Eddie Murphy reprises his iconic role in this sequel, bringing back the original formula with a modern twist.
Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley, the iconic role that made him a movie star. On the scene 40 years after the first Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a testament to Murphy’s legendary status among audiences. The new movie brings the old formula that worked well for the franchise’s first two movies, updating the content for the modern audience.
The first movie had grit along with being genuinely witty, in some parts. They kept softening the sequels trying to make Foley lovable. In the new movie, we see Foley’s flaws such as being obsessed with his job and estranged with his daughter. The movie begins with Eddie Murphy taking a drive through his hometown of Detroit. ‘Fuck you Foley!’ is a common chant on the streets he polices. In the movie’s Detroit, they won’t respond to the badge but they will to a gun. Looks like not much has changed for Foley. And once again, you guessed it, he has to go to Beverly Hills to help out his friends.
But, it’s different this time. He is going to help his daughter Jane (Taylour Paige) who’s a lawyer on a case that may or may not involve drug dealers and crooked cops. It doesn’t matter why he has to visit Beverly Hills as Foley affirms, ‘They love me in Beverly Hills!’. The filmmakers have brought everyone back for this one. Paul Reiser, Judge Reinhold, and even John Ashton who’s now the Chief of Police.
Within the hour, Foley gets arrested for messing with the law and is sent to Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, playing the role with his trademark earnestness). With so many good guys in the movie, you need someone who can stand tall against the opposition. That responsibility lies on Kevin Bacon’s responsible shoulders, who has mastered playing oily characters. Here, he plays Captain Cade Grant who finds Foley to be the hair in his soup. When all attempts to make a connection with a fellow cop from the same generation fail, Bacon turns to violence.
The movie hits the beats of the prequels but now Foley is not the cool, smooth-talker anymore. His old ways lack refinement. It is most apparent in the scenes with Jane wherein he shares his reasons for staying far from her. Paige brings heart to the story playing the self-assured yet sensitive Jane.
In terms of comedy, there are a decent amount of jokes in it. Like the awkward moment when Jane’s in her office with her father and ex-boyfriend. In terms of action, there’s a decent amount of that too. Nothing as shocking as in the first movie but enough to keep the adrenaline flowing. The helicopter sequence glimpsed in the trailer is the highlight of the movie.
Tom Cruise brought back Maverick 36 years after Top Gun (check out the movie’s review), not changing the character but presenting him through a modern lens. It’s the same here with Foley but the main difference between the two characters is that Foley is an optimist who wants to stay within the system and improve it. Career-wise, he pays the price every time. On the personal front, that optimism brings redemption.
Billy – ‘God, I missed you, Axel.’
Bobby – ‘Never been on this end of a pursuit before.’
Billy – ‘It’s an acquired taste. Has he taken you to a strip club yet?’
Axel – ‘No, I never took him- He’s not – I’m not taking him to the strip club.’
[Billy Laughs]
Billy – ‘Why not?’
Axel – ‘He’s had intercourse with my child!’
Billy – ‘This is awkward.’
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Fantastic review! Really appreciate how you captured the essence of Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley and the dynamic between the old and the new character. Your detailed analysis of Foley’s character development, particularly his flaws and relationship with his daughter added depth to your review