‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ Is A Nostalgic and Thrilling Reunion – Movie Review

Eddie Murphy shines again in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

The fourth installment of the beloved “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” brings a much-anticipated reunion of the original cast, delivering a delightful blend of nostalgia, action, and comedy. Directed by Mark Molloy, this film sees Eddie Murphy donning his iconic Lions jacket once again, reprising his role as Detective Axel Foley with ease and flair, who is back on the beat in Beverly Hills. After his daughter’s life is threatened, she (Taylour Paige) and Foley team up with a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.

Murphy’s return to the role is nothing short of spectacular. He effortlessly slips back into the character of Foley, giving one of his best performances in recent years, rivaling his acclaimed turn in “Dolemite Is My Name.” His comedic timing and on-screen charisma remain intact, making Foley as compelling and entertaining as ever. The story introduces a new and unlikely crime boss, which fits well with the previous three films. It’s about Foley teaming up with his long-lost daughter Janie Saunders (Taylour Paige), and it’s both interesting and touching. Murphy and Paige have great chemistry, making the father-daughter relationship feel real and heartwarming.

The action in “Axel F” is bigger and more dangerous than ever.

The film fully uses its R rating, featuring intense shootouts, headshots, and plenty of colorful language. The comedy, a franchise hallmark, is sharp and plentiful, providing many laugh-out-loud moments. One of the film’s highlights is the return of Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton). Seeing these characters back on screen is a treat for fans, and their current career trajectories are both interesting and satisfying. Paul Reiser’s Jeffrey Friedman also makes a welcome return, adding to the film’s nostalgic appeal.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt joins the franchise as Det. Bobby Abbott fits seamlessly into the dynamic with Murphy’s Foley. Gordon-Levitt’s performance is charming and compelling, making him a great addition to the series. Another standout is Kevin Bacon, who leans into his villainous side as Cade Grant, a corrupt task force head who fits perfectly within the franchise’s tradition of memorable antagonists. Bronson Pinchot’s Serge also returns, though his screen time is limited. His character remains a fan favorite, and while more of him would have been welcome, his scenes are as delightful as ever.

The film is rich with Easter eggs and callbacks to the previous installments.

Long-time fans have plenty to enjoy and point out while watching. The locations in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills add an authentic touch, with notable sites like the Beverly Hills sign, Rodeo Drive, and the Millennium Biltmore Hotel making appearances. Forty years after the original film broke box office records and helped invent the action-comedy genre, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” successfully brings the franchise back to life. With familiar faces and fresh twists, it continues the legacy of the maverick Detroit cop, causing chaos in the land of the rich and famous.

Verdict

I give “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” 5 out of 5 stars. It is a thrilling and nostalgic ride that pays homage to the original while injecting new energy into the franchise. It’s a must-watch for fans, old and new, offering the perfect mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments. Stream it on Netflix starting July 3rd and grab the 3-movie collection here.

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