As we know in the world of cinema it is rather risky to revive a successful series after a long period of time. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is one such gamble, a film that tries to recreate the sparkle of the first three movies, which was last seen on the big screen three decades ago. Mark Malloy directs this film in his feature film debut and this movie is exclusive to Netflix, it stars Eddie Murphy as the comedic Detroit detective Axel Foley. The movie is a remembrance of things past with the cast and music that one can easily recognize and the same off color humor characteristic of the previous films. However, does it achieve what the previous films have done or does it become another formulaic sequel? I'll will do my best to provide the positives and negatives, few but still need to be mention.
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18177528/
- Platform: Netflix
A Familiar Tune
As soon as the film begins, we can tell that the directors wanted to include all the elements that would trigger the audiences’ memories, with classic theme songs in the background, to this day some generations thought it was created by "Crazy Frog", instantly gives us a feel of the 80s right away. The movie stars Eddie Murphy who with his smile drives through Detroit a city that looks both known and new. The saxophone solo, the fast pace, all of it is present and effective, this is a great nod to the original movies that we all enjoyed and it gives a good idea of what is to follow.It begins with Axel Foley trying to foil a robbery at a Detroit Red Wing hockey game and this is both an action and comedy sequence, right from the start. Paul Reiser returns to the series to play Jeffrey, who is now the chief of police and Axel finds that his daughter Jane and his former partner Billy Rosewood are in trouble in Beverly Hills. Before you can say "Harold Faltermeyer" Axel is back in California and ready to crack a case that is most definitely not in his jurisdiction.
The Charm of Eddie Murphy
A major asset of the first two Beverly Hills Cop movies was the charisma of the leading actor Eddie Murphy, Axel Foley was a memorable character due to the fact that he had the ability to do goof voices, had a lot of energy and was very spontaneous. Murphy in Axel F is able to make the world know that he still has it in him, whether he is impersonating a new character to get information or singing a song, Murphy’s acting is full of energy and very enjoyable to watch, it is obvious that he is enjoying himself, and this liveliness is easily spread.
The film also has an emotional subplot of Axel and his daughter Jane portrayed by Taylour Paige. Their relationship is rather complicated and tense, as Jane feels that her father never paid enough attention to her and her mother and only focused on his job. It is a cliché but Murphy and Paige do a good job to give the scenes some romantic feeling, although at times felt she was too soft and I find this weird on the character, usually its the opposite a more mean and look down on the father from the child who in this case felt abandon. Their dialogue and conflicts some times felt too fake for my taste, which takes from everything else well done during the movie.
New Faces, Old Friends
Despite the fact that the main characters are back to exploit nostalgia, the new characters of the franchise are incorporated smoothly. Axel’s partner in the Beverly Hills police is Bobby Abbott who is played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Kevin Bacon, as the smooth and untrustworthy Cade Grant, is very good and injects some menace into his character. Luis Guzmán is also excellent in a cameo role as a gay drug dealer, bringing some much needed comic relief to the film.The chemistry that the cast has with one another is rather believable, this is a full blown comedy with action in it, 80s style so I'm not expecting any complicated plot or over the top drama within the movie. Axel and Bobby’s conversations are humorous while Axel and Cade’s conversations are filled with tension, and the cast delivers on the acting.
A Repetitive Plot
The plot of the movie is quite similar to the previous films in the series, Axel gets in trouble, goes against the orders and saves the day. It is a classic and for that, it is quite predictable and while it may be good, it is not particularly original. Some of the exchanges are clunky and at one point, a character says, ‘Goddamn it, Foley, here we go again,’ which feels a little cliche and dorky. I think this was intended to be done this way to let the audience know we are 80s, the vibe is the same, basically this movie is a modern ish sequel but trying to remain as close as possible to the original, the movie some how knows its place and it does not attempt to go beyond that. It is a light, enjoyable movie that does not try to be a masterpiece and that is what audiences of the previous films expect, yet again there is nothing extraordinary and probably why the repetitive plot.
Time Can't be Stop
The other notable theme that can be identified in Axel F is the aspect of time with the movie not trying to hide the fact that the characters have grown older. Axel is not the same young and hot headed detective that he used to be, he now is older, a little more experienced, but he is still that Axel that everyone loves. This theme of aging and the process that comes with it is developed throughout the film and gives the movie an element of character reflection that was not present in the previous three films.Online Audience Perception
The reception of the online audience in relation to Axel F has been rather divided but mostly positive, there is a large audience who enjoyed the previous films enjoy the references to the previous movies and Eddie Murphy’s comeback. Some have applauded the movie for being able to bring back the essence of the original trilogy, especially the aspect of action and comedy.On social media, the film has led to discussions on the subject of resurrecting franchises that have not been active for a while, I notice some of the critics have commented on how the film is actually good, considering that most sequels in Hollywood are not that good, also pointed out that although Axel F does not achieve the same success of the first two films, it is a good installment in the series and entertaining for viewers but I doubt there can be a continuation to this movie or even a tv series, a blast from the past.
In the world of cinema that is constantly evolving, it is quite pleasant to watch a movie that stays true to its genre and provides a good time. Axel F is not a revolutionary film, it doesn’t have to be. This is why I enjoy this movie in the first place and that is enough of a reason for me to consider it a good one I can recommend to anyone who have seen the previous installments.
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