It used to be that films like “Axel F”, a legacy sequel of the beloved series “Beverly Hills Cop”, would have been box-office hits, especially during big weekends such as the Fourth of July. However, in light of changing times, this eagerly anticipated fourth installment featuring Eddie Murphy has been released on Netflix, a move that normally suggests a loss in quality. Yet in an unexpected twist, “Axel F” strikes as an exceptionally entertaining piece, surpassing previous sequels and reminding audiences of Murphy’s unique star power.
Legacy sequels often just capitalize on nostalgia, but recently we’ve noticed beloved franchises like “Creed” and “Top Gun: Maverick” shifting the paradigm. “Axel F” adds to this favorable trend, showcasing Murphy’s charisma and comedic timing, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Taylour Paige, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Kevin Bacon. While it's tainted by some lackluster callbacks to older characters, the film still achieves Netflix’s goal of getting viewers hooked enough from their homes.
“Axel F” follows Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) in his usual undercover adventures. This time, Foley is drawn back to Beverly Hills when his estranged daughter Jane, played by Paige, gets involved in a case surrounding crooked cops. Familiar faces make a return and new intriguing characters such as Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Captain Cade Grant (Kevin Bacon) emerge.
Unique to this legacy sequel, “Axel F” creates a lively and amusing atmosphere that was notably missing in its predecessors. Murphy’s high-energy portrayal of the character is complemented by a playful score that incorporates pieces from the original soundtrack. Despite some shortcomings, the film refrains from cheap, often overused humor and instead keeps the plot briskly unfolding.
The supporting cast plays a significant role in the film’s success. Murphy shines when his character interacts with talented counterparts. Bacon brilliantly embodies the villain role, and Gordon-Levitt provides a grounded aspect to the film. Paige also shines but her character lacks development as the script repeats certain interactions with her on-screen father.
From a production standpoint, the film excels in capturing the original's aesthetic while offering a fresh camera work and editing. Many streaming original films may come off as uninspired; luckily, "Axel F" does not fall into this category. It reminds us of the joy of escaping reality through well-made film, offering some solace from the somewhat apprehensive summer of 2024.
