'Beverly Hills Cop' Returns to Form with Nostalgic Fourth Installment 'Axel F'

After a lengthy hiatus, Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," the fourth film in the iconic action-comedy series. Debuting on Netflix this Wednesday, the movie is a nostalgic trip that revives the humor and charm that made the original a hit.

Background:

Eddie Murphy first captured audiences as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), a film that topped the box office for 13 straight weeks and established a new genre of action-comedy. The successful sequel "Beverly Hills Cop II" (1987) followed, but the third installment in 1994 was a major letdown. Now, 30 years later, "Axel F" attempts to recapture the magic of the original films.

Plot:

Axel Foley returns to the police force in Detroit, only to be called back to Beverly Hills when his estranged daughter, Jane Saunders (played by Taylour Paige), faces a threat. Jane, now a defense attorney in Los Angeles, finds herself at odds with her father's law enforcement career, adding an intriguing dynamic to the storyline.

Nostalgia and Familiar Faces:

The film is filled with callbacks to the original, featuring Murphy in his classic Detroit Lions jacket and familiar music tracks like Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On” and Bob Seger’s “Shakedown.” The cast includes returning favorites Paul Reiser, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, and Bronson Pinchot, alongside new faces like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon.

Reception:

"Axel F" has been praised for its return to comedic form, with Murphy delivering the quick wit and charisma that fans remember. The film’s dialogue, particularly the banter between father and daughter, stands out as a highlight. Directed by Australian filmmaker Mark Molloy, the movie balances action and humor, with notable sequences like a helicopter chase scene.

While it is the longest film in the series at 115 minutes, it successfully revives the beloved franchise, offering a satisfying blend of nostalgia and fresh comedy.

Conclusion:

Overall, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is a worthy addition to the franchise, bringing back the elements that made the original films a success while introducing new characters and dynamics. It marks a triumphant return for Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, ensuring that the legacy of "Beverly Hills Cop" continues to entertain old fans and new viewers alike.