From directors Brad Ableson, Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, we have Shrek 5, a new animation/adventure movie. One that follows green ogre Shrek and his sidekick, Donkey, on one more big-city adventure.
Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz, we also get to meet Shrek and Fiona’s three children.
I was hoping to be more enthused by this. Fingers crossed that it doesn’t end up feeling close to as unnecessary as the upcoming live-action Moana film. I’d, of course, love to be wrong. After all, this is only the teaser trailer.
At this point, it’s at least a great sign that all three main cast members have returned. Perhaps all will be well in the end.
I might just rewatch one or two of the previous Shrek movies to get in the zone. Will you be doing the same?
Zendaya, Skyler Gisondo and Marcello Hernández also star.
Director Angus Wall’s biography/documentary about American actor and stand-up comic Eddie Murphy is the good time I hoped it would be.
Watching Being Eddie had me feeling like a guest in Murphy’s beautiful family home, as he, along with family, peers and friends, reminisced about his life and career. Not while they were all in the same room, mind you. Even though that would have been fun too, kind of like this gem. The likes of Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Pete Davidson, Jamie Foxx, and Kevin Hart featured as talking heads in different locations.
I enjoyed the look back at some of his most celebrated works. From his stint as a Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member to his more recent projects. I appreciated hearing about the stories behind the movies and stand-up comedy specials, and about how he navigated the weight of his own superstardom.
Thankfully, just as I imagined, while learning about what makes one of my favourite comics tick, I also got to hear some fresh jokes as he talked and told stories. A naturally funny person simply can’t help but amuse.
Being Eddie is a must for fans of his work. If only to relive some of the great times you had because he was dedicated.
Being Eddie is the brand new Angus Wall-directed biography/documentary that offers a comprehensive look at the life and career of American actor and stand-up comic, Eddie Murphy.
I’ve been a Murphy fan since his 1987 comedy special Raw. Granted, I could only watch it on DVD, not live, but his extraordinary comedic talents were clear to me as they were to everybody else.
I’m excited to hear the stories about the highs and, undoubtedly, some lows of Murphy’s life and career. I’m also in for some brand new giggles because the gift of funny is inherent in those so gifted.
When did you first become aware of Murphy?
Jamie Foxx, Pete Davidson, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Kenan Thompson, Dave Chappelle and Jeffrey Katzenberg also make an appearance.
The Pick Up (2025), Pete Davidson, Eddie Murphy, Prime Video
Eddie Murphy, Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson are the stars of new action/comedy ThePick Up.
Directed by Tim Story, things take a deadly turn when a routine cash pick-up is interrupted by ruthless criminals with big plans.
My expectations for this aren’t particularly the highest. However, I’m open to some silliness, fun and giggles. Plus, I want it to work out for this rather unexpected cast.
Jack Kesy, Joe Anoa’i, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Marshawn Lynch, Andrew Dice Clay, Josh Turner, Lara Grice, Charles Green, Vinnie Varone, Christopher Cocke and Leydi Morales also star.
‘It’s going to be fantastic. Trust me.’ – Axel Foley
I should have because Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon’s latest movie, Beverly Hills Cop – Axel F is good.
I was worried that some of the energy and magic of the original movies would be absent. How misguided! The chemistry between Murphy and everyone he shares the screen with is still great. Couple that with a satisfying story, engaging new characters, a good dose of nostalgia, plus expert use of the Beverly Hills Cop movie theme music, and we have a recipe to put a massive smile on our faces.
If you enjoyed at least one of the earlier Beverly Hills Cop movies, you won’t want to miss this one. In addition to Murphy’s undeniable charm, Kevin Bacon Bacon is a well-cast bad guy; Gordon-Levitt is perfect in his role, and there’s that well-choreographed ambush scene. I haven’t even said anything about the perfect ending.
Beverly Hills Cop – Axel F (2024), Kevin Bacon, Netflix
As for the things I didn’t love about director Mark Molloy’s movie, I tried hard to think and I only have two things, barely. First, there was a point at the beginning where I thought: Really? they didn’t modernise the theme music, even a little bit?’ I ended up swallowing my words with that one. Second, ‘Is Axel still realistically getting away with his antics? I mean, he’s not a rookie who doesn’t know better any more.’ I completely forgot about that soon enough because I was too busy having a good time.
Some have said that Netflix should have granted Beverly Hills Cop – Axel F a big screen release, and I can’t say I disagree. But I’m also not mad that I can immediately go back to re-watch my favourite scenes.
It’s not even been a month since the success of Bad Boys – Ride Or Die. It looks to me like 2024 is the year of good cop action/comedy/crime sequels. I say, bring on the next one! The next Axel F, the next Bad Boys and the next…
