Thirty years after his last outing, Axel Foley is back in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, released on Netflix on July 3, 2024, proving that some action-comedy heroes only get better with age. Directed by Mark Molloy, this long-awaited sequel successfully recaptures the irreverent spirit and infectious charm that made the original films so beloved, while introducing new elements to keep the franchise fresh.
The story sees Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) returning to Beverly Hills when his daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), finds herself in danger. What begins as a personal mission quickly escalates into a larger conspiracy, forcing Axel to team up with familiar faces and new allies to unravel the mystery. The film expertly blends high-octane action sequences with the signature comedic banter that fans have come to expect.
Murphy steps back into the role of Axel Foley with effortless cool and impeccable comedic timing. He hasn’t lost a beat, delivering his rapid-fire quips and charmingly disruptive antics with the same energy that defined the character. Murphy’s performance is the undeniable heart of the film, reminding audiences why Axel Foley is such a cinematic icon.
Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Photo/Netlfix)
The return of original cast members is a welcome sight as Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood and John Ashton as John Taggart slip back into their roles as Axel’s long-suffering but loyal partners and provide a fantastic comedic foil to Foley’s unconventional methods. Their dynamic is as strong as ever, offering plenty of nostalgic laughs and genuine camaraderie.
Paul Reiser also returns as Jeffrey Friedman, now a deputy chief in Detroit’s police department.
Taylour Paige shines as Jane Saunders, Axel’s estranged daughter who is now an attorney in Beverly Hills.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kevin Bacon, Bronson Pinchot and Luis Guzman round out the cast.
Reception for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F earned 41 million views with 80.7 million hours viewed in its first five days on Netflix.
The film remained the most watched film on Netflix, scoring 22.2 million views and 43.7 million hours viewers.
Brian Tallerico, writing for RogerEbert.com, gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a joyous return for the franchise after the disappointment of 1994’s Beverly Hills Cop III. It’s a fun, action-packed, and genuinely funny film that pays homage to its roots while confidently moving forward, is a must-watch for fans of the series and a great entry point for new audiences looking for a solid action-comedy.
