Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)

The heat is back on as the Born to Watch crew heads back to Beverly Hills for some high-octane hijinks, fast-talking cons, and serious shoulder-padded style. In this week’s episode, Whitey, G-Man, and Dan on the Land revisit the 1987 sequel that turned up the dial on Eddie Murphy’s star power with their Beverly Hills Cop II Review, directed by the ever-slick Tony Scott.

From the moment Axel Foley slides behind the wheel of a Ferrari to the final shootout at the oil fields, the team breaks down why this neon-soaked action-comedy remains an ‘80s icon. They revel in Murphy’s unmatched charisma, dissect the film’s bold visual flair, and relive the glory of Harold Faltermeyer’s synth-driven score and Bob Seger’s anthemic “Shakedown.”

Whitey goes deep on Tony Scott’s signature aesthetic, the burnished orange hues, the stylized action, the hyper-stylized masculinity, while G-Man keeps it grounded with sharp takes on the film’s functional but fun villainy and the lovable duo of Rosewood and Taggart. Meanwhile, Dan (pizza in hand) dishes on Eddie’s behind-the-scenes power moves and the rise of “Eddie Murphy Productions,” proving this was the moment Axel Foley became Eddie Murphy’s true alter ego.

The boys aren’t afraid to poke fun, either. From the inexplicable countdown robberies and oddly muscular strippers to baffling wardrobe coincidences (how did that blazer fit Taggart so well?), this episode’s got more questions than an alphabet heist. And don’t get them started on the extra at the Playboy Mansion doing an interpretive dance; he’s earned a permanent spot in the Bad Running Ripley Hall of Fame.

They also tip their hats to the era: the coke-fueled Simpson/Bruckheimer production madness, the bafflingly low Rotten Tomatoes scores despite the film being the second biggest box office hit of 1987, and the sheer power of a good montage scored by Seger. It’s a masterclass in style-over-substance, but sometimes style is the substance.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Born to Watch episode without diversions into North Shore memories, Magnum P.I. comparisons, and the origin story of Dan’s legendary mustard shirt. If you know, you know.

So, whether you’re an ‘80s kid raised on VHS or just discovering that Beverly Hills had a crime problem solvable only by Detroit’s finest, this episode is a full-throttle celebration of a sequel that doesn’t just play the hits, it cranks them.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Join the conversation:

1. Is Beverly Hills Cop II better than the original?
2.  Does Tony Scott’s style elevate the film or overshadow it?
3.  Which song hits harder: “Shakedown” or “The Heat Is On”?

Leave us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!

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