Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)

A Nostalgia-Fueled Thrill Ride That Revives the Franchise

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F In the long-awaited fourth installment of the iconic “Beverly Hills Cop” series, Eddie Murphy triumphantly returns as the wisecracking Detroit cop, Axel Foley. This time, Axel finds himself embroiled in a case involving corrupt cops in Beverly Hills after his estranged daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), gets too close to uncovering a sinister conspiracy, putting her life in danger.

Forced to reunite with his old friends, the private detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and the former police officer John Taggart (John Ashton), Axel navigates the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills while facing off against a web of corruption and betrayal within the police force. Joined by Jane’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and the enigmatic Captain Cade Grant (Kevin Bacon), Axel must use all his street smarts and quick wit to solve the case and protect his daughter.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F opens with a bang, as Axel gets into undercover trouble in Detroit, stopping a robbery at a Red Wings game that leads to a destructive chase through the city in a snowplow – the first of many well-staged chase sequences that remind viewers of the lost art of practical stunts in an era of over-reliance on CGI. This high-octane opening sets the tone for a Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F that never takes its foot off the pedal, delivering a relentless pace of action, comedy, and nostalgia.

Director Mark Molloy skillfully balances the nostalgic elements of the franchise with fresh, contemporary touches, infusing Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F with a playful and buoyant tone that harkens back to the spirit of the original while keeping it relevant for modern audiences. Cinematographer Eduard Grau captures the sun-drenched streets of Beverly Hills with a sleek and stylish flair, paying homage to the aesthetic of the first two films while adding a contemporary touch that keeps the visuals vibrant and engaging.

At the heart of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F success is Eddie Murphy’s magnetic performance as the charismatic Axel Foley. Murphy slips back into the role with ease, delivering his signature brand of humor and charm that made him a superstar in the first place. His comedic timing and natural charisma are as sharp as ever, and he effortlessly carries the film on his shoulders.

The supporting cast, including Taylour Paige, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Kevin Bacon, provide solid performances that complement Murphy’s star power. Paige shines as Jane, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character’s complicated relationship with her father. Gordon-Levitt and Bacon both excel in their roles, with Bacon relishing the opportunity to play the villainous Captain Grant, leaning into the over-the-top villainy with gusto.

The chemistry between Murphy and the ensemble cast is palpable, making for engaging and entertaining character dynamics that keep the audience invested in the relationships and interpersonal conflicts that drive the narrative forward.

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” strikes a perfect balance between action, comedy, and nostalgia, delivering a thrilling ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while also providing ample opportunities for laughter and heartfelt moments.

The action sequences are expertly choreographed and executed, with the practical stunts and chase scenes adding a level of authenticity and excitement that is often lacking in modern blockbusters. From the opening chase through Detroit to the climactic showdown in Beverly Hills, the film never lets up on the adrenaline-fueled excitement.

At the same time, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F comedic elements are expertly woven into the narrative, with Murphy’s natural comedic talents shining through in every scene. Whether it’s his witty one-liners, physical comedy, or his ability to find humor in even the most tense situations, Murphy’s comedic prowess is a constant delight.

Amidst the action and comedy, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F also manages to pay homage to the original trilogy in a way that feels organic and meaningful. Nostalgic callbacks to beloved characters and moments from the previous films are skillfully integrated, providing a sense of familiarity and continuity for longtime fans while still feeling fresh and accessible to newcomers.

Positive Aspects

1. Nostalgic Appeal:
   • Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F brings back the original cast and characters, including Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood, and John Ashton as John Taggart, which adds a strong nostalgic value for fans of the original series 1 2 3. The return of classic songs from the first movie also enhances this nostalgic experience 4 5.
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2. Eddie Murphy’s Performance:
   • Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley is a highlight, with critics noting his charm and comedic timing. Murphy is at his best when he’s allowed to bounce through Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, light on his feet, laughing and smiling 6 7. His performance is described as buoyant and playful, bringing back the comedic chaos that made him famous 8 9.
3. Action and Humor:
   • The film features well-staged chase scenes and action sequences that are both exciting and entertaining 10 11. The gags are frequent and often hilarious, with many coming from Murphy’s improvisations 9. The film also avoids cheap jokes about cancel culture and generation gaps, which often drag down recent films with older comedy stars 12.
4. Supporting Cast:
   • The supporting cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott and Kevin Bacon as Captain Cade Grant, adds depth to the film. Bacon’s portrayal of the villain is particularly noted for its self-righteous villainy, while Gordon-Levitt grounds Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F in key moments 13 14.
5. Visual and Technical Quality:
   • The film’s cinematography, handled by Eduard Grau, and editing by Dan Lebental, are praised for their quality. The film has a polished look with the right amount of California sheen, making it visually appealing 12. Unlike many streaming original films, “Axel F” does not look lazily made and gets the job done effectively 12.

Mixed to Negative Aspects

1. Formulaic Plot:
   • Critics have pointed out that the film’s plot is typical Beverly Hills Cop fare, with a predictable and clichéd storyline involving an estranged father-daughter relationship and a corrupt police captain 15. The film’s narrative is described as routine and lacking in fresh perspective 16 17.
2. Inconsistent Energy:
   • While the film has its moments of charm and humor, it is not as high-energy or whip-smart as the original films. Some critics feel that the film falls somewhere in between, scratching the nostalgic itch but not delivering the same level of excitement 18.
3. Mixed Reviews on Emotional Depth:
   • The subplot involving Axel’s estranged daughter, Jane, and the tension between them is seen as unconvincing by some critics. The film’s attempt to balance humor with serious themes of family and responsibility may not resonate with all viewers 19 20.
4. Criticism of Action Sequences:
   • Some critics have noted that the director, Mark Molloy, who comes from an advertising background, struggles with shooting and editing action sequences effectively. This affects the overall pacing and excitement of the film 21.
5. Mixed Critical Reception:
   • The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 53 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating “mixed or average” reviews 22. While some critics praise the film as a shockingly entertaining diversion, others find it to be a limp and desperate action comedy with few memorable moments 23.

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024) is a nostalgic return to the beloved franchise, with Eddie Murphy reprising his iconic role as Axel Foley. Directed by Mark Molloy, the film offers a mix of action, humor, and nostalgia that will appeal to fans of the original series. While the film excels in its nostalgic elements and Murphy’s performance, it falls short in delivering a fresh and exciting narrative.

For fans of the Beverly Hills Cop series and those looking for a fun, nostalgic ride, “Axel F” is worth a watch. However, viewers seeking a groundbreaking or innovative action-comedy may find the film lacking in originality and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” a worthy sequel to the original trilogy?

A: While it may not surpass the cultural impact of the first film, “Axel F” is a highly entertaining and nostalgic addition to the franchise, capturing the essence of what made the original so beloved while also introducing fresh elements that keep the story feeling relevant and engaging.

How does Eddie Murphy’s performance compare to his previous outings as Axel Foley?

A: Eddie Murphy delivers a tour-de-force performance, slipping back into the role of Axel Foley with effortless charm and comedic timing. His performance is a reminder of why he became a superstar in the first place and is sure to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Is the film suitable for a family audience?

A: While Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F contains some adult language and violence typical of the action-comedy genre, it is generally suitable for older children and families. The humor and action are balanced in a way that makes it an enjoyable experience for a wide range of audiences.

Does the film rely too heavily on nostalgia and callbacks to the original trilogy?

A: While there are nostalgic callbacks to the original films, the movie strikes a good balance by introducing fresh elements and focusing on a new storyline that propels the narrative forward. The nostalgic elements serve to enhance the overall experience rather than feeling like a crutch.

How does the supporting cast perform alongside Eddie Murphy?

A: The supporting cast, including Taylour Paige, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Kevin Bacon, delivers solid performances that complement Murphy’s star power. Each actor brings their own unique talents to their respective roles, creating a dynamic ensemble that elevates Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F overall quality.