Eddie Murphy returns (40 years after the original and 30 since the forgettable third installment) for another go-round as the maverick Detroit cop with a penchant for Southern California in this fun (and generally funny) action flick. With the return of most of the series’ key players (Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and even Bronson Pinchot), the real star here is clearly the nostalgia. It’s a quintessential if-it-aint-broke-don’t-fix-it, including the soundtrack, the plot, and yes, Murphy’s wise-cracking antics. It’s a very welcome throwback for those who care and a fairly enjoyable way to whittle away two hours for everyone else.
3.5/5 stars