Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

TheSceneSnobs 7/12/2024 6:44:01 PM 8.4

To say that I was excited for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is an understatement. This is without a doubt one of my favorite franchises of all time, even including the less impressive third film. I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth installment, which sees an older Axel Foley back in Beverly Hills working a case. This time, he is up against cartels, corrupt cops, and more, led by Kevin Bacon, who threatens his daughter Jane, a Beverly Hills defense attorney. In this film, Axel teams up with a young detective, Bobby, who is also Jane’s ex-boyfriend, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The return of franchise favorites Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood, John Ashton as John Taggert, Bronson Pinchot as Serge, and Paul Reiser as Jeffrey adds a layer of nostalgia that fans will appreciate. Eddie Murphy effortlessly slips back into the character of Axel Foley, as easily as putting on his Lions varsity jacket. His performance is both charismatic and energetic, reminding us why this character became an icon. Murphy’s ability to blend humor with action is on full display, particularly in scenes where he outsmarts his adversaries with his trademark wit and cunning. The story is fun and packed with exciting moments, and it also has a surprising amount of heart. The chemistry between the original cast members remains perfect and mixes well with the new additions. Kevin Bacon shines as a formidable antagonist, providing a worthy challenge for Axel and his team. His portrayal of a corrupt, menacing figure adds depth to the film’s conflict. The cinematography successfully bridges the gritty feel of the first movies with the more stylistic approach of the second. The action sequences are well-executed, although some of the stunts and gags feel a bit over the top. For example, an elaborate chase scene through the streets of Beverly Hills, while thrilling, stretches the bounds of believability. Additionally, the film’s timeline contains some questionable elements that don’t quite align with the previous entries in the series. These inconsistencies, while minor, can be distracting for long-time fans. I appreciated the film’s attempt to incorporate elements from the earlier movies, but I wish Beverly Hills Cop 3 had been integrated more thoughtfully rather than just as a throwaway joke. A more substantial nod to the third film could have added a layer of continuity and depth to the story. Overall, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a fun action film that fits well with the recent trend of entertaining action movies released this year. It’s impressive how the film manages to capture the spirit of the original while adding fresh elements to keep the story engaging. Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley is a delight, and the film’s blend of humor, action, and heart makes it a worthy addition to the franchise. Despite some minor flaws, this movie stands out as a testament to why the Beverly Hills Cop series remains beloved by fans.

Chandler Danier 7/13/2024 6:10:02 PM 8.4

Action movie. Sequel, universe building. Seemed to recreate the feel of the old movies. I think Axel only drives old cars. Judge Reinhold's son bangs Eddie's daughter which is kind of like a nod to the sexual tension early in the franchise. Judging from performance, Eddie's will be the one forcing baby judge down on the couch. Even though I dislike donkey and what became of donkey. I like Eddie Murphy and it's good to see him not being donkey.

tmdb51616167 9/7/2024 5:57:21 PM 8.4

Recently, I watched "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," a fresh adaptation and essentially a long-awaited sequel to the original Beverly Hills Cop. Eddie Murphy truly impressed in his revival of the character, bringing him back to life on the screen, albeit the small screen this time. Despite being a streaming movie, it had the potential to succeed in theaters. While it may not have been a blockbuster hit, it could have enjoyed some success on the big screen. However, I believe it could have been even more successful. The recasting of the daughter was a letdown for me. Her acting and storytelling towards her father felt forced and insincere, lacking authenticity and depth. It seemed like the character was neglected in terms of development and emotional depth, which was disappointing. Despite this, the action sequences were thrilling, the storytelling was decent, and the overall plot was reasonably solid. I wish we had seen more of her involvement in the court case, as that was a central part of the narrative. However, the focus seemed to shift primarily to Eddie Murphy's character, sidelining her story even though it was meant to be significant. In the end, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is a decent movie. It has its moments, but it falters in certain aspects due to weak writing, especially concerning the daughter's character. Perhaps she would be better suited to smaller roles until she can enhance her emotional depth and acting skills.