Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) Review 

joe levvit's character telling axel his 1994 adventure in beverly hills wasn't his finest hour was hilarious.

shooter mcgaven at the golf course is a win

7/10. It was a nice nostalgia trip and nice to see those 3 back together again.

It is not a masterpiece, but it is solid. It is fun.

This movie did one thing very right and that is the look of LA. A lot of movies in the 80s/90s gave LA/California this orange sundrenched hue whereas modern films just make the sky a normal blue.

Definitely this is how you do a legacy sequel

My biggest complaint was Taggert not trusting the instincts of Foley or Rosewood with regards to Grant. I was afraid he was going to be revealed as part of the corruption.

At least it’s better than “coming 2 America”.

It was OK. Just needed more of Axel, Billy and Taggert together.

I wasn't sure at first but it got better.

Great review as always Oliver. I’m 54 and soaked up the nostalgia, soundtrack and characters. Thanks for uploading.

I liked the film. The villains could have been better developed and Judge Reinhold could have been in it a bit more, but I liked it overall

This ended being WAY better than it had any right to be. Eddie Murphy was in top-form throughout and the added emotional weight to the story was an unexpected welcome addition that helped this movie feel more than just a nostalgia cash-grab. I agree it's a crime this didn't get a theatrical run.

Taggert looks exactly like Mean Gene Okerland in this one. Lol!

The highlight for me was the helicopter sequence because of the banter between Eddie Murphy and JGL.

A little long, lots of fun, i really enjoyed it.

Movie wasn't bad and I'm glad the movie didn't make Axel look like an incompetent idiot whose daughter has to show him up over and over again. That sad it was kind of a bummer Billy isn't in the movie that much while Taggert is shown as more antagonistic akin to how he was in the first film. Also kind of sad to see the trio of main heroes so much older and less energetic compared to the first two films.

It chugged a little at the start, some of the legacy actors are well past their pasture, but once Murphy teams up with Levitt it really kicked off, their chemistry carries the second and third act. Nowhere near as good as one, almost as good as two and light years better than 3.

I personally had a blast with it. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough of Rosewood. And maybe the fact Taggart was back to being sorta antagonistic towards Axel. Based on what I can see though, this is like a direct sequel to the first two, as it practically ignores the third film haha. I don’t think that film is that bad though, but it definitely is the worst. Lorne Balfe encapsulated Harold Faltermeyer’s themes like it was nothing and I was amazed to hear it all again. Jerry Bruckheimer keeps it going with all the legacy sequels, both Bad Boys, this, and of course, Top Gun: Maverick. I just wish they’d released this in theaters, but oh well.

I only watched a bit, but it was guilty of a legacy sequel trope often seen: when characters mythologize the prior movies. For instance: when the guy he was working with at the Hockey Game verbalized his excitement for being in a chase w/ "Thee Axel Foley". Basically stating how cool it was to be in a Beverly Hills Cop movie after watching them for all these years. He practically started humming the theme music. Acting as if the characters in the movies whole life was encompassed in the prior movies and everyone witnessed them and thinks about them frequently. If that makes sense.

genuinely couldn't believe how good it was. I wish it had a full blown theatrical release. I need a physical release of this desperately.

This was a perfect streaming release for me. I have a much lower threshold for streaming a movie than actually going to a theater to see a movie. To see a movie in a theater, I need to not want to wait at all to see it -- Avenger's Endgame, etc. To watch a movie on streaming? It just has to look entertaining/interesting and I'll get around to it. This wasn't something I'd ever have seen in the theater (although I did see the first three in the theater, including the first when I was 6 and my dad took me), but when I had family over on the 4th and we wanted something to watch while we waited for it to get dark? Immediately clicked on this when I saw it had been released. Enjoyed it. I was very happy they didn't turn Axl into some dope or constantly make fun of his age, he was pretty much what you'd expect an older Axl to be. Still a loudmouth, a little less hotheaded but still getting himself into endless trouble, but overall competent with good instincts.

Mark Molloy shot the hell out of this film. Tony Scott esque, and no shaky cam in sight! The neutron dance return was a great one!

This should have been in theaters for sure

Great Movie… had a lot of fun.

I can't deny I really struggled with this one. There is some fun but it needed to be half an hour shorter, much tighter with less sub-plots. Feels like there's a better film in there somewhere.

So glad you reviewed it, I thought it punched above it's weight and one of the better fourths in a film series, kind of like Die Hard 4.0 👍

The movie knows exactly what it is and Eddie Murphy brought a lively performance and he is clearly having fun this time around unlike the third.😊

Definitely enjoyed this quite a bit but truly felt it deserved a big screen release rather than straight to streaming.

This definitely should’ve also been a theatrical release.

Also felt the movie could've done a bit more with the idea the villain established, namely that despite being a police officer putting their lives on the line time and time again, their pay is shit, their pension ain't great and they have to deal with criticism constantly. Could've been interesting to explore especially with Axel seemingly living the same relatively crappy life despite all his prior adventures.

Did eddie do his signature laugh? I don't remember hearing it

I'm not long from watching it. I thought it was better than the third film.

It's just nice to see Eddie Murphy in stuff again

I don't remember 3 being as bad as people say. Maybe i just don't remember it well but it still made me laugh a bit.

Yeah, it's good fun from the start. Good action, nice to see the actors having fun, and Eddie Murphy at his wise-cracking best.

7:25 WHOA! $150 MILLION? That's more than what Bad Boys IV cost!😮

I actually really.enooed the movie. It captured the spirit of the previous movies but didn't feel forced.

I actually like the movie. Murphy actually did some good acting. He wasn't hamming it up the whole movie. They even address his age. The biggest problem is the daughter and the villian but the mansion shootout was good.

I wish it was in theaters, I definitely would have gone to see it.

Yeah, the Father / Daughter drama was a bit too much for me. I would have rathered they hashed it out at the midpoint of the movie and worked together. It was a fun movie, and I liked it way better than BC3. The music hit right, and they had some funny classic Eddie Murphy moments.

You should do a retrospective of another one of Eddie Murphy's films 'Metro' from 1997.

You know what's 80's? Your videos, the editing just has a way of making me feel like I'm in some sort of old retrospective piece on a cable channel.

I am going to add Netflix for a month just to watch this. I had been resistant but I've seen a few reviews that have been favorably surprising and yours is just another one in the list so I'm now convinced. I love to the Nash bridges reunion movie for a lot of of the reasons you mention about this movie and so I feel as if I will like having seen this movie

You’re spot on about the middle act. Axel and his daughter had zero chemistry or energy together so when the movie turns it’s focus to their relationship it’s at its weakest. Which is a shame, because I quite enjoyed everything else.

The Beverly Hills Cop Franchise Rulez✊🏻!

the warden lady when shes angrily hanging off the side of her little patrol vehicle was brilliant. loads of funny character moments and am glad they stuck with the characters rather than over the top effects. You nail all of the minor issues I had with it too, especially with the villains not being fleshed out enough. After watching it tonight it made me want to go right back to the first film and watch them all again as it fits right in with the previous films (the first 2 anyways 😅). Pretty much every new sequel of something ive seen just makes me want to JUST watch the originals to get the bad taste of the new sequels out of my mouth but thankfully axel f doesnt do this at all and makes you appreciate them all as a whole. nice to see eddie murphy in good form in it as well

What I like about this movie??? Was the Soundtrack👍... It was good to see the old crew again hear the theme again. (Axel, Billy, & Taggert had only 1 minute and 6 seconds of screen time together🙄) This was something I grew up with though. The thing I didn't like was the Title. It should've been called Beverly Hills Cop IV. It should've kept that style. Jason and Freddy did. And how many Times do they say Axel F? They say Axel "Foley" not F.... ps: I wish it came out in the Theaters. I still perfer Part 2👌

As a fan of the first two I thought it was enjoyable and very fun with no dumb agenda and making Axel the incompetent hero like current Hollywood is obsessed with. Its not my favorite, but I do appreciate it as a solid sequel that respects the franchise and gives the characters we love a nice return to the screen like we always wanted.

Just waiting for Another Another 48 Hours...

I loved it and the nostalgia, but I never knew Tim Cappelo was involved, wow haven't heard of him.since Lost Boys

Apparently it got a limited release in American cinemas. Netflix have an allergy to doing wide releases. Glass Onion made loads on its limited release but it didn't inspire NF to capitalise on that. Its annoying as the other Jerry Bruckheimer produced legacy sequel buddy buddy cop movie released this Summer (Bad Boys 4) went to cinemas and did good money.

I like the lackluster 3rd film

Thanks Oliver Your Ace As Always Buddy!! Love this Channel

It has some decent scenes but overall it's pretty average. They should have done the movie in the late 90s - early 00s when buddy cop movies were still a thing and Murphy didn't look like a bloated frog.

Liked it. Worked for me with just enough nostalgia.

The classic theme of investigating and humiliating the bad guy until they make a mistake and they bust them... Felt small and rushed in this one. Leading to a lack of fun and tension.

Really thoroughly enjoyed the film, felt like I was a kid again watching an 80s movie, just happened to have been made now. I miss that "feel" in today's movies. I doubt it'll happen but I'd love a fifth movie now that they brought everyone back

Pity its not on Blu Ray, I prefer physical media and not streaming...

I haven't watched it yet but may do this weekend. I've very little faith/expectations for when these old series get another movie released years and years later. Its always the studios flogging a dead horse.. indiana jones etc etc I will say once I heard the sax playing at aorund the 6.30 markI was like... they didn't??? ..and they did.. Tim Cappello on sax... LOVE THAT SHIT!!! Hard to not always have the image of him oiled up to all hell ripped shreads in the lost boys... I STILL BELIIIEVVE 😎

I hope it gets a physical release 🤞

I kept hearing it was too much like 1st. I totally agree with you on the movie being funny with some action sown in. Also, you hit it right on the mark with regards to Eddie on the phoning it in on the 3rd. He seems to genuinely be enjoying himself.

I'm so glad to see Eddie as Axel again!! With him and his crew out and about the world is safer 😂❤❤❤❤❤❤

It was just reckless abandonment fun. Hearing the old songs from the old films was a highlight.

saw this on a big screen at a 5star hotel, here in london

had a good time watching and laughed a lot more than I thought I might.

Pretty much word-for-word how I'd sum up Axel F myself. Good fun nostalgia trip, with a top soundtrack, and plenty of giggles. My only gripe is the golf buggy chase. That was strained, at best.

what was the first of those decades late sequels? die hard 4? indy 4? from the beginning of this trend theyve never worked for me. sure seeing all those original actors 30 years later made me smile for a minute but thats about it.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has become full soccer dad.

Some bits dragged but it was solid fun overall. Disappointed there was no mention of Todd, Jenny, or Bogomil though, which seemed strange as they were vital characters in the series, so even a name drop would have been nice. Eddie Murphy was 100% on point and that's all that matters really. I'd like to see another one.

It certainly redeems the franchise after part 3. The helicopter sequence felt like it dragged on too long with no payoff, and the final showdown wasn't quite big enough. Apart from that, it was an enjoyable addition to the series.

It was a fine movie that I would totally recommend. So many people watch movies to nitpick what they don't like instead of just sitting back and enjoying it for what it is.

Excellent review

Critical Drinker, Alteori, and yours are the only three opinions I trust. I considered sitting down tonight and watching the 4th instalment, and now I think I will. Thank you.

Enjoyed this a lot , only issue was not enough Rosewood , but yes it was good.

I appreciate anyones opinion! But I’m really getting pretty pissed off with Siskel & Ebert. I honestly can’t recall a movie review I’ve agreed with them on. I actually didn’t realise that they didn’t like BHC2? But I’m not surprised. They didn’t like Ghosbusters 2 either!….another solid sequel. Siskel & Ebert can kiss my arse

I did love Beverly hills cop 3 and number 4 is good. However the 80s are gone but to me the 80s was the greatest decade ever. Will it be released on dvd????

I liked it. Way better than 3. Almost as good as 2. First half was pretty weak but it improved massively in the second half thanks to Taggert and Billy and surprisingly Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon. Very watchable. **** 1/2 out of ****** My rankings for the series: 1 - ***** 1/2 2 - ***** 3 - * 1/2 4 - ** 1/2 "1993 was not your finest hour" - Indeed JGL indeed

- If streaming had been prevalent in the late 1970s onward, ST2: The Wrath of Khan and P of the C: Curse of the Black Pearl would have premiered on that medium rather than in the cinemas. - Eddie Murphy surely is more proud of this one than even the second entry (though it actually is _my sentimental fave_ ), since this latest arugably has something different to offer, in contrast to the 1987 film which tends to be a repackage of the iconic original film.

I couldn't get past the first scene. They're at a packed ice hockey game and casual chatting to each other when they should be yelling at each other. Small detail? Yes. Am I picky? Yes. But it stood out like dogs balls to me and made me not hear anything that was said.

I really did like this movie, more then Beverly Hills Cop 2 but not more than Beverly Hills Cop 1. I think the first and third act are great but the second act isn’t that good, which was the same problem for me in Beverly Hills Cop 2. The soundtrack is great especially HERE WE GO! By Lil Nas X, and the movie is also funny and entertaining. The best part for me for a legacy sequel, is that it does its own thing. It’s doesn’t repeat the first movie like Star Wars did with The Force Awakens, but Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a brand new story and adds new things that we haven’t seen before. Personally I think if you’re a big fan of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise this is worth watching, even for casual viewers who might get a crack at some of the jokes and enjoy the action. 8/10, The heat is still on!

Beverly Hills Cop IV Is Fun🤩!

Great review 👍 I found it a great mix of the first two movies and thoroughly enjoyed it.

A very enjoyable watch 👍loved the golf scene with shooter Mcgavin 😂😂

My biggest beef was Gordon Levitt’s accent, it was supposed to be Chicago, but it was just weird.

It wasn't great but it was better than I thought it would be. Even if the gunfights were all CGI muzzle flashes and looked fake, it was nice seeing the boys back together again.

This was way better than it had any right to be. I particularly like how they got the formula just right, not forgetting that it's a cop story as well as an action comedy.

I really enjoyed it. Felt it took a little bit to get going but once it did I had great fun. The music throughout was awesome.

BHC - 10/10 BHC2 - 9.5/10 BHC3 - 0/10 BHC4 - 8.5/10

👍👍👍🎥

Greetings, Mr. Harper! If you haven't already, I'd love to see you do "Retrospective-Review" eps for the following... * Prayer of the Rollerboys (1990) * The Demolitionist (1995) ...Please and thanks!

Solid, entertaining and rewatchable. Does the job, and you can’t expect more from a group of over the hill cops 😅

The only review I’ve wanted to see 👍🏻

The New Intro is dope!!!!!!

I am a big fan of the first couple of movies, and i always hated the third one. I have seen this one for three times now since thursday. It´s not a masterpiece(i doupt we expected that). It´s more of a nostalgia action piece, and i think it really works. It´s entertaining with superb soundtrack.

Thanks Holly Oliver! I completely agree, I i’ve seen it once till now. I’m going to watch it again for sure. The third one was abysmally that. I love the first two and the fourth one is quite good. A good sequel, as you said, it feels like a natural sequel. Yes, some of the cast look very, very old… Nonetheless, good music, good action, good acting, good entertainment.

You had me at Tim Capello.

Its not Top Gun 2 quality great, but for a Summer flick, i think it checks all the marks down.

Oliver’s reviews be better than the films 😂

It was a surprisingly good sequel. More importantly it was FUN. Groundbreaking or revolutionary? Of course not, but it didn’t have to be. The original movies were entertainment flicks and this one is exactly that. Thank God Bruckheimer is back producing since he seems to be one of the few major producers left who still understands the entertainment industry is about entertainment. Murphy is terrific (more BHC1 than 3), and the rest of the cast are great no matter how long or little are on screen. Murphy, outside of bit of extra weight, looks still like himself, with Reinhold and specially Ashton bringing the mystique down to earth that time has passed. However the movie both plays on this and doesn’t: it recognizes long time has passed and that they are older but never, like so many sequels these days (Indiana Jones comes to mind), makes it a point to undermine or underestimate the characters for that. Gordon Levitt as a new sidekick works very well, and it was a good choice to make him play it more straight and low key to Murphy’s high energy. It works even better when his phobia/insecurities break out in the hilarious helicopter sequence. The daughter character was fine too. Something about her performance didn’t seem to gel as naturally like the rest of the cast, but it never takes you out of the picture. And the story to justify her existence works fine. More importantly she is never made to be a girl-boss trope at the expense of the male characters. She is resourceful but not infalible. The cinematography is excellent and the editing pretty good. I was expecting “Taken 3” levels of cutting to hide the age of the actors but shots were kept for longer more in line with early BHC films. The director did really well with the action sequences being shot more like the early movies instead of going for a frenetic pacing like so many action films nowadays. The only thing I didn’t like was the digital blood and one CG explosion. I could understand the logistics reasons for the choice on the latter, but the former had no need. The soundtrack is fantastic 99.9% of the time. The use of licensed songs, mostly from the older films is good and well used. It makes the film be part of that universe. The original soundtrack is terrific. The composer did a fantastic job of recreating the original soundtrack and retaining everything great about it while modernizing it just enough to feel contemporary. It is not overdone nor exactly the same, finding a great balance. The one aspect of the soundtrack that isn’t great is the original song. Like so many modern films it goes for hip hop using some string and beats from the score, but it isn’t good. It sounds too generic and it drastically takes you out of the picture when it plays mid movie as it is a drastic shift from the pop style of the rest of the soundtrack. It plays again during the credits. Still not good but by then the film is over. Again- the movie is fun. Time flies watching it, everybody seems to be having a great time, the whole gang is back and the new additions fit right in, and it is competently shot and produced beyond it has any right to be, even far beyond the third film. Between Maverick, Axel F, and Bad Boys, Bruckheimer has shown he can produce nostalgia properly without undermining the old characters.