Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F bridges decades, propelling the charm found in previous installments into this latest installment and merging it with contemporary drama and hilarity.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is surprisingly fun as it blends nostalgic notes while avoiding a rigidity to stick with the past, charging heartily forward. While it starts flat, it picks up steam, moving from one comical scene to the next. As with previous outings, the villain is obvious. But it does not detract from the movie. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F bridges decades, propelling the charm found in previous installments into this latest installment and merging it with contemporary drama and hilarity.
Mark Molloy directs what looks to be his first feature film penned by Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten. Eddie Murphy (Candy Cane Lane, Dolemite Is My Name) reprises one of his most iconic roles as Detroit cop Axel Foley. Once again, Axel must return to Beverly Hills when he learns his daughter, defense attorney Jane Foley, played by Taylour Paige (Zola, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), is in danger from a case. Murphy is not the only cast that returns, as Judge Reinhold returns as the soft-spoken, too-kind Billy Rosewood (Highly Functional, The Santa Clause), and even John Ashton (Midnight Run, Some Kind of Wonderful) returns as the by-the-book, stern John Taggert. It’s the reunion no one knew they missed.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Builds Up Location Love and Laughs
It’s beautiful to see a sequel come out decades later that upholds the spirit of the original. Not only does Beverly Hills receive its usual attention, but parts of Detroit receive the same attention as Axel cruises through the city. It’s wonderful to see films show an affection for their locations. Plus, Paul Reiser (Stranger Things, Whiplash), as Jeffrey returns, now in charge and still trying to get Axel under control. Once Axel returns to Beverly Hills, things pick up quickly. Thanks to Billy missing, audiences again witness the hilarious, quick-witted Axel trick the folks ransacking Billy’s apartment.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F has difficulty initially as the hockey rink comedic punches do not land. However, once Axel arrives in Beverly Hills, it finds its groove, keeping audiences in stitches. Axel’s comedy shines best when he points out the absurdities of what he sees around him. On top of that, his trip sees him engaging with Jane and Detective Bobby Abbott, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, Looper).
Core Performances Make the Comedy
With their additions, the witty banter increases. Eddie Murphy is always phenomenal as Axel and continues to showcase his immense talent for comedies. Taylour Paige is fantastic, matching Eddie Murphy’s energy and creating a believable and entertaining familial bond. Meanwhile, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a surprisingly funny addition, especially when dealing with Axel. Their on-screen chemistry maintains excitement and laughs as they move from one wild scene to the next. Also, Chantal Nchako (Beast, Distant Tales), who plays the meter maid, is side-splittingly funny!
Judge Reinhold and John Ashton both slip into their same roles with ease in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. It’s a joy seeing the old crew together. Rounding out the returnees to the franchise is Bronson Pinchot (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, True Romance) as the fashionable Serge. The execution sounds slightly different, as though he struggled to return to the decades-retired character. But he is still entertaining. Luis Guzmán (Wednesday, Entergalactic) delivers an outstanding performance as Chalino that upholds that exaggerated comedy. Kevin Bacon always delivers as a villain. His execution gives flashing red flags at the outset.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is fun, ridiculously over-the-top at times, and an all-around good time. Once it finds its stride, the laughs do not let up, and yet there are heartfelt moments about family estrangement and reconnecting that add surprising gems. It’s a worthwhile watch with family and friends. The cast keeps it lighthearted and fun with a dose of action. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a must-see for fans; it doesn’t take itself seriously, maintains the charm of the original films, and has a compelling core cast.
