Eddie Murphy and the original cast of the 1984 hit film Beverly Hills Cop reunite in the fourth installment, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Released on Netflix, the film brings back Murphy as Detective Axel Foley, 40 years after the original movie’s box office success.
Critics Divided on Beverly Hills Cop Sequel Axel F
Critics are divided on the film, with many acknowledging its nostalgic appeal. USA Today awarded it three stars, calling it “a true comfort-food throwback.” However, The Guardian was less impressed, giving it just two stars and describing it as lacking energy.
The original Beverly Hills Cop turned Eddie Murphy into a superstar, leading to two sequels and a chart-topping soundtrack. In this latest release, Foley is back in Beverly Hills, facing a threat to his estranged daughter’s life.
Critical Opinions
The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey gave the film two stars, noting its inability to bring fresh content to the table despite poking fun at the franchise’s less successful third entry. She pointed out that the film has a hefty $150 million budget but fails to mature like its counterpart, Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
USA Today’s Brian Truitt, however, found the film more enjoyable, praising its classic elements like retro tunes and Foley’s signature Detroit Lions varsity jacket. He noted that while the release is modern, everything else leans old-school.
Glenn Whipp from the LA Times echoed this sentiment, stating that the film succeeds by recreating the charm of the original. He observed that Murphy’s performance, although nostalgic, lacks the brash swagger of the past.
Cast and Performances
Original cast members Judge Reinhold and John Ashton join Murphy in this new installment, alongside Taylour Paige as Foley’s daughter Jane, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as his new partner, Detective Bobby Abbott.
Read Also: Kamala Harris’ Strategy to Stay the Course and Dispel Biden
Robert Daniels from The New York Times criticized the film for its lackluster attempt to revive the franchise. He noted that while Murphy brings back familiar elements, the overall execution feels tired and uninspired. Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian shared this view, suggesting that Murphy’s comedic style feels stale in this context.
Final Verdict
Despite the mixed reviews, the film has moments that will likely satisfy long-time fans. Hollywood trade publications generally approved of the film, with Deadline’s Pete Hammond praising the cast reunion and the film’s fast pace. He suggested that it would have thrived in theaters. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman acknowledged its nostalgic charm but remarked on the overuse of action-comedy tropes in the genre over the past 40 years.
David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter concluded that while the film might please diehard fans, its lack of fresh perspective and reliance on the original formula make it feel outdated.
In summary, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a nostalgic trip that will resonate with fans of the original series, but it struggles to bring new energy to the franchise.