Key Takeaways:
– The movie is a sure-fire summer hit for Netflix, perfectly capturing the essence of its earlier sequels.
– Exciting, believable characters played by talented actors drive the movie’s fast-paced narrative.
– The story revolves around Axel Foley battling corrupt police in Beverly Hills to protect his daughter and find his missing friend.
– The film effectively balances humor, action, and a thrilling storyline.
– Unique moments of nostalgia add depth to the cinematic experience, making it a must-watch for fans of the original films.
– The film could have improved with a more powerful and menacing villain.
Now let’s jump into the critiquing action!
The movie “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” starts with a bang and makes its presence felt, thanks to director Mark Molloy’s adept direction. Viewers witness the flamboyant Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) cruising through his favorite city, Detroit, under the upbeat soundtrack of Glenn Frey’s “The Heat is On”. It sets the stage for a rip-roaring film that revives our beloved character Axel and adds an exciting new chapter to the famed franchise.
In an era where movies are increasingly downplayed to cater to wider audiences, “Axel F” boldly embraces an R-rating. It doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting action sequences and liberally peppers its script with F-bombs, making the movie feel real and visceral. This serves to heighten the audience’s engagement, painting “Axel F” as a potential blockbuster on Netflix’s streaming platform.
Like “Top Gun: Maverick”, this movie brings back its titular character, Axel Foley, who, despite aging thirty years, hasn’t changed his reckless ways. However, Axel’s persona comes at a cost, affecting his personal and professional life. Axel relies on his old partner, Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser), who has now become the Chief of Police, to save his career. Axel’s relationship with his daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), is strained due to his sloppy personal life and the dangers she faces as a defense attorney.
The story takes an interesting turn when Axel’s close friend, Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), who was investigating corrupt cops, suddenly disappears. An attempt is also made on Jane’s life. As the plot thickens, Axel takes it upon himself to solve these mysterious occurrences and expose those responsible.
Mark Molloy deserves praise for maintaining the franchise’s aesthetic. All the action scenes in the movie are shot using practical effects, keeping the movie’s look clean and realistic. The soundtrack, by Lorne Balfe, pays homage to the classic themes of Harold Faltermeyer and adds nostalgia to the viewing experience.
Despite missing the strip club scenes iconic to the earlier movies, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F maintains its edge through high-octane action sequences and a charismatic Eddie Murphy flinging F-bombs left and right.
Among the ensemble, Murphy, Reinhold, and Ashton nail their parts, beautifully reprising their roles from the past films. Judge Reinhold delivers a stellar performance as the kind-hearted cop Rosewood, while Ashton’s Taggart shines as a by-the-books officer. Even Bronson Pinchot’s Serge makes an appearance, offering some uproarious moments. Newcomers Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Taylour Paige also deliver strong performances, portraying Bobby Abbott and Jane, respectively.
However, the film falls short in the villain department. While the film did manage to rope in Hollywood veteran Kevin Bacon, he barely gets enough screen time to make an impact as a menacing antagonist. His performance, although enjoyable, failed to provide the villainous punch necessary for the storyline.
Despite this minor flaw, Axel F is a delightful watch. A theatrical release might have raked in a good box office collection, but landing on a streaming platform ensures wide viewership. If you’re a fan of the Beverly Hills Cop series, watching Axel F is akin to a trip down memory lane while enjoying some thrilling new adventures. The film stands as a loving tribute to original directors Martin Brest and Tony Scott, making it an important addition to the franchise.
