. Sometimes it feels like the flashy visuals take precedence over the story, but it’s hard to complain when it all looks good.
The humour is a mix of quick-witted dialogue and situational comedy, with Murphy’s improvisation stealing the show. Some jokes hit better than others, but overall, it’s pretty funny. The action scenes are a blast too - car chases, shootouts, explosions - you name it, it’s there, keeping the energy high throughout the film.
TSHC Score: 3/5 or 6.8/10
I think Beverly Hills Cop II is a solid sequel that leans heavily on Eddie Murphy’s charisma and comedic talent. It might not have the tight story or originality of the first movie, but it makes up for that with style and entertainment. The plot is a bit predictable, and some of the humour can feel repetitive, but it’s still a fun watch, especially if you’re a fan of action comedies.
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