Beverly Hills Cop Axel F American Movie Review

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” attempts to ride the wave of nostalgia, but how well does it fare in reviving the beloved series? Plotted like a generic police-corruption thriller, and lit with cruddy efficiency, the movie doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of the original “Beverly Hills Cop.” However, it manages to be better than the noisy chaos of “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1986) and the clunky retro mess of “Beverly Hills Cop III” (1994). Viewers who grew up in the ’80s might find themselves pulled back in time, and perhaps that’s enough for some.

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F American Movie Review

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F Movie Plot:

YouTube (Netflix)

The movie’s plot revolves around Axel trying to salvage his relationship with his daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), a defense attorney. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Bobby, a homicide detective, and Jane’s former partner, setting up a buddy-cop dynamic filled with hostility. Jane is defending an innocent kid framed as a cop killer, and the movie follows the unearthing of a conspiracy involving a drug cartel and a suspiciously smooth officer played by Kevin Bacon.

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F Movie Cast:

Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley
Taylour Paige as Jane
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Bobby
Kevin Bacon as a corrupt officer
Paul Reiser as Jeffrey Friedman
Bronson Pinchot as Serge
Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood
Luis Guzmán as a drug runner

Nostalgic Moments and Time-Machine Triggers:

“Axel F.” is replete with moments designed to trigger nostalgia, making viewers exclaim, “Oh, yeah, I remember that!” Early on, Eddie Murphy, reprising his role as the reckless and redoubtable Detroit cop Axel Foley, commandeers a snowplow and speeds through the rain-swept streets, smashing cop cars and leaving a trail of astonished onlookers behind. This entire overlong sequence is accompanied by one of the most bombastic songs ever heard in a “Beverly Hills Cop” movie.

The movie also brings back beloved characters and actors from the original series. Paul Reiser appears as the lovably disgruntled character, Bronson Pinchot returns as Serge, still mangling English, and Judge Reinhold looks so lost and haunted that it’s hard to believe he was ever goofy. These appearances serve as simple reminders of the original “Beverly Hills Cop” flavor, aiming to elicit applause from fans.

The Evolution of Axel Foley:

The original “Beverly Hills Cop” began as a straight-up police thriller starring Sylvester Stallone, but transformed into a comedy once Eddie Murphy came aboard. Murphy’s motormouth effrontery in the early ’80s held the movie together despite its patchy hybrid nature. With “Axel F.,” directed by Mark Molloy, the series comes full circle. It’s the product/schlock of the ’80s meeting the product/schlock of Netflix, resulting in nostalgia minus the soul.

Eddie Murphy’s Performance:

Despite this, Eddie Murphy’s performance is a key draw. As the sixtysomething but still street-smart Axel, Murphy puts in a notable effort. He tries to be more than just testy, injecting a touch of renegade conviction into Axel’s brashness. However, he still carries a hint of late-period detachment.

Humor and Action:

There are a few genuinely funny moments, such as Axel razzing the difference between his last name and Jane’s, or trying to convince a Black parking attendant that they’re both brothers. A scene in a cartel bar with Luis Guzmán singing karaoke and a helicopter escape sequence piloted by Bobby find a good balance of action and humor. These moments might tickle the nostalgia bone, but they are overshadowed by the countless action comedies released over the past 40 years.

Final Verdict:

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” is just another action comedy among many, but it does offer a dose of nostalgia for fans of the original series. It’s a mixed bag that may not thrill everyone but offers enough to keep long-time fans entertained.

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F Movie Rating:

Rating: 3.5/5

Where to Watch Beverly Hills Cop Axel F Movie:

Available to Watch on Netflix.

FAQs: (Frequently asked Questions)

How does “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” compare to the previous films in the series?
“Axel F.” is better than “Beverly Hills Cop II” and “III” but doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original.
What are the key nostalgic elements in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”?
The film includes callbacks to the original characters, iconic songs, and signature comedic moments designed to evoke nostalgia.
Does Eddie Murphy deliver a strong performance in “Axel F.”?
Eddie Murphy makes a notable effort to bring depth and renegade conviction to Axel Foley, though he still carries some late-period detachment.
Is “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” more of an action or comedy film?
The film balances both elements, but the action and comedic parts often interrupt each other, typical of the action comedy genre.
Who are the notable returning characters in “Axel F.”?
Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, and Judge Reinhold return, reprising their roles from the original series.
What is the main plot of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”?
Axel Foley tries to salvage his relationship with his daughter Jane while unearthing a conspiracy involving a drug cartel and a corrupt officer.
Where was “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed in and around Detroit, Michigan.
How does the film handle the blend of action and comedy?
The action and comedy elements often clash, with comedic moments sometimes causing the plot to stall.
Does “Axel F.” introduce any new significant characters?
Yes, Taylour Paige as Jane and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Bobby are new additions who play significant roles in the plot.
Is “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” worth watching for fans of the original series?
While it may not match the original’s charm, fans of the series might enjoy the nostalgic elements.