Eddie Murphy and Tom Cruise have more in common than you think. Both became superstars in the 1980s and haven’t left the A-list since. Each is in his early 60s (Cruise is 62, Murphy is 63) but looks much younger. They also resurrected their classic ‘80s films for a new audience with grand results. Murphy’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” isn’t the revelation that Cruise’s 2022 smash “Top Gun: Maverick” proved. Plus, the former debuted on Netflix, not in theaters nationwide. Still, both films brought back that Reagan-era feeling while telling stories worth a fresh look. Neither apologizes for the past. Instead, they celebrate it. Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix. Copyright 2024. Netflix, Inc. It’s been 30 years since Axel Foley walked the beat. “Beverly Hills Cop 3” unofficially ended the franchise and good riddance. The formula was played out by then, and Murphy’s outsized talents deserved better. Murphy wouldn’t let the character go, even mulling a TV incarnation with a younger star taking the reins as Axel’s son (Murphy would appear in the first episode and potentially pop up now and again). He finally re-teamed with his old producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, for “Axel F.” Except we’ve been here before. The 2021 Prime Video original “Coming 2 America” followed up on the actor’s other ‘80s comedy smash. The sequel packed little of “Coming to America’s” magic, swapping woke bromides for Murphy-sized guffaws. Hard pass. So a new “Beverly Hills Cop” project aroused more than just suspicion. Try desperation. “Maverick” proved you can‘t ground a talent like Cruise. The same holds true for Murphy who knows Axel remains his signature role. Screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten concocted an excuse to lure Axel back to Beverly Hills where the cop is no longer a fish-out-of-water. His grown daughter Jane (Taylour Paige, excellent) is in trouble. She’s defending a young Latino man charged with killing a cop, but she suspects he’s innocent That reveals another round of “Dirty Cop 101” along with an unctuous detective played by Kevin Bacon. Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix. Copyright 2024. Netflix, Inc. Why does “Axel F” follow in the grand “Maverick” tradition? For starters, neither bows to the woke mob. “Maverick” played it straight down the middle, avoiding the culture wars entirely. “Axel F” acknowledges the story exists in 2024 but it plays out sans lectures or gags that take you out of the moment. When Axel teases a white cop on a racially-charged gag, his smile tells us he isn’t serious. It’s all in good fun. Even Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character, a more sensitive cop for our times who briefly tells Axel his style no longer plays in today’s culture, learns that old-school approach gets results. Both films understand why we cared about the main characters in the first place. Maverick may not play by the rules, but his spine is stiff and his moral compass points true north. Axel can talk his way out of any jam, and his police improvisations would make MacGyver blush. It’s all about collaring the bad guys. Neither “Maverick” nor “Axel F” deify our heroes. Cruise’s Maverick remains a hot head, and his romantic stumbles aren’t lost on his new love interest, Penny (Jennifer Connelly). Axel’s estranged relationship with his daughter didn’t happen accidentally. He’s a great cop and a misguided parent. He couldn’t navigate the balance between divorce and catching the bad guys. Jane’s anger at her father appears justified, and “Axel F” isn’t ready to sweep it away for convenience’s sake. He must earn her trust again. “Maverick” and “Axel F” teem with nostalgic throwbacks. The former brings Iceman (Val Kilmer) back for a bittersweet coda, and we see images of the late Goose (Anthony Edwards) to spark our tear ducts. “Axel F” features the boyish Billy (now a 60-something Judge Reinhold), Taggart (John Ashton) and, of course, Serge (Bronson Pinchot). Kayla Oaddams/WireImage We even see glimpses of the previous “Cop” movies via a case files montage. The films also boldly replays the greatest hits from the ‘80s, witness “Danger Zone,” “Neutron Dance” and, of course, “The Heat Is On.” Great pop songs never go out of style. Murphy and Cruise didn’t want to embarrass themselves with these belated sequels. Both are hands-on talent at this point, serving as producers on their requisite films. They likely realized playing to the increasingly small woke audience would not only diminish the films in question but, perhaps, their legacies. Murphy, in particular, may have realized why making “Coming 2 America” woke did him and the film few favors. You don’t stay relevant in Hollywood for four decades without connecting with the American public. These stars instinctively knew we wanted to spend more time with Maverick and Axel again, but not in a way that diminished our memories. We feel the need for nostalgia, and “Maverick” and “Axel F” deliver. * * * Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of HollywoodInToto.com. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at @HollywoodInToto. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

In a shocking revelation, an undercover video has surfaced showing illegal aliens admitting to being registered to vote in the United States. The footage, obtained and released by conservative media outlet Tenet Media, provides a disturbing look into the operations at San Antonio's Migrant Resource Center. This center, run by Migrant Support Services in partnership with various non-governmental organizations, reportedly enforces a strict no-recording policy and provides transportation services for illegal immigrants​. The undercover video, shared on social media, shows a field reporter speaking with illegal immigrants who confirm the no-recording policy and express fears of deportation or arrest if they are caught filming. This strict policy raises suspicions about potential illicit activities being concealed within the center​​. https://twitter.com/search?q=illegals%20voting&src=typed_query Additionally, recent reports from South Carolina have further fueled concerns about voter fraud. Governor Henry McMaster has called for a state investigation into allegations that voter registration forms were distributed to non-citizens by state agencies. This investigation was prompted by a social media post from Rep. Adam Morgan, who shared a photo of a voter registration form allegedly given to a refugee by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). SCDHHS, while mandated by federal law to provide voter registration information with Medicaid applications, denies any involvement in processing these forms​​. This is inside Logan Airport in Boston. These are illegals. This is insanity. Do you know how stupid you have to be to vote for a democrat at this point? Voting has consequences. You’re paying for this! pic.twitter.com/qQaq3ZMe2n — Chad Prather (@WatchChad) June 10, 2024 Moreover, a video obtained by The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project revealed a nonprofit organization in New York City, La Jornada, illegally distributing residency documents to individuals without proper identification. This operation allows illegal aliens to obtain city ID cards, potentially under false names, through the city’s IDNYC program​. These incidents highlight a growing concern about the integrity of the voter registration process and the potential for illegal immigrants to influence elections. Conservative activists and lawmakers are pushing for stricter enforcement of voter registration laws and more robust verification processes to ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens are registered to vote. The implications of these findings are significant as they suggest systematic flaws that could undermine the electoral process. As investigations continue, there is a renewed call for transparency and accountability to safeguard the sanctity of American elections​. The post Undercover Video Exposes Illegal Aliens Admitting Being Registered to Vote appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a unique tribute to pop sensation Taylor Swift, the German city of Gelsenkirchen has temporarily renamed itself "Swiftkirchen" to celebrate her upcoming concerts. This renaming coincides with Swift's highly anticipated "Eras Tour," which will see her perform at the Veltins-Arena on July 17, 18, and 19, 2024. The city’s transformation into “Swiftkirchen” was marked by the unveiling of a new city sign by a local fan, Aleshanee Westhoff, who spearheaded a petition for the change​. Gelsenkirchen’s mayor, Karin Welge, expressed excitement over the renaming, stating it adds to the vibrant atmosphere as the city prepares to host thousands of fans. Alongside the new city sign, officials announced additional festivities, including themed street signs and a “Taylor-Swift-Tram” now operating through the city. The festivities will culminate with an open-air party, “Taylor Town,” featuring karaoke and other fan-centered activities​. A city in Germany has decided to rename itself after Taylor Swift… at least until her shows in their stadium are done in a few weeks. Read: https://t.co/nvdYwtfuaG pic.twitter.com/xJzizBlT7U — OutKick (@Outkick) July 4, 2024 Taylor Swift’s concerts in Gelsenkirchen are part of her broader German tour, which includes performances in Hamburg and Munich. The Gelsenkirchen shows are particularly significant as they mark the start of her German leg of the tour. Swift’s tour has generated substantial excitement, with tickets selling out quickly and fans traveling from across Europe to attend​. In addition to the renaming and festivities, the city has also arranged for Swift to receive a star on Gelsenkirchen's Walk of Fame. This honor places her among local legends such as Schalke football icon Rudi Assauer, highlighting the cultural impact of her visit​. German city of Gelsenkirchen renamed "Swiftkirchen" in honor of Taylor SwiftThe name literally means "Churches of Swift"Remember when Germany had a culture and religion of its own instead of worshipping American celebrities? Idolatry is a mental illness. pic.twitter.com/QIqFNBDshb — Superbadnanna (@Vigilantenanna) July 4, 2024 The concert series is expected to draw significant crowds, with up to 70,000 fans, or "Swifties," attending each show. The events will not only boost local tourism but also highlight Gelsenkirchen as a destination for international visitors. The city's proactive approach in embracing Swift’s visit underscores the global appeal of her music and the cultural influence she wields​​. As part of the celebration, the city has also planned various surprises for fans, although specific details remain under wraps. This initiative aims to ensure that the experience in “Swiftkirchen” is memorable for all attendees​. Taylor Swift's European tour has been a monumental success, with her concerts being a highlight for many fans. Her ability to draw massive crowds and create a significant economic impact on the cities she visits underscores her status as a global superstar​. This temporary renaming and the array of planned activities reflect Gelsenkirchen's enthusiasm and pride in hosting Taylor Swift. The city’s efforts to honor her visit demonstrate the powerful connection between Swift and her fans, further cementing her legacy in the music industry. The post Germany Temporarily Renames Gelsenkirchen to “Swiftkirchen” for Taylor Swift Concerts appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The U.S.-Mexico border has tragically become a graveyard for countless migrants, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. The harrowing scenes of human remains scattered across the borderlands illustrate the dire consequences of the ongoing border crisis, demanding immediate attention from policymakers. A recent report exposes the grim reality of America's border, where the remains of migrants are frequently discovered. The unforgiving terrain and extreme conditions of the border region have led to an alarming number of deaths. In 2022 alone, the UN Migration Agency recorded at least 686 deaths and disappearances along the border, marking it as the deadliest land migration route in the world. Check out the Santa Muerte shrine. At the Sinaloa cartel base approx. 1,000ft from U.S. border wall in Mexico across from Arivaca, Arizona. Source says there are cartel vs cartel wars in the area. pic.twitter.com/LAUrY5slhy — BORDER911 (@Border911Live) September 24, 2023 The Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, notorious for their harsh climates, are particularly perilous. Migrants, driven by desperation and hope for a better life, often succumb to dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion. The discovery of bones and bodies serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the border crisis. Many of these deaths go unrecorded, suggesting that the true toll is even higher. Local authorities in Texas report being overwhelmed by the crisis. Emergency services are stretched thin, responding to thousands of calls annually. The sheer volume of migrant deaths has created a logistical and humanitarian nightmare. County officials have called for federal assistance to manage the crisis, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to prevent further loss of life. Arizona rancher describes life on the frontlines of the border crisis. John Ladd's ranch stretches for 10 and a half miles along the Mexican border. It’s a hotspot for people seeking to evade Border Patrol. He’s found 17 dead bodies on his land and can spot the signs of… pic.twitter.com/48HdE62fey — EmmaBorosKidd (@EmmaBorosKidd) March 2, 2024 The border crisis has also strained local resources, with over two million migrants entering the U.S. illegally since October 2022. This unprecedented influx has pushed state and federal agencies to their limits, highlighting the urgent need for effective immigration policies and enforcement measures. The Biden administration's handling of the crisis has faced criticism for its perceived leniency, which some argue has exacerbated the situation. Humanitarian organizations have called for safer migration routes and better protection for migrants. However, without robust border security and clear immigration policies, these efforts may fall short. The tragic deaths at the border underscore the need for a balanced approach that addresses both humanitarian concerns and national security. The ongoing border crisis is not just a policy issue but a moral imperative. The sight of human remains in the desert should compel lawmakers to find solutions that prevent further loss of life while securing the nation's borders. It is a complex challenge that requires cooperation across all levels of government and society. In conclusion, the U.S.-Mexico border crisis is a humanitarian disaster that demands urgent and decisive action. The grim scenes of migrant deaths serve as a powerful reminder of the need for comprehensive immigration reform and effective border security. As America grapples with this crisis, it must strive to protect both its borders and the lives of those seeking refuge within them. The post Border Crisis: The Graveyard of Dreams and Lives appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

'Rather than obsessing over Project 2025, the Biden campaign should be addressing the 25th Amendment'

The families of the victims opposed publicizing the shooter's writings

Cindy Blackman has been around since the ’80s. She’s released numerous albums as a solo artist, has worked with Lenny Kravitz, and, since 2015, has been an official member of Santana. And while she’s as rocking and hard-hitting as it gets behind the kit, it’s jazz that Blackman goes back to most often. When she’s not gigging with Santana, Blackman embarks on solo tours, celebrating her amalgamation of jazz and rock. To that end, Blackman has shows coming up: “My band members are Aurelien Biudynek on guitar, Emilio Modest on saxophone, and Zaccai Curtis on the keys,” she tells ClassicRockHistory.com The post Cindy Blackman of Santana: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

A man inspired to become a neurosurgeon because of the hit TV hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy is now a medical consultant on the very show that convinced him to study medicine. Now 35, Stephen Bergin first watched the show in high school and instantly became a regular viewer. When he was in the fourth year […] The post He Became a Surgeon Because of Grey’s Anatomy – Now He’s a Consultant on the Show appeared first on Good News Network.

NYT: Biden Still Stumbling; "The First Black Woman to Serve With a Black President"

Smiling troopers in two states performed traffic stops in recent days on a spaceship-like vehicle heading to the UFO Festival in — of course — Roswell, New Mexico, Fox News reported.A couple of close encounters of the nerd kind, one might say, to borrow from a sitcom episode from the last century.The first took place in Missouri, as the Crawford County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post last Friday about a pair of "friendly humanoids, who have come in peace."'He was also warned about our strict enforcement of warp speed on the interstate and to keep his phasers on stun only while traveling.'The sheriff's office noted that the traffic stop "was a little out of this world," but law enforcement was assured that the vehicle's occupants — as the below dashcam image indicates — were "heading west to Roswell, NM for a festival." Image source: Crawford County (Missouri) Sheriff's OfficeThe sheriff's office added in its post that "there was a brief conversation about his out of space, correction, out of state registration, but he assured us that he would take care of that issue when he returned to Krypton. He was also warned about our strict enforcement of warp speed on the interstate and to keep his phasers on stun only while traveling." Image source: Crawford County (Missouri) Sheriff's OfficeFox News, citing an email from the sheriff's office, said the vehicle's driver was observed committing a lane violation; the vehicle's Indiana tag also was expired.Considering the "wind/traffic of the interstate plus the size and aerodynamics of his vehicle, he understood that the potential for lane violations existed," a Crawford County Sheriff's Office official added in a statement to Fox News."Given the good nature of the driver and the interesting nature of the vehicle, we opted to provide a fun social media post for our community," the official added in the statement, the cable news network said. "It was a great interaction, and we wished him safe travels to his destination."There was a second close encounter with same vehicle Monday in Oklahoma, Fox News said. Image source: Oklahoma Highway Patrol"It's not every day you pull over a UFO," the Oklahoma Highway Patrol wrote Tuesday on its Facebook page. "Trooper Ryan Vanvleck #722 pulled over this vehicle on the Turner Turnpike yesterday for an obstructed tag. They were on their way to a UFO festival in Roswell, New Mexico. Trooper Vanvleck let them go with a warning." Image source: Oklahoma Highway PatrolThe event to which the vehicle's occupants apparently were headed looks to be the "UFO Festival" set to take place in Roswell from July 5 through July 7. The annual gathering promises attendees that they can participate in a "cosmic extravaganza filled with out-of-this-world events, including the renowned Roswell Galacticon, family fun at the AlienFest, the gripping Roswell Incident, the captivating Roswell Film Festival, and enlightening experiences at the International UFO Museum and Research Center."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!