‘It’s going to be fantastic. Trust me.’ – Axel Foley

I should have because Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon’s latest movie, Beverly Hills Cop – Axel F is good.

I was worried that some of the energy and magic of the original movies would be absent. How misguided! The chemistry between Murphy and everyone he shares the screen with is still great. Couple that with a satisfying story, engaging new characters, a good dose of nostalgia, plus expert use of the Beverly Hills Cop movie theme music, and we have a recipe to put a massive smile on our faces.

If you enjoyed at least one of the earlier Beverly Hills Cop movies, you won’t want to miss this one. In addition to Murphy’s undeniable charm, Kevin Bacon Bacon is a well-cast bad guy; Gordon-Levitt is perfect in his role, and there’s that well-choreographed ambush scene. I haven’t even said anything about the perfect ending.

As for the things I didn’t love about director Mark Molloy’s movie, I tried hard to think and I only have two things, barely. First, there was a point at the beginning where I thought: Really? they didn’t modernise the theme music, even a little bit?’ I ended up swallowing my words with that one. Second, ‘Is Axel still realistically getting away with his antics? I mean, he’s not a rookie who doesn’t know better any more.’ I completely forgot about that soon enough because I was too busy having a good time. 

Some have said that Netflix should have granted Beverly Hills Cop – Axel F a big screen release, and I can’t say I disagree.  But I’m also not mad that I can immediately go back to re-watch my favourite scenes.

It’s not even been a month since the success of Bad Boys – Ride Or Die. It looks to me like 2024 is the year of good cop action/comedy/crime sequels. I say, bring on the next one! The next Axel F, the next Bad Boys and the next… 

…did somebody say Rush Hour?

Happy Film Loving, 

G