Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F - Spoiler Free Review. Axel's Back!

Genre: Action Comedy

Director: Mark Molloy

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Bronson Pinchot, Kyle S. More, Taylor Paige, John Ashton, Judge Reinholdm

Studio: Netflix

Runtime: 115 minutes

Rated: R
Release Date: On Netflix, July 3rd, 2024

Rating ★★★★★

While investigating a potential cop killer, criminal defense attorney Jane Saunders (Taylor Paige) finds herself in a dangerous predicament. Fearing for her safety, former Sergeant John Taggart (John Ashton) and Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) know there is only one man to call, her estranged father, Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy).

It is astounding that Murphy’s Foley character last appeared thirty years ago. While I don’t recall having had the same adverse reaction to the third installment as the public, the media, and Murphy himself; my overall opinion of the trilogy is primarily positive. However, throughout all these years, I can’t recall when I felt, “I wish there were another Beverly Hills Cop film.” Is thirty years sufficient time to erase the disagreeable taste from people’s mouths? The answer is YES!

Almost 40 years after the 1984 film’s debut, Murphy, now 63 years-old, is reprising his legendary role as Detroit Detective Axel Foley, and he doesn’t look a day older. Rosewood and Taggart aren’t the only well-known characters returning to the action-packed follow-up. Other familiar faces include Paul Reiser as Jeffrey Friedman, Axel’s former partner back in Detroit, and Bronson Pinchot as the hilarious Serge, the former art gallery salesman turned weapons dealer turned… well, you’ll find out. Combined, they create a wave of excitement and nostalgia for this action-packed follow-up.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (BHC: Axel F) also tosses a fresh crop of new characters into the mix, each with their unique story. From Cade Grant (Kevin Bacon), a Captain with some questionable ties in the Beverly Hills Police Department, Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who shares a past with Jane, to the enigmatic Chalino Valdemoro (Luis Guzmán), the endearing Officer Mike Woody (Kyle S. More), with his hilarious man crush on Axel; the film sets the stage for potential future adventures with these intriguing personalities.

Is there a better 80s soundtrack than the original Beverly Hills Cop? BHC: Axel F’s soundtrack includes callbacks to the original movies, such as Bob Seger’s “Shakedown,” the Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance,” Keith Forsey’s “The Heat Is On,” and Harold Faltermeyer’s iconic “Axel F” theme. Every song instantly transports you back to the 80s.

The film balances nostalgia for fans of the original trilogy with a standalone storyline that introduces fresh characters and devious threats. It also recaptures the classic humor and action fans loved from the previous films. BHC: Axel F is full of witty banter, thrilling chases, and an eclectic mix of intensity and humor that made the original films so successful. While there are some notable similarities with the first film that may irritate fans, and a slight lull in the middle, it’s warranted given 30 year gap when we last encountered these characters. There is a lot of info to catch up on, and in filling the audience in, BHC: Axel F provides more character development for Axel than the previous three films combined.

My only two complaints have little to do with the actual film. Firstly, BHC: Axel F isn’t in theaters. While I appreciate Netflix cutting out the middleman and bringing it directly to audiences, several aerial shots would have looked tremendous on a big screen. The other is, why the hell did it take this long? Sure, the third film had its criticism, but it’s been thirty years. We could be on Beverly Hills Cop 7 or 8 by now. Thankfully, reports are a fifth film in the works, and if they continue to be this fun, many more will come.

Written by Will Beall and directed by Mark Molloy, BHC: Axel F is definitely worth watching as Axel once again takes on the bad guys. Murphy is on his game and showing us how to get things done! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, you’ll be glad you tuned in.

Check out Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F on Netflix on July 3.

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.