After more than a decade of superheroes dominating the movie screen, Eddie Murphy is back with the character he describes as “every man.” The iconic Axel Foley is making a comeback in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, a new installment in the action comedy franchise that debuted in 1984. The movie is set to release on Netflix on Wednesday. Murphy, in an interview, mentioned that the era of CG effects and superheroes was bound to come back to character-driven stories, which he believes will always work.
In the new film, Axel Foley is depicted as a wise-cracking detective from Detroit who gets wind of his estranged daughter being in danger in Beverly Hills. He decides to return to the city to reconnect with her and help solve the mystery. Murphy described Foley as an average guy who doesn’t play by the rules, someone you’d want to have a drink with. The movie aims to capture the essence of the original by focusing on story and character development, rather than modern special effects, with real-life stunts like a helicopter chase across Los Angeles.
Despite the challenges of performing physical stunts in his 60s compared to when he was 21 during the first movie, Murphy found the experience enjoyable. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton, who were part of the original cast, are also making a return in this installment, along with newcomers Kevin Bacon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Bacon praised the old-school stunts in the film, believing that audiences today appreciate practical effects over CGI, as it brings a sense of realism and authenticity to the action sequences.
Murphy revealed that there have been previous attempts to revive the franchise, but none of the scripts had the emotional depth like the connection between Foley and his now-adult daughter in the current film. The storyline focuses on the relationship between a father and daughter reuniting, which adds a layer of emotional depth to the movie. Once this element was incorporated, everything fell into place, serving as the glue that holds the entire film together. The emphasis on character development and the emotional journey of father-daughter relationships sets this new Beverly Hills Cop installment apart from its predecessors.
The return of Axel Foley to the screen signifies a departure from the recent trend of superhero films, offering audiences a refreshing take on action-comedy with a focus on relatable characters and engaging narratives. The blending of the classic Beverly Hills Cop formula with modern filmmaking techniques ensures a unique viewing experience for both longtime fans and new audiences. The nostalgia of seeing iconic characters back in action, coupled with the addition of fresh faces, promises an exciting and entertaining film that pays homage to the original while paving the way for a new chapter in the franchise. With Eddie Murphy leading the charge, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is poised to capture the hearts of viewers once again with its blend of humor, heart, and action-packed sequences.
