Streaming hit - Big comeback: Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F"
The "Beverly Hills Cop" series seemed to have ended after the failed third part in 1994. However, franchise films, which are sequels, spin-offs, and reboots, have been in high demand in Hollywood. Now, Eddie Murphy, after 30 years, is once again playing the role that made him a global star in the 1980s, and he returns as Detective Axel Foley. The US action-comedy "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is not coming to cinemas but is available for streaming starting (July 3) on Netflix.
A lot of action, even more nostalgia
Let's get to it. In the first quarter-hour, the now 63-year-old Murphy, as Axel, drives through Detroit in a snowplow, chases criminals, and disregards traffic rules. Familiar 80s songs from the first two films can be heard - "The Heat Is On" by Glenn Frey, "Shakedown" by Bob Seger, and "Neutron Dance" by the Pointer Sisters. From the beginning, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" relies heavily on nostalgia.
"Nostalgia is a really powerful tool for a filmmaker," said director Mark Molloy in an interview with the German Press Agency in London. "I placed these songs at the beginning to transport the audience back in time. But I also wanted to introduce this feeling of the 'Beverly Hills Cop' series to a new audience." The Australian, who is making his feature film debut, described himself as a big fan of the first two films. "I wanted to make an action-comedy in the style of the 80s."
"Beverly Hills Cop" made Murphy a global star
In 1984, "Beverly Hills Cop" was a box office hit in the US due to its witty dialogue, fast-paced action, and a brilliant soundtrack. The film about Detroit cop Axel Foley, who investigates crimes in Los Angeles on his own, made Eddie Murphy a global star and was nominated for an Oscar and two Golden Globes.
In Germany, where "Beverly Hills Cop – I'll Solve the Case No Matter What" (German title) didn't start until April 1985, the film was also a box office success, as was the sequel from 1987. What followed, everyone involved would rather forget. Molloy admitted in the dpa interview with a smile that he had never seen the third part. In his film, there is a funny reference to the flop.
Axel is older, more vulnerable, but still funny
Forty years have passed between the first and the latest "Beverly Hills Cop" film. "For me, the development of his character over these 40 years is what's interesting," said Molloy, who wanted to show Axel Foley as vulnerable for the first time. "We don't want to see a 60-year-old man acting like he's 20. I think that, and Eddie feels the same way." Fortunately, Foley is still the same in many ways. He just has to realize that his methods from the past no longer work in 2024.
Different from recently, instead of Indiana Jones, who we almost felt pity for in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," the reunion with Axel Fate is enjoyable. Eddie Murphy, whose career in the past 30 years has been a rollercoaster, is in top form. A humorous scene, where he drives an electric police car through the upscale shopping district Rodeo Drive, is one of the highlights of this entertaining film.
Old Friends and Cult Music
The reunion with familiar characters is largely successful. Besides Rosewood, there's the now police chief Taggart (John Ashton), Axel's loyal Detroit partner Jeffrey (Paul Reiser), and his old buddy Serge (Bronson Pinchot). Notable newcomers are Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Officer Bobby Abbott and Kevin Bacon as shady Captain Grant.
Unavoidable is, of course, the iconic title theme "Axel F," with which Munich's Harold Faltermeyer scored a global hit in the 1980s. Film composer Lorne Balfe ("Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning") made ample use of Faltermeyer's musical theme in his synthesizer-heavy soundtrack. "It's so important for the film's atmosphere," says Molloy. "It gives it a sense of nostalgia and an '80s undertone."
A fun action thrill on cinema level
Visually, Molloy drew inspiration from "Beverly Hills Cop II" and the style of director Tony Scott. That means: cool aesthetics, appealing images, lots of action, and minimal CGI. "We shot everything with cameras," said Molloy. "I just wanted to go back to that time when things were still tangible and mistakes were made. It was riskier. You didn't know if the camera would fly away or what would happen." It paid off.
Some dialogues are a bit clichéd. The plot is relatively predictable. In the middle, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" also has a few lulls. But that hardly detracts from the enjoyment. Thanks to some references to the old films and very entertaining guest appearances (pay attention, "Happy Gilmore" fans), the film is extremely entertaining. The only downside to "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is that it's not shown on the big screen.
- Despite the failure of the third "Beverly Hills Cop" film in 1994, Hollywood has seen an increase in demand for franchise films.
- Eddie Murphy is set to make a comeback as Detective Axel Foley in the US action-comedy "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F", available for streaming on Netflix.
- Mark Molloy, the director of "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F", expressed his love for the 1980s films during an interview with the German Press Agency in London.
- The first two "Beverly Hills Cop" films, released in 1984 and 1987, were critical and commercial successes in both the USA and Great Britain.
- The third "Beverly Hills Cop" film, released in 1994, did not receive the same favorable reception as its predecessors.
- "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" features familiar songs from the first two films, such as "The Heat Is On" by Glenn Frey and "Neutron Dance" by the Pointer Sisters.
- In the new film, Axel Foley is portrayed as older, more vulnerable, but still retains his unique humor.
- The movie pays tribute to the nostalgic 1980s with a synthesizer-heavy soundtrack and cinematography inspired by "Beverly Hills Cop II" and director Tony Scott.
- "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" includes references to earlier films and guest appearances from famous actors, including a nod to Eddie Murphy's character in "Happy Gilmore."
- Initially planned for cinematic release, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" will be only available for streaming on Netflix starting July 3.
