Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F—A Nostalgic Return to the 80s’

When it comes to 1980s action comedies, few franchises hold a candle to “Beverly Hills Cop.” Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of the wisecracking, street-smart detective Axel Foley didn’t turn him into an 80s legend; that honor goes to his standup specials, Delirious and Raw. Beverly Hills Cop, however, solidified him as a bankable actor.

Now, decades after the original trilogy, Netflix brings us “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” reuniting Murphy with old buddies and introducing new faces. Directed by Mark Molloy, while the story was a bit predictable, the nostalgic callbacks in this fourth installment in the series provide a surprisingly entertaining experience beyond typical streaming sequel expectations.

Return to Beverly Hills

“Axel F” opens with a classic Axel Foley scenario: undercover chaos. This time, Foley disrupts a robbery at a Detroit Red Wings game, leading to a destructive snowplow chase through the streets of Detroit. The opening sequence sets the tone for the film while also simultaneously acting as a kind of recap segment, reminding the older generation of movie lovers and serving as an introduction for the new generation as to what the Beverly Hills series is about.

Axel’s former partner, Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser), now the Chief of Police, is retiring, sparking discussions about the challenges aging law enforcement officers face. Axel himself is grappling with his own age and the physical demands of his job. However, his semi-retirement is cut short when his estranged daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), is nearly killed while investigating corrupt cops in Beverly Hills. This life-threatening incident draws Axel back to the glamorous streets of Beverly Hills.

Familiar Faces and New Allies

Returning to the Beverly Hills scene means reuniting with old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton). Billy is now a private detective, having left the force after a fallout with Taggart, who remains the Chief of Police. The dynamic between these characters, forged over decades, still feels genuine.

Joining the crew are Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Captain Cade Grant (Kevin Bacon). Abbott, Jane’s ex-boyfriend, becomes an essential ally, while Grant, from the moment he appears on screen, with his overtly villainous demeanor, clearly has nefarious intentions. Bacon’s performance as the antagonist is appropriately exaggerated; his trying to fit the stereotypical over-the-top villains of the 80s came off as one-dimensional, yet somehow, it fit the film’s tone perfectly.

A Balanced Approach to Nostalgia

One thing older-movie goers will definitely appreciate about “Axel F” is the use of nostalgia without being overwhelmed by it. Molloy’s use of familiar elements from the original trilogy into the new storyline ensured that callbacks served as seasoning rather than the main course. This is particularly evident in the score, where Lorne Balfe incorporates Harold Faltermeyer’s classic themes with updated compositions, inducing a sense of continuity while still making it sound like it belongs in this millennium.

However, not all nostalgic elements land perfectly. Bronson Pinchot’s Serge returns in a somewhat forced cameo, with his character primarily focusing on advancing the story. Thankfully, these moments are few and far between.

Murphy’s Charismatic Return

At the heart of “Axel F” is Eddie Murphy, who once again proves why he is one of Hollywood’s top comedic stars. Stepping back into the role was seamless. His playful performance as Axel is reminiscent of his best work in the original “Beverly Hills Cop” films. Murphy’s chemistry with his co-stars, particularly Paige, Gordon-Levitt, and Bacon, brings a dynamic energy to the film. Paige, in particular, shines as Jane, although the script occasionally relegates her to repetitive father-daughter arguments. Gordon-Levitt grounds the film with his earnestness.

Murphy’s comedic timing is on full display; his physicality, however, didn’t allow him to bounce through the film with the lightness he did in the previous installments.

Action and Aesthetics

From the snowplow chase in Detroit to the pursuits through the streets of Beverly Hills, the film embraces practical effects, providing a tactile sense of excitement. The movie impresses with these well-staged action sequences, yet at times they seem unnecessarily destructive.

Cinematographer Eduard Grau captures the sun-soaked vistas of California, paying homage to the Tony Scott aesthetic of the original films while adding his own contemporary polish. Editor Dan Lebental ensures the film maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly blending action with character-driven moments. The result is a tight-cut film that keeps you engaged without overstaying its welcome.

Themes and Reflection

Under the comedy and action, “Axel F” explores themes of aging, legacy, and the changing nature of law enforcement. Axel’s struggle with his age and the changing landscape of policing. Discussions about how the profession and professional landscape overall treat its veterans hit close to home with older viewers, grounding the film in real-world concerns while still maintaining its escapist appeal.

The relationship between Axel and Jane serves as the emotional core of the film. Their strained relationship, marked by years of estrangement, is given ample screen time. It should have allowed for moments of genuine connection and growth, but it missed the mark. Paige’s portrayal of Jane is, however, balanced with the dangers of her investigation and her vulnerability in her complicated relationship with her estranged father.

Overall, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is a triumphant return for Eddie Murphy and the franchise. With Murphy’s usual charismatic performance, Mark Molloy directed a film that honors its predecessors while shaping its own identity.

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” It might be your run-of-the-mill buddy cop with an expected outcome, but the nostalgia alone makes it a respectable watch. The movie is the kind of entertainment that reminds us why we fell in love with movies in the first place. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, “Axel F” is worth watching.