Before going into the latest entry in the Beverly Hills Cop series, I decided to rewatch all the older movies first (and majorly because I don’t remember the story now, it’s been quite a while). So here is our retro review!
Beverly Hills Cop is one of those classic 80s action-comedy films that never gets old. It stars Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop with a sharp tongue and a knack for getting into trouble. Axel's on a mission to Beverly Hills to solve the murder of his childhood friend, and his street-smart style shakes things up in this posh LA neighbourhood.
The movie kicks off with an exhilarating chase scene, setting the stage for all the fun and action that follows. Axel's journey to Beverly Hills introduces him to a whole new world where he teams up with two local detectives, Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton). These guys are a bit skeptical of Axel at first, but they soon become an essential part of his mission to take down the bad guys.
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Eddie Murphy absolutely shines as Axel Foley. His quick wit and charismatic personality keep you glued to the screen. I loved how he blended sharp humour with action-hero bravado, making Axel an unforgettable character. The supporting cast does a fantastic job too. Reinhold and Ashton make a great comedic duo, perfectly complementing Murphy's antics.
The action scenes in this movie are top-notch. The opening truck chase is a real thrill, and the climactic shootout keeps you on the edge of your seat. What I really appreciated was the film's focus on authentic stunts rather than over-the-top special effects. It felt more real and engaging. The comedy is spot-on, with Murphy's improvisational genius shining through. Iconic moments like the "banana in the tailpipe" prank had me rolling.
We all must have heard the CrazyFrog’s remix of this movie’s original theme. The soundtrack is pure 80s gold, with Harold Faltermeyer's "Axel F" adding to the movie's energetic vibe and it is catchy af! Martin Brest's direction ensures everything flows smoothly, balancing action and comedy perfectly. Beverly Hills, with its glitzy lifestyle, provides the perfect backdrop for Axel's gritty Detroit style, creating a humorous contrast that drives much of the film's humor.
TSHC Score : 7.5/10
Beverly Hills Cop is just a fun, feel-good movie that showcases Eddie Murphy at his best. It might not dive deep into complex themes or character development, but it excels at being an entertaining action-comedy. The balance of humour and action, along with Murphy's magnetic performance, makes it a timeless classic.
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