Beverly Hills Cop III, released in theaters on May 25, 1994, attempts to reignite the magic of its predecessors, bringing back Eddie Murphy as the wisecracking Detroit detective Axel Foley. However, the film largely falls flat, struggling to recapture the charm, humor, and excitement that defined the original series.
The plot sees Axel Foley back in Beverly Hills, this time investigating a car theft ring that leads him to “Wonder World,” a sprawling amusement park. He soon uncovers a counterfeiting operation run by the park’s sinister security chief, Ellis DeWald (Timothy Carhart), who is also responsible for the death of Axel’s current boss.
With the help of his old friend Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), and a new ally, park operations manager Janice Perkins (Theresa Randle), Axel navigates the park’s attractions and hidden tunnels in a convoluted attempt to expose the villains.
Murphy, while still possessing flashes of his signature charisma, feels somewhat subdued in this installment. The improvisational energy that made Axel Foley so dynamic in the first two films is largely absent, replaced by a more conventional action hero persona.
Reinhold returns as the earnest and often flustered Billy Rosewood, providing some much-needed comedic relief, and his chemistry with Murphy is still evident, albeit underutilized.
Hector Elizondo steps into the role of Inspector Jon Flint, offering a solid, if predictable, performance as the by-the-book superior.
Randle is a welcome addition as Janice, providing a capable and engaging female lead.
John Saxon, Stephen McHattie, and Jon Tenney fill out the supporting cast, but their roles are largely forgettable, with Carhart’s villain lacking the memorable menace of previous antagonists.
John Landis, who directed Murphy in Trading Places and Coming to America, takes the helm, but the film lacks the sharp wit and inspired direction of the earlier Beverly Hills Cop entries.
The humor often feels forced, relying on slapstick and tired gags rather than the clever dialogue and character interactions that were once the franchise’s hallmark. The action sequences, while present, are uninspired, and the amusement park setting, while offering potential, is never fully exploited for truly creative set pieces.
The narrative itself is convoluted and lacks the compelling drive of the previous films.
Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold in Beverly Hills Cop III (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Beverly Hills Cop III
Beverly Hills Cop III grossed $18.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing in third place at the box office.
The film grossed a disappointing $42.6 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Beverly Hills Cop III ultimately feels like a diluted version of what once was a vibrant and exciting franchise. While it offers a nostalgic trip for fans, it fails to deliver the laughs or thrills expected from an Axel Foley adventure. It’s a film that struggles to find its identity, resulting in a largely disappointing, albeit occasionally watchable, conclusion to the original trilogy.
