Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a semi-retired film that follows the classic formula of wise-cracking detective versus high-powered criminals, with a focus on tech-savvy crime in the digital age. Eddie Murphy's charismatic performance as Axel Foley remains a standout, but the script often leans too heavily on nostalgia without offering fresh humor or depth. The film tries to balance action and comedy but lacks the flair of modern cop films and struggles to shake off its '80s roots. The supporting cast, including returning characters and new faces, offers solid performances but lacks lasting impression. The film tries to explore themes of legacy and change, but it fails to delve deeply enough. While it's a decent return to form for fans, it may feel like a missed opportunity to reinvent Axel Foley for a new era.

Staff:

Directed by: Mark Molloy

Screenplay by: Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten

Story by: Will Beall

Based on: Characters by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr.

Produced by: Jerry Bruckheimer, Eddie Murphy, and Chad Oman

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, and Kevin Bacon

Cinematography: Edu Grau

Edited by: Dan Lebental

Music by: Lorne Balfe

Production company: Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films^[a]

Distributed by: Netflix

Release date: July 3, 2024

Running time: 118 minutes

^[a]: Jerry Bruckheimer Films used the Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films logo in memory of Don Simpson, who produced the first film.