The screenplay hasn’t been written yet, but the studio has already found a director. Their choice is none other the personality-less master of the mediocre himself, Brett Ratner. Ratner has already ruined the X-Men and Hannibal Lector franchises, so it only seems appropriate that he be allowed to soil the memory of Beverly Hills Cop as well. Not to mention the fact that his Rush Hour franchise was always just a variation of the Beverly Hills Cop formula with Jacky Chan thrown into the mix. However, in this particular case Ratner may not be a bad choice. He’s a functionary director who can serve the purpose of any movie that he’s given and deliver a generic product that is neither terrible nor great. His movies are always exactly what you’d expect. No more, no less.

Given that Eddie Murphy has a substantial ego and generally works with no name directors who won’t challenge him on the set, Ratner should fit the role like a glove and produce a movie that will neither disappoint or thrill the Beverly Hills Cop fans. That’s all that can really be asked from a project like this. The Beverly Hills Cop series hardly boasts a compelling or ongoing storyline that audiences are dying to see continued. The movies are merely one-note jokes delivered by an undeniably talented and vulgar comedian. Given the fact that Murphy has spent years toiling away on disposable family fare and forgettable high-concept comedies, stepping back into the role that defined his comedic persona, could be just what he needs to find his voice again. It’s been almost a decade since Murphy contributed a memorable comedy to the cultural lexicon, hopefully this will be a chance for him to rediscover his voice. Plus it’ll be nice to hear that damn catchy theme song again…–PB, News Extensions