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Eddie Murphy is a phenomenon. Considered a trailblazer in comedy circles and an absolute legend when comes to breaking down barriers for other entertainment veterans including Chris Rock, Chris Tucker and Dave Chappelle among others – Murphy has reached GOAT status. Following in the slipstream of Richard Pryor, Saturday Night Live welcomed him on air at 19 years old back in November 1980. In 1982 came 48 Hours opposite Nick Nolte, 83’ put him alongside Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places, before Beverly Hills Cop hit cinemas a year later. Sequels followed in 87’ and 94’ while a slew of other films were made in between. However, Axel Foley endured and made Eddie Murphy iconic, which explains why audiences get to experience that all over again 40 years on with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
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Thankfully, this fourth movie in the franchise fares better than its predecessor, bringing back familiar faces with passion and purpose. Straight out the gate Murphy is on solid form, reminding audiences what made this character so special. With a healthy disregard for authority, an estranged daughter (Taylour Paige) to connect with, and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) missing in action Foley heads to California.
Image via Netflix
From there on in Axel F plays like a greatest hits album with all the demo tracks taken away. Debut director Mark Malloy lifts a few leaves from the Martin Brest playbook, paying homage to certain scenes and stealing musical cues. Taylour Paige equips herself well as Axel’s daughter Jane, while Reinhold and John Ashton re-ignite their old on-screen partnership at a pivotal moment. However, possibly the biggest surprise in Axel F comes from Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbot.
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Levitt has a long career behind him and always delivers solid performances. From Inception through to The Trial of the Chicago 7 he rarely put a foot wrong. Axel F is no different as Levitt quickly develops a chemistry with Murphy and the film benefits hugely as a result. Strangely suited to a full beard, Levitt proves to be more than a match for Murphy on top form. Chasing down villains, trading one-liners, and knee deep in illegal activities – Abbott feels fully fleshed out and Axel F is better for it.
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Unfortunately, there are a few characters who miss the mark in this retro fest. Chief among them is Bronson Pinchot who made such an impression as Serge back in 1984. This time the off-kilter creation might get ten minutes on screen, but his involvement feels contrived rather than rooted in any type of reality. Flamboyant, flashy, but ultimately a one-trick pony – this is a real shame and proves distracting. That minor quibble aside, Axel F provides audiences with surprising amounts of bang for their buck and is an enjoyable return for an iconic character.
Axel F is streaming on Netflix now.