Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Third installment loses edge; less sex but lots of swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Beverly Hills Cop III
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
- In theaters : May 25, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : January 29, 2002
- Cast : Eddie Murphy , Judge Reinhold , Hector Elizondo
- Director : John Landis
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Language and some violence
- Last updated : July 10, 2022
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