The series marathon ends here with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F! Eddie Murphy is back as the legendary Detroit police detective Axel Foley, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The movie kicks off with a nod to the original film, with Foley cruising around Detroit to the tune of Glenn Frey's "The Heat Is On" before diving into a wild car chase. Right from the start, it felt like I was back in the '80s, but with a fresh spin that kept things interesting.
The story takes Foley to Beverly Hills again, this time to help his estranged daughter Jane, played by Taylour Paige. She's a criminal defence lawyer who's landed in hot water due to a case involving dirty cops. This brings Foley back to his old turf, reuniting with some familiar faces like Judge Reinhold's Billy Rosewood, John Ashton, and Paul Reiser. The dynamic between Foley and Jane was a nice touch, adding some real emotional depth and plenty of laughs.
Eddie Murphy still has that magic touch, blending Foley's classic wisecracks with a sense of maturity. His chemistry with Paige was spot-on, making their rocky father-daughter relationship and eventual team-up feel genuine and entertaining.
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The writers, Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten, did a great job of balancing the old-school vibe of a rule-breaking cop with today's more complex themes. The dirty cop angle, led by Kevin Bacon's character, added a modern twist without overshadowing the fun and excitement we expect from a Beverly Hills Cop movie.
The action scenes were a blast, full of practical effects that gave a nod to the series' roots. Director Mark Malloy made sure the action was both thrilling and visually appealing. However, some moments, like Bronson Pinchot's cameo, felt a bit overdone.
What I appreciated most about this film was how it embraced its legacy without relying too heavily on nostalgia. Sure, there were callbacks and cameos, but the movie stood on its own. While the plot wasn't groundbreaking, it was entertaining enough to keep me hooked.
TSHC Score: 7.5/10
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F was a fun and nostalgic ride that brought a beloved franchise back to life. Eddie Murphy's performance, combined with the movie's balance of action and humour, made it a solid addition to the series.
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