REVIEW: “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024)

As a long-time film enthusiast with a soft spot for action-comedies, I was eagerly anticipating Netflix’s new installment of “Beverly Hills Cop.” Thirty years have passed since the last movie graced our screens, and it’s quite an unusual turn of events that we’re getting a fourth one, especially on a streaming platform rather than in theaters. But I was excited to see if this film could capture the magic of the original or if it would fall flat like the third installment.


As a longtime fan of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, I found myself pondering a burning question: Would Netflix’s new installment live up to the entertaining first two movies or veer closer to the disappointing third one? Having grown up watching Eddie Murphy bring Detective Axel Foley to life in the ’80s, I was eager to know if this latest addition would recapture that magic.

It’s been three decades since the last “Beverly Hills Cop” film graced our screens, and it feels quite unexpected to have a new one now. What’s more unusual is that this installment will debut on a streaming platform instead of in movie theaters (welcome to the future of cinema in 2024). However, just because the format has changed doesn’t mean they cut corners. With production by Murphy and Jerry Bruckheimer, “Axel F” boasts an impressive $150 million budget. A significant portion of that investment and energy has been dedicated to preserving the essence and vibe of the original film.

REVIEW: “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024)

As a cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about sliding back into the familiar comfort of my Adidas sneakers and Detroit Lions letterman jacket, reembodying the wise-cracking, street-smart persona of Axel Foley from Detroit. This time, though, my motivation for returning to the glamorous yet complex world of Beverly Hills is deeply personal. I long to reconnect with my estranged daughter, Jane Saunders (Taylour Paige), a successful criminal defense attorney who’s currently representing an accused cop killer. Needless to say, this case hasn’t gone unnoticed by the local law enforcement, and the tension is palpable.

After discovering that Jane’s life is in peril, Axel embarks on a personal mission to uncover the truth. His investigation yields several findings but also puts him at odds with the local authorities. Luckily, Axel can count on his old friend John Taggart, who has since become the grumpy police chief, for support. Sadly, Axel learns that Billy Rosewood, a former partner of Taggart’s, went missing while pursuing a lead related to Jane’s case. Could an encounter between Axel, Billy, and Taggart be on the horizon? That’s a question worth pondering.

Introducing some fresh faces to the series are Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Bobby Abbott, a former flame of Jane’s who is now a detective with the Beverly Hills Police Department, and Kevin Bacon, who joins the cast as Cade Grant, the head of the narcotics task force. Among the new additions, Paige leaves a lasting impression. Her dynamic with Murphy is reminiscent of a father-daughter relationship, and her wit comes close to matching his in every scene.

REVIEW: “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024)

I’ve always appreciated the unique blend of action and comedy in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, and this latest installment is no exception. From my perspective, the laughs come thick and fast, with a generous helping handed by Murphy’s spontaneous wit and humor. Adding to the fun are the sharp scripts penned by Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten, who serve up some truly amusing one-liners – my personal favorite being a sly jab at the much-criticized third film. As for the action scenes, while Murphy may not be as spry as before, his unhinged enthusiasm brings an undeniable energy to each sequence. Director Mark Molloy does an excellent job capturing these moments on camera, but it’s the injection of Murphy’s humor that truly makes them enjoyable.

Axel F” is available on Netflix starting July 3rd.

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2024-07-16 16:01