Review: ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ Buoyed By Nostalgia Overload And An Invigorated Eddie Murphy

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Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F - photos courtesy Melinda Sue Gordon / Netflix
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The great news for Eddie Murphy and “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise fans is that the latest installment absolutely works. “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is a first rate action comedy that overflows with nostalgia but does not get lost in the mix. The picture stands on its own thanks to solid performances from franchise newbies Joseph Gordon-Levitt (as a cop), Taylour Paige (as Axel Foley’s estranged daughter) and Kevin Bacon (playing the resident bad guy). Check out my video review in this post!

Axel Foley, after getting heat for his latest assignement in Detroit, is back in Los Angeles after learning that his defense attorney daughter Jane (Taylour Paige) is in danger. Though old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Aston) are back, it’s Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who is Axel’s main partner for his latest off the book assignement. Kevin Bacon, perfect as the antagonist, is Captain Grant, a police officer who is involved with highly shady dealings.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F – (L to R). Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Cr. Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix © 2024.

There is a ton of comedy and action in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” and none of it feels forced. Eddie Murphy and crew are engaged throughout, and the 115 minutes were well spent. Credit goes to director Mark Molloy and screenwriters Will Beal, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten for respecting the franchise’s past while carving out new territory for Axel to navigate.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F – (L to R). Joseph Gordon Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Cr. Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix © 2024

Catch Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F on Netflix July 3. Share your review in the comments and check out my review as well!

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