Very weak entry into the series with a more serious Murphy not exactly working as Foley. Still, can't say I hated it and was a passable time-waster. **2.5/5**

Yeah, I can see why people dislike this installment out of all three. The humor and charm from the first two films didn't seem to be present in this one. Although, when I think about it, there may have a specific reason for that. I think it could be that the premise this time around was more personal. No, that wouldn't make sense. The premise of the first film was arguably more personal, yet it had the humor and charm that started it all. At the same time, I guess that would explain why the first film still had a humorous tone and charmful atmosphere despite the premise being personal. It was the first film, so those two aspects had to be established, and a focal point. Either way, whatever the reason, I think the downfall of this film was not keeping the iconic humorous tone and the charmful feeling that made the first film, especially, and the second film, what they are. Overall, one aspect that I wasn't a big fan of is how the same premise was used in all three films. Someone Axel knows gets shot, he's on the case, and that's the main focus for the rest of each film. It isn't necessarily a bad premise, there just isn't room to make it as entertaining as the first time around with each time that follows it. In the first film, it felt natural, and rightfully so. The first of something always does, even if it has been done before, more or less, just in something different, entirely. I will say this, though: It was still enjoyable, just not to the extent that the first two films were. I can understand why people disliked it, and I respect that, but I do think that there's a sense of harshness with some people's rating of it, and in some cases, perhaps with what is said regarding it, too. With that being said, you do you.

This is now ten years after the original and is a very poor relation. Gone are the established cast and therefore most of the chemistry as Eddie Murphy reprises his role as loud-mouthed cop "Axel Foley" just once too often. It has many of the ingredients that made this franchise successful, but somehow the seriously B-list supporting cast and the repetitive nature of the action scenes just don't really work nearly so well. "Foley" has the odd quip to deliver, but even Murphy seems to be going through the motions as his character gets drawn into a counterfeiting ring being run out of an LA theme park. That latter scenario gives ample opportunity for some lame gags and the dialogue here is much more aggressive. Anglo-Saxon creeps in where before we had wit; the film is courser, less polished and - as usual, to be fair - there is no jeopardy at all about the eventual ending. Someone doubtless made a pile of cash from this derivate effort, so hopefully we can stop now before the tarnish really sets in.