Beverly Hills Cop III

Movie review by Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media
Beverly Hills Cop III Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Third installment loses edge; less sex but lots of swearing.

R 1994 104 minutes
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Kids say

age 11+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Beverly Hills Cop III continues Axel Foley's exploits in California and aims for a broader audience with its theme-park setting, lack of nudity, and toned-down profanity. Although the language is less varied and frequent than in the first two movies, it still includes "f--k" and "s--t." Violence shows realistic hand-fighting and gunshot wounds with blood. One disturbing scene shows a man being run over. Sexual content includes brief, mild flirtation and a scene with scantily clad models.

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What's the Story?

When Axel Foley's (Eddie Murphy) boss is gunned down in a chop-shop bust, he follows the trail back to California, where it soon becomes clear there's a lot more going on than a ring of car thieves. This time he's reunited with Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), now a sergeant, and along with Detective Jon Flint (Hector Elizondo) the investigation leads to a counterfeit operation being run out of a popular amusement park. Axel knows who the bad guys are and what they're up, but can he find the proof he needs to bring them to justice?

Is It Any Good?

BEVERLY HILLS COP III sports a slicker look, a veteran director of edgy comedy blockbusters (John Landis), and big-budget special effects; unfortunately, it also sports a duller Eddie Murphy. Without his rapid-fire, razor-sharp edge, the upgrades to the franchise aren't enough to overcome the weak story, predictable action, and weak supporting cast (Bronson Pinchot and Hector Elizondo provide a couple of bright spots).

Murphy's still good for some laughs, though they're mostly pretty corny. Kids will be drawn to the family-friendly, amusement-park setting, but the strong language and moderate violence make it most appropriate for older teens and up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about sequels. Is it OK to revisit popular characters and stories, or should filmmakers and audiences look for originality?

  • Did you see the first two Beverly Hills Cop movies? Which do you think is the best one?

  • When, if ever, is it OK to bend or break the rules? Lots of movies make it seem right or necessary, especially when the stakes are high, but what about in real life?

Movie Details

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