I think the main reason that Die Hard with a Vengeance was the only sequel to rival the original is because it had the original director, John Mctiernan.

Sly didn't receive enough credit for his performance in "Copland". It was rare seeing him with more weight but it was great seeing him in a role that's very unlike most of his other movies where it's all about the action.

Yes, I found Beverly Hills Cop 3 to be not edgy enough. The fact that it took place in an amusement park gave it too much of a kid friendly kind of feel to it all. John Ashton and Judge Rheinhold definitely worked better as a comedy duo so for John to be absent definitely hurt the picture. I do Eddie calling the movie 'Die Hard in Disneyland' lol 😆 It would have been nice to also have Lisa Eilbacher return for the 3rd one if there was a place for her in the story.