Beverly Hills Cop : Axel F (2024) Review

 IMDb - 6.6

Rotten Tomatoes - 66%

Genre - Comedy/Action

Rating - R

Runtime - 1 hour 58 minutes 

Director - Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah  

Cast - Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylor Paige, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser

PLOT

Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills after his daughter's life is threatened, and works with old pals John Taggart and Billy Rosewood to uncover a conspiracy.

REVIEW

After 30 years, Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills. Netflix has revived the franchise, delivering the fourth installment with Eddie Murphy reprising his iconic role. As Axel Foley, Murphy embodies the rule-breaking, street-smart, foul-mouthed, and fast-talking cop from Detroit. Watching Eddie Murphy in the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise is always a delight, and he remains the heart of the movie.

Murphy still has the same charm he exhibited in the original films, though the jokes don't quite hit as hard as they used to. However, there are still a few laughs to be found. The story picks up with Axel arriving in town after learning that his daughter, Jane, a lawyer, is being threatened by some gangs.

The story centers on Axel Foley solving a crime while navigating complex father-daughter issues. Axel and his daughter Jane haven’t spoken for years due to unresolved conflicts. As Axel attempts to reconcile with Jane, who struggles to forgive him for abandoning her, the drama unfolds.

The detective narrative is engaging, with the villain eventually revealed in a manner reminiscent of previous films. While the story is enjoyable, it lacks the big plot twists and suspense typical of more intricate detective tales. Overall, it's a fun and predictable detective story that entertains without aiming to surprise.

Hearing the iconic "Axel F" soundtrack, a hit from the '80s, never gets old. This time, they've given the classic tune a slight remix. The music perfectly captures Axel's rebellious nature and evokes a wave of nostalgia, bringing back countless memories.

Taggart and Billy, the original supporting cast members, return to their roles and deliver strong performances reminiscent of the original movie. We also see other familiar faces from the original cast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt joins as Detective Bobby Abbott, a young police officer who teams up with Axel on the case. Their dynamic adds a fresh layer to the story.

The film is packed with explosive action sequences, featuring shootouts and big car chases in the middle of the city, complete with plenty of destruction and chaos. These action scenes are just as fun and entertaining as they were in the original.

If you loved the original "Beverly Hills Cop," you'll love this installment too. The formula remains the same, with numerous Easter eggs, returning characters, and references to the original. Some might argue that the story doesn't reinvent the wheel and sticks closely to the original style, even after all these years. However, this safe and nostalgic approach works well, delivering a satisfying and familiar experience.

"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (2024) successfully revives the beloved franchise with a blend of humor, action, and heart. The film blends action, comedy, and nostalgia, promising a fresh yet familiar adventure. However, this safe and nostalgic approach works well, delivering a satisfying and familiar experience. 

My Screen Times Score - 7