Movie: Beverly Hills Cop Axel F
Production Companies:
Director: Mark Molley
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Eddie Murphy, Chad Oman
Scriptwriters: Will Beall, Tom Gormican, Kevin Etten
Main Cast: Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Taylour Paige
Release Date: July 3rd 2024
Running Time: 118 minutes
Certificate: 15
Introduction
Somehow the magic is still there. Despite a long wait and virtually no hype going into it, Eddie Murphy delivers a great return as reckless cop and full time lunatic: Axel Foley. Now whilst there’s serious script issues and pacing issues, the nostalgia of the classics is just about enough to carry the film towards a potential sequel. SPOILERS are ahead as we dive into our review of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F!
Synopsis
Beverly Hills Cop Axel F follows the titular Axel Foley (Murphy) as he is sent away from Detroit (again) to Los Angeles (again) to try and protect his estranged daughter Jane (Paige) and his former partner Billy from a criminal conspiracy. At the centre of this conspiracy is definitely not corrupt cop Captain Cade Grant. As the film progresses, Axel has to learn to trust Jane’s ex partner, Bobby (Gordon Levitt), and work with her in order to bring down the cartel and the world’s least susceptible corrupt cops.
Analysis
Script Issues in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
As mentioned in the introduction, Beverly Hills Cop Axel F does have some substantial script issues at times. And yes most of these revolve around the sheer amount and dependency on silly chase scenes. Take for example in the opening of the film where Axel is in a snowplough chasing down a group of robbers. Whilst this is admittedly very fun (entirely thanks to Eddie Murphy), it does also set the precedent for the film where every time it seemingly runs out of ideas it goes into a mental chase scene. Take when Axel escapes from Billy’s office.
Or when he and Bobby escape from Cade’s clutches. Or any of the other times it happens. The first time is fun enough however it starts going a bit too mad when helicopters start getting involved. Highly disappointing that all the chase scenes featured and not one banana was put up a tailpipe…..
Eddie Murphy’s Performance in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
However, the absolute MVP of Beverly Hills Cop Axel F is undoubtedly Eddie Murphy. If you were worried that Murphy might not be able to bring the same manic, over the top energy think again. This is evidenced from the first scene where Axel attempts to stop a robbery. Here, Murphy busts out quips like they are going out of fashion. Now yes, this is definitely the definition of playing the hits however when its Eddie Murphy playing said hits we’re not complaining at all.
Further proof of Murphy’s great performance is seen in his chemistry with Joseph Gordon Levitt as Levitt plays the straight shooting no nonsense cop to Murphy’s wild and reckless cop superbly. Just look at the scene where Bobby and Axel are in a helicopter attempting to escape from Cade. Here, the pair play off each other perfectly as Bobby screams about why he can’t fly but Axel refuses to listen to him. Whilst it’s a performance that massively hinges on nostalgia and playing the hits, Eddie Murphy uses this to coast through the film with ease to his credit.
Summary
To summarise Beverly Hills Cop Axel F, this is a fun, nostalgia filled and explosive return for Detroit’s favourite LAPD member Axel Foley. Whilst the script isn’t the best and it does overuse the many, many chase scenes, the film is still a very fun watch thanks to the great chemistry between the franchise veterans and newcomers. So, check for a banana up your tailpipe and watch Eddie Murphy effortlessly coast through a fun film.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10 – Okay
Target Audience: 15+
Content Warning: Moderate Violence and Gore, Severe Profanity, Mild Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking, Mild Frightening and Intense Scenes
Recommendation: Yes
