BEVERLY HILLS COP: Axel F-Gets a Failing Grade with Eddie Murphy and Its Gray Haired Cast

When "Beverly Hills Cop" premiered in 1984, it was a sensational hit, driven by its talented star, Eddie Murphy. It yielded two more sequels in 1984 and 1987 that were also slick and shiny comedy/crime thrillers that left audiences wanting more. However, that was then and now it's too little too late. The franchise should've hung up its cap instead of leaving Murphy two decades later taking the wrap for this crap. By now, the predictable shenanigans and hohum car chases are just dumb. Perhaps the idea of hijacking a police helicopter might've seemed like a novel idea, but it didn't deliver an adrenaline rush or comic relief. The luster on the rehashed pastiche plot of Cartel crime capers with fearsome villains as buffoons and non-conventional good guys who persevere. Most of the cast should've retired from the force by now and have reassembled. Murphy reprises his star-making role as Alex Foley. Judge Reinhold as Det. William now seems swishy. John Ashton as the curmudgeon Det. Sgt. is as cringeworthy to watch as Biden past his early bird dinner hour. And, Paul Reiser as Det. Jeffrey who knew it was time to hang up his badge. Reiser was the only one who showed some sense and credibility. Last but not least, Murphy is too over- the-hill making Foley appear fool-hardy. Not that Murphy doesn't possess charm and acting chops. But this time the role was too much to chew and the franchise would benefit using a much younger crew. New additions to the cast were  Taylor Paige as Foley's estranged daughter, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a B.H. cop and Paige's former flame. Paige and Gordon-Levitt were likable in their do-gooder personas but the heat was off in their chemistry together. Keven Bacon is a crooked cop. Bacon is so sinister he seems to be playing for camp. Murphy has parlayed his prior success in movie sequels as in "Coming to America".  As an informant, stick with the original Murphy movies from the previous century and leave his remakes in the vault. Watching BEVERLY HILLS COP: Axel F feels like doing time.