Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

The fourth instalment in the Beverly Hills Cop series, released more than 30 years after the third, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F sees Eddie Murphy reprise his role as Axel Foley, the titular cop, as he returns to Beverly Hills to help his estranged daughter, criminal defence attorney Jane (Taylour Paige), after her investigations into police corruption attract the wrong kind of attention. While Axel is eager to make up for years of lost time and reconnect with his daughter, Jane is less enthused about the arrangement. However, the two need to work together to crack the case.

Axel F’s storytelling isn’t particularly innovative, retreading much well-trodden narrative ground, but it does so effectively, blending cinematic conventions from the 90s with more modern themes and motifs to breathe some new life into an old franchise. There’s of course plenty of snappy comedy (with a solid ratio of hits to misses) and plenty of madcap action, but the over-the-top set pieces and wacky jokes are balanced effectively by a solid emotional core. The movie never takes itself too seriously, but it doesn’t neglect its narrative either, straightforward though it may be. 

The film’s writing is supported by a cast who all bring their A-game, helping the flick to strike an effective equilibrium between pathos, humour and adrenaline. Murphy is, as always, an electric leading man, bringing heaps of classic Axel Foley charisma and swagger but tempering it with a dash of vulnerability. Taylour Paige plays into Murphy’s comedy and drama effectively as Jane, acting as an excellent foil to Axel with her strong, emotive performance.

Overall, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a solid good time, mixing great comedy, exhilarating action (with more than a generous helping of slapstick) and simple but sincere character work. Being stuck in development hell since the 90s, it doesn’t bring much new to the table, but it accomplishes its straightforward mission statements with clear passion and enthusiasm, delivering an experience that is sure to put Axel Foley back on the map after a long hiatus.

It’s also a good film for fans of Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F” – there are so, so many different variations and remixes of the classic track, and they’re all certified bangers.

Umar Ali

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is released on Netflix on 3^rd July 2024.

Watch the trailer for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F here: