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The Complete Lineup: Beverly Hills Cop

Release Date: 
01/29/2002
MPAA Rating: 
MPAA: R
Star Rating: 
★★★★½
The Beverly Hills Cop movies harken back to a time when Eddie Murphy was really funny, Bob Seger was considered “hip,” and Judge Reinhold got regular employment—ah, the ’80s. With the release of this box set, they get pretty decent “Special Edition” treatment, but even if they didn’t, these are just cool movies to pop in when nothing’s on and you can’t muster the strength to go outside.

The first movie, obviously, has the most bells and whistles. The commentary by director Martin Brest (uhh…huh, huh…) is interesting, but we recommend checking out the cast and crew interviews. It’s fun to see an older, chunkier Rosewood, a way-too-tan Taggart, and a drag queen impersonating the woman who played Jenny Summers. But we have to ask: “Oh, Eddie, where art thou?” Do you really think people are going to look back on your career and remember the talking ass from Shrek? No! You’re Axel Foley, man. Be proud. Beverly Hills Cop II is sorely lacking a commentary by director Tony Scott, but at least he manages to appear once to introduce a deleted scene (that’s right, a deleted scene—as in only one). And the “Shakedown” featurette is worth watching if you remember that, while Don Simpson is rocking out to Seger, he’s got more coke in his system than Tony Montana. Despite what many critics at the time said, Beverly Hills Cop II is a solid piece of entertainment, and it deserves to been seen again. Thanks to this set, you’ve got yourself a cool double feature.

Oh, yeah, and Beverly Hills Cop III is included. Ahem.