Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) Movie Review: Eddie Murphy’s Nostalgic Return Hits All the Right Notes

Released on Netflix on July 3, 2024, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F marks the long-awaited return of Eddie Murphy as the wise-cracking Detroit detective Axel Foley. Directed by Mark Molloy in his feature debut, this fourth installment in the iconic Beverly Hills Cop franchise arrives 40 years after the original 1984 classic and 30 years after the underwhelming Beverly Hills Cop III. For fans of the series, this legacy sequel is a delightful blend of action, comedy, and nostalgia, while introducing new characters to keep things fresh. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another cash-grab riding on ‘80s nostalgia? Let’s dive into this Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F movie review to find out.

Plot Overview: A Family Affair with Classic Foley Flair

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F brings Axel Foley back to the glitzy streets of Beverly Hills, but this time, it’s personal. The story kicks off in Detroit with a high-energy chase—reminiscent of the original film’s opening—where Axel, still sporting his signature Detroit Lions jacket, wreaks havoc in a snowplow to stop a robbery. It’s vintage Foley: reckless, resourceful, and riotously funny. However, the stakes shift when Axel learns that his estranged daughter, Jane Saunders (Taylour Paige), a criminal defense attorney in Beverly Hills, is in danger. Jane’s life is threatened after she takes on a case defending a man accused of killing a cop—a case tied to a conspiracy involving corrupt officers.

Axel heads west to protect Jane and teams up with familiar faces like Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton), now a private detective and police chief, respectively. Newcomers Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Jane’s ex-boyfriend, and the suspiciously slick Captain Cade Grant (Kevin Bacon) round out the ensemble. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, punctuated by car chases, shootouts, and Axel’s signature improvisational humor. While the plot isn’t groundbreaking, it serves as a solid vehicle for Murphy’s charisma and the franchise’s action-comedy roots.

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Eddie Murphy Shines as Axel Foley: A Timeless Performance

Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley is the heart and soul of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. At 63, Murphy slips back into the role with the ease of a well-worn glove, delivering the fast-talking, street-smart charm that made him a superstar in the ‘80s. His comedic timing remains razor-sharp, whether he’s riffing on Beverly Hills’ absurdity or conning his way into exclusive spots with outrageous aliases. One standout moment sees him impersonating a tech mogul with a Norbit-esque voice, spelling out “Saunders” in a way that’s pure Murphy magic.

What sets this performance apart from earlier entries is the added depth. Axel is older, wiser, and grappling with his fractured relationship with Jane. Murphy balances the laughs with quieter, heartfelt scenes, showing a vulnerability that wasn’t as prominent in the original trilogy. It’s not just nostalgia—Murphy proves he’s still got it, making Axel F a worthy addition to his legacy.

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Supporting Cast: New Blood and Old Friends

The supporting cast elevates Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F beyond a one-man show. Taylour Paige’s Jane is a standout, bringing a fiery independence and snark that matches Murphy’s energy. Their father-daughter dynamic—testy yet tender—grounds the film emotionally, even if it leans on familiar tropes. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Bobby Abbott adds a relatable everyman quality, serving as both Axel’s reluctant partner and a bridge to Jane. His chemistry with Murphy is a highlight, especially during a hectic helicopter chase where their banter shines.

Returning players Judge Reinhold and John Ashton bring warm nostalgia as Rosewood and Taggart. Reinhold’s Billy, now a disillusioned PI, gets some of the film’s best action moments, while Ashton’s gruff Taggart leans into his cranky-old-man vibe with relish. Kevin Bacon, as the villainous Cade Grant, chews the scenery with a cold, calculated menace—though his obvious bad-guy status lacks subtlety. Smaller cameos, like Paul Reiser’s Jeffrey Friedman and Bronson Pinchot’s Serge, sprinkle in extra fan service, though Serge’s brief appearance feels underutilized.

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Action and Comedy: A Throwback Done Right

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F nails the franchise’s signature blend of action and comedy. Director Mark Molloy, a veteran of commercials, stages set pieces with a chaotic, ‘80s-inspired flair. The Detroit opener, with Axel plowing through the streets, sets the tone, while a mid-film helicopter chase—complete with a traffic-dodging chopper—ups the ante. The finale, a shootout in a sprawling mansion, delivers satisfying thrills, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.

The comedy is where Axel F truly shines. Murphy’s improvisational gags—like a jab at the infamous third film or a quip about Shrek—land consistently. The script, penned by Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten, peppers in clever one-liners and running gags, like Axel’s knack for infuriating everyone around him. It’s not as sharp as the original, but it’s leagues ahead of the lackluster Beverly Hills Cop III, making it a worthy successor for fans craving that classic vibe.

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Nostalgia Factor: The Soundtrack and ‘80s Vibes

Nostalgia is the secret sauce of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. From the opening notes of Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On” to Bob Seger’s “Shakedown” and the Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance,” the soundtrack is a time machine to the ‘80s. Lorne Balfe’s score weaves in Harold Faltermeyer’s iconic “Axel F” theme, updated with synth-heavy beats that feel both retro and modern. While Lil Nas X’s “Here We Go!” over the credits is a misstep—its trap tempo clashes with the high-energy finale—the music overall is a love letter to the franchise’s heyday.

Visual nods, like Axel’s Lions jacket and Rosewood’s Rambo poster, reinforce the throwback feel. The film doesn’t shy away from its age—characters joke about creaky joints and outdated tactics—yet it fits seamlessly into 2024’s influencer-obsessed Beverly Hills. It’s a delicate balance that Axel F mostly pulls off.

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What Works and What Doesn’t

Pros:

• • Eddie Murphy’s Charisma: He’s still the king of chaos comedy, carrying the film effortlessly.

• • Nostalgic Charm: The callbacks to the original trilogy delight without feeling forced.

• • Action Sequences: Fast-paced and fun, they capture the spirit of ‘80s blockbusters.

• • Supporting Cast Dynamics: Paige, Gordon-Levitt, and the veterans add depth and humor.

Cons:

• • Predictable Plot: The corrupt-cop conspiracy is paint-by-numbers, lacking surprises.

• • Underused Characters: Serge and Jeffrey deserve more screen time.

• • Visual Flatness: Some scenes suffer from uninspired lighting and shaky editing, especially in the Detroit chase.

While not flawless, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F succeeds where it counts: delivering a fun, escapist romp that honors its roots.