Key Takeaways:
– Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley in ‘[Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F](2024)’ has been well-received.
– Our ranking places ‘Beverly Hills Cop III’ as the least favored film in the series.
– ‘[Beverly Hills Cop II](1987)’ and the original ‘[Beverly Hills Cop](1984)’ still shine as the best in the franchise.
The legendary Eddie Murphy’s comeback as Axel Foley has internet fans buzzing with excitement. From press tours to reliving the glory of ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, Murphy has kept us entertained. To celebrate his recent release Axel F, we decided it was high time to rank this alluring series that shot Murphy to superstardom. Here’s how each film in the franchise measures up.
Fourth Spot: ‘Beverly Hills Cop III’ (1994)
In our list, ‘Beverly Hills Cop III’, directed by John Landis, comes last. While Murphy did deliver a remarkable performance, Landis’ 1994 reiteration fell short of expectations. Known for classics like ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Animal House’, Landis seemed to lose his charm on this one. Even a devout theme park enthusiast finds the movie overly elongated, implausible, and frankly, a bit dull. The consistently changing supporting cast didn’t help the plot either, pushing key character Reinhold to the periphery. The notable glitches in Beverly Hills Cop III are too prominent to overlook, ranking it at the bottom of this beloved franchise.
In the Middle: ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ (2024)
Eddie Murphy’s comeback could have gone south, considering the ‘Beverly Hills Cop III’ aftermath. Thankfully, director Mark Molloy skillfully blended Murphy’s unique comedy style into Axel Foley’s aging character. Although the film does rely heavily on nostalgia, Murphy’s strong performance and the edition of Taylour Paige to the cast make it a more enjoyable watch than its predecessor.
Moreover, the potential for future entries appears promising. Murphy, Paige, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt seem to have the makings of a winning trio moving forward. Axel F is essentially Murphy’s film, and he proves yet again that he’s one of the most entertaining comedians in the industry.
Runner Up: ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’ (1987)
Although the sequel to the revolutionary action-comedy succeeded at the box office, it couldn’t quite surpass the original 1984 blockbuster. The humor from Judge Reinhold and John Ashton added an amusing touch, but Murphy’s limited opportunities to showcase his comedic talent were a drawback.
However, director Tony Scott deserves applause for the brilliantly directed action scenes. With an aesthetic appeal that matches the contemporaries, the action scenes in Beverly Hills Cop II are among the best of the era. Despite having a few shortcomings, this film feels refreshing and ranks second in our list.
Top Of The List: ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ (1984)
Securing the top spot on our list is the original ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ directed by Martin Brest. Showcasing a perfect blend of comedy and tone, this 1984 gem catapulted Murphy and Brest to fame. Murphy, with his distinctive comedic style, breathed life into the film, making it a massive success.
Beverly Hills Cop captured a specific moment in American culture, becoming an integral part of the Oscar conversation. There’s a reason the film found its place in every pop culture fanatic’s heart and why Murphy emerged as Hollywood’s brightest star. Therefore, it rightfully earns the highest ranking in the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ series.
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