Beverly Hills Cop III Revisited Three Decades Later

A 30th anniversary look back at Beverly Hills Cop III.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of Beverly Hills Cop III, it’s a perfect time to revisit the film that brought Eddie Murphy’s iconic character, Axel Foley, to a new and adventurous setting. Released on May 25, 1994, and directed by John Landis, this third installment of the beloved franchise offered fans a different flavor while retaining the series’ essence. Get the 3-movie collection here.

Beverly Hills Cop III follows Axel Foley, Detroit’s brash and quick-witted detective, as he ventures to Southern California again. This time, his investigation leads him to a fictional amusement park called Wonder World. The film’s unique setting provides a colorful backdrop for Axel’s antics, even if it doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessors. Eddie Murphy reprised his role as Axel Foley, delivering his signature blend of humor and action. Joining him were series regulars Judge Reinhold as the affable Billy Rosewood and John Ashton as the tough Sergeant Taggart. The cast also featured Hector Elizondo as Jon Flint, a new addition to Axel’s team, and Timothy Carhart as the villainous Ellis DeWald, the park’s security chief.

This installment diverged from the previous films by embracing a more family-friendly, theme park-centric story.

While it didn’t resonate with critics and audiences to the same extent as the first two films, it has its moments of charm. For fans like myself, the concept of Axel Foley navigating the chaotic world of an amusement park was an entertaining twist. The film’s high-energy sequences and Murphy’s comedic prowess ensured plenty to enjoy. At the box office, “Beverly Hills Cop III” faced stiff competition and grossed $119.2 million worldwide. Though it didn’t achieve the blockbuster success of its predecessors, it still added to the franchise’s legacy.

The original was directed by Martin Brest.

It introduced us to Axel Foley and became a cultural phenomenon. Its blend of comedy, action, and Murphy’s breakout performance turned it into a box-office smash, earning over $316 million worldwide. The sequel, “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987) was directed by Tony Scott. It continued Axel’s adventures in Los Angeles, bringing in $300 million globally and solidifying the series’ status. Three decades after “Beverly Hills Cop III,” fans have a reason to celebrate again. “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” the fourth film in the series, is set to premiere on Netflix this July. The film promises to return the original trio of Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, and John Ashton. It should offer a nostalgic yet fresh continuation of Axel Foley’s escapades.

While “Beverly Hills Cop III” might not be the franchise’s strongest entry, it remains a fun and unique chapter in Axel Foley’s story. As a devoted fan, the idea of Axel tackling challenges in a theme park setting will always hold a special place in my heart. With the upcoming release of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” the excitement and anticipation for more Axel Foley adventures are as high as ever.

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