Many reviews highlight the nostalgic appeal of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, with Eddie Murphy reprising his iconic role as Detective Axel Foley four decades after the first film’s blockbuster success.
Critics have given mixed reviews to the fourth installment of Beverly Hills Cop, which reunites Eddie Murphy and other original cast members from the 1984 classic.
Many reviews highlight the nostalgic appeal of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, with Murphy reprising his iconic role as Detective Axel Foley four decades after the first film’s blockbuster success. USA Today gave it three stars, calling it “a true comfort-food throwback.”
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In contrast, The Guardian awarded just two stars, describing the reunion as formulaic and lacking energy.
The original Beverly Hills Cop catapulted Murphy to stardom, leading to two sequels and a chart-topping soundtrack.
In the new Netflix release, Foley returns to Beverly Hills as his estranged daughter faces danger. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent also gave it two stars, noting the film’s inability to bring anything new or significant for Murphy to work with.
She criticized its bloated $150 million budget and compared it unfavorably to the Bad Boys franchise, which she believes has evolved successfully. Loughrey highlighted that the film feels stuck in time, failing to acknowledge the passage of years.
USA Today’s Brian Truitt had a more positive view, calling it “a confident fourth outing” and appreciating its classic elements, such as retro music and Foley’s iconic jacket. He noted that while it’s a modern streaming release, it retains an old-school feel.
Similarly, Glenn Whipp of the LA Times praised the film, saying that it successfully recreates the essence of the original. He noted that Murphy, though his tone has softened, is still effective, and the film radiates nostalgic charm.
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Original cast members Judge Reinhold and John Ashton join Murphy for this sequel, which also features Taylour Paige as Foley’s daughter Jane and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as his new partner, detective Bobby Abbott.
However, Robert Daniels of The New York Times criticized the film, saying Murphy struggles to revive the stagnant franchise, describing it as a lackluster retread.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian echoed this sentiment, finding the film tired and formulaic. He mentioned that Murphy’s comedic style feels outdated and that the film relies heavily on audience nostalgia.
The film marks Murphy’s first return to the role in 30 years. He was in his 20s during the original film and is now 63, with a prolific career including hits like The Nutty Professor, Shrek, and Norbit.
In a four-star review, Robbie Collin of the Telegraph praised the film for capturing the spirit of the original, noting that Murphy is in good form and appears to be enjoying himself.
Hollywood trade publications were generally favorable, with Deadline’s Pete Hammond calling it “great fun” and lamenting its missed theatrical release, suggesting it would have thrived in cinemas.
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Variety’s Owen Gleiberman acknowledged the film’s nostalgic charm but noted that it feels like just another action-comedy among many that have followed the original’s blueprint.
The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney concluded that while diehard fans might be satisfied, the film lacks fresh perspective and excitement, adhering too closely to the original formula.