Plot Summary of Beverly Hills Cop III
Set seven years after the events of the second film, Detroit detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) initiates a raid on a local chop shop without notifying his SWAT team, much to the frustration of his boss, Inspector G. Douglas Todd . During the raid, Axel’s team is unexpectedly outgunned, and Inspector Todd arrives just in time—only to be fatally shot by the crime boss behind the operation. The assailants escape in a stolen box truck, and although Axel gives chase, Secret Service Agent Steve Fulbright intervenes, instructing Axel to drop the pursuit because the killer is tied into a larger federal investigation Wikipediabeverlyhillscop.fandom.com.
After Todd’s funeral, Axel discovers that evidence from the crime points to Wonder World, a theme park in Beverly Hills owned by “Uncle Dave” Thornton Arriving in Beverly Hills, Axel reunites with Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), now elevated to a high-ranking federal post, and meets Rosewood’s new partner, Detective Jon Flint (Héctor Elizondo)
While investigating, Axel befriends park employee Janice Perkins. He’s soon targeted by park security—shot at and attacked hand-to-hand—but manages to escape onto the Spider Ferris wheel. In a dramatic rescue, he saves two children trapped in the ride and confronts park manager Orrin Sanderson, who downplays the incident as a misunderstanding
Axel, however, recognizes Ellis DeWald—the head of park security—as his boss’s killer. But Rosewood and Flint are skeptical due to DeWald’s public reputation Further investigation leads Axel to uncover a sinister plot: DeWald and Sanderson are operating a counterfeit money ring, using Wonder World as a front. The stolen mint paper from Detroit was intended for their illegal printing operation
Axel finds a cryptic letter left by the park’s designer, Roger Frye, written on the mint paper—solid proof of the counterfeit operation. However, before Axel can act, Uncle Dave is shot and framed Axel is held responsible
On the run, Axel brings Uncle Dave to the hospital and then storms the park with Rosewood and Flint. A chaotic shootout ensues—most of DeWald’s men are killed. Axel confronts and kills DeWald in hand-to-hand combat, avenging his boss’s death
Meanwhile, Agent Fulbright is revealed to be part of the counterfeit operation. Axel shoots him after a brief struggle . In the end, Uncle Dave recovers and honors Axel by creating a cartoon fox character named “Axel Fox” in his honor. Axel also begins a romantic relationship with Janice as the film closes on a lighter note
Synopsis Overview
| Story Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Inciting Incident | Axel’s boss is killed during a raid on a car theft ring. |
| Location Shift | Investigation leads to Wonder World theme park in California. |
| Supporting Cast | Reunites with Billy Rosewood; meets new partner Jon Flint. |
| Key Plot Twist | Theme park used as front for a counterfeit ring. |
| Climax | Shootout within the park; leads to showdown with DeWald. |
| Resolution | Axel clears his name, defeats the villains, and is honored by Uncle Dave. |
Summary:
Beverly Hills Cop III follows Axel Foley’s journey from avenging his slain boss to unraveling a major counterfeiting scheme hidden behind an amusement park facade. The film blends action and comedy, though it’s notably darker and less humorous than its predecessors. It culminates in a high-stakes showdown and a personal redemption for Axel.
If you’d like, I can also break down character arcs, themes, or notable scenes in more detail!