Beverly Hills Cop III is one of those movies that I had high hopes for, given the fond memories I have of the first two films. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Directed by John Landis and written by Steven E. de Souza, this third installment brings back Eddie Murphy as Detroit police detective Axel Foley, but something seems to have gone missing along the way.
The movie starts off on a decent note, with Foley involved in a car theft bust that quickly turns deadly, leading to the murder of his boss. This sets Foley on a path to Beverly Hills to uncover a counterfeit money operation linked to the Wonder World theme park. It sounds exciting, but as the film progresses, it starts to feel repetitive and tiresome.
One of the main issues I had with this film is that it lacks the spark and creativity of the previous movies. The plot feels recycled, and the characters just aren't as engaging. Axel Foley's sharp wit and humour, which made him so memorable, seem dulled down here. Murphy's performance feels a bit flat like he's just going through the motions.
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John Landis, who directed Murphy in classics like "Trading Places" and "Coming to America," doesn't seem to bring the same energy to this film. The action scenes, like the car chase and the big showdown at the theme park, don't pack the punch you'd expect. The humour often falls flat, with jokes that feel forced and a bit dated.
Wonder World, the theme park where much of the action takes place, looks interesting but ends up being a bit of a letdown. The park's attractions and characters lack the charm needed to make it a standout location. Instead of adding to the film, the theme park scenes feel disconnected and kind of random. That said, the film features some cool cameos from people like George Lucas and Ray Harryhausen, which is a nice touch for fans.
TSHC Score: 5.5/10
Beverly Hills Cop III didn't quite hit the mark for me. It lacks the excitement, humour, and charisma that made the first two films so enjoyable. While there are a few fun moments, they get overshadowed by a weak script, lackluster direction, and a somewhat disengaged performance from Eddie Murphy. If you're a fan of the series, you might find some nostalgic value, but for most, it might just be a forgettable experience.
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