Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Movie Review: Eddie Murphy Shines in a Safe Yet Entertaining Late Sequel
Eddie Murphy proves he’s still got it in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” delivering a safe yet entertaining sequel. Murphy’s charisma and comedic timing remain impeccable, making this late addition to the franchise a delightful experience for both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
Star Cast: Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Kevin Bacon, and Taylour Paige
Director: Mark Molloy
What’s Good: Eddie Murphy’s charm is out of this world, and the antics are still quite fun and entertaining as Axel goes through Beverly Hills, destroying everything on his way.
What’s Bad: The film is just too long and while the plot moves along, it definitely feels like a tighter edit would have made this more fun and impactful.
Loo Break: The later part of the second act is just too bloated as the movie tries to put all the characters together, but it never really blows up in the way it should.
Watch or Not?: This is a watch if you are a fan of Eddie Murphy, or if you just need something fun to play in the background.
Language: English (with subtitles).
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 115 Minutes.
Nostalgia continues to drive the entertainment industry, with studios favoring proven formulas over innovative risks. This trend is evident in the recent sequel released three decades after its predecessor. While the film succeeds in embracing its nostalgic roots, capturing the essence of its predecessor, it may struggle to resonate with today’s audiences seeking deeper, more fulfilling experiences. The movie delivers on its intentions, offering a dose of nostalgia and staying true to its established identity. However, in an era craving freshness and substance, it falls short of providing the comprehensive entertainment modern viewers expect. Despite its efforts to recapture past glory, the sequel faces the challenge of meeting contemporary expectations for complete, substantial, and genuinely engaging storytelling.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Movie Review: Script Analysis
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” epitomizes a nostalgic throwback, successfully channeling the essence of 80s and 90s cinema. It embraces long shootouts, classic good-versus-evil dynamics, emotional subplots, witty one-liners, and iconic synth music, all staples of its era. Despite its faithful recreation of past tropes, the film struggles under the weight of its own nostalgia, hindering it from reaching greater heights.
Eddie Murphy returns as Axel Foley, the beloved Detroit cop, delivering a performance that stays true to the character’s legacy. However, the script grapples with the elephant in the room: Murphy’s age and the three-decade gap since “Beverly Hills Cop 3”. While the film acknowledges this superficially, it lacks the depth seen in handling similar themes in recent films like the latest “Bad Boys” installment.
The narrative briefly touches on police corruption but uses it primarily as a device to reunite familiar characters and indulge in nostalgia. While this approach works to some extent, the script’s lack of development leaves the story feeling undercooked. The film prioritizes improvisation over a cohesive plot, resulting in awkward deliveries and a reliance on jokes rather than substantive moments.
In essence, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is more about revisiting familiar territory than forging new ground. It leans heavily on its cast’s chemistry and nostalgia factor, offering entertainment primarily through its characters and comedic interplay rather than a robust storyline.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Movie Review: Star Performance
The script may be straightforward, but Eddie Murphy’s performance carries “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” with sheer charisma. He single-handedly elevates the film, reminding us of his past stardom and why he remains a magnetic presence on screen. While age has tempered his energy, Murphy still exudes charm and wit, making the audience smile and laugh, particularly for those nostalgic about the franchise.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Taylour Paige join Murphy as his capable sidekicks, adding depth to the ensemble. Gordon-Levitt, known for his talent and diverse roles, delivers a solid performance, prompting reflection on why he hasn’t yet had a breakthrough role despite his impressive filmography.
Overall, while the film’s plot may be minimal, Murphy’s star power and the chemistry among the cast provide enough entertainment value, especially for fans of the series looking to relive its glory days.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Movie Review: Direction, Music
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” marks Mark Molloy’s directorial debut, and he navigates it competently. The film authentically captures the essence of its nostalgic era through its shot composition, storytelling pace, and evolving set pieces. While it successfully transports viewers back in time, it falls short of achieving greatness.
Lorne Balfe revives the classic 80s soundtrack from the franchise, which stands out as one of the film’s strongest elements. Its revival is both impressive and bittersweet, highlighting the film’s reliance on past successes rather than forging new ground.
Overall, Molloy’s direction maintains the film’s nostalgic appeal, though it lacks innovation to elevate it beyond a faithful homage to its predecessors. The soundtrack’s brilliance serves as a reminder of the franchise’s iconic past, underscoring the film’s struggle to match its historical greatness.
( Photo Credit: YouTube )
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Movie Review: The Last Word
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” plays it safe, offering a familiar experience without pushing any boundaries. The film adheres closely to established formulas, echoing the style and tropes of past eras without innovation. While it lacks elegance or groundbreaking moments, it functions adequately for those seeking a lighthearted adventure or craving nostalgic nods to Eddie Murphy’s iconic character and the 80s vibe.
It delivers as expected, serving up a dose of fun and nostalgia, making it a decent choice for fans of the franchise or those simply looking to relive the era’s cinematic charm through Murphy’s charismatic portrayal of Foley.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Trailer
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