Film: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

I was instantly captivated from the beginning of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F with The Heat is On. The new mix of the Axel F theme running through added to the experience.

The only thing that dates this 4th instalment is the shouting boss. I hoped we’d have left that kind of police chief behind in 2024.

The father-daughter estrangement in the story wasn't well explained, which left me puzzled about why she would hang up on him, especially when he was arrested, particularly considering that we later find out she’s a lawyer. Also, I don't understand why cops arrest other cops instead of trying to understand their actions. This doesn't seem to happen in the 2024 Blue Bloods (at least, I believe it doesn't. I haven't seen the final series yet).

Despite some unanswered questions, another being how cops afford sports cars, I love this big slice of nostalgia of Axel chasing down the bad coppers. Even if we know that Kevin Bacon’s senior copper character was bent from his first scene.

It was great to see John Ashton (Chief John Taggart) and Judge Reinhold, (Billy Rosewood, private investigator) reprise their roles, although they no longer work together. I barely recognised them but was delighted when I did! - whereas Eddie Murphy only looks about 10 years older than the last film in the 90s.

I loved all the references to other seminal films and cameos popping up. This is pure action comedy entertainment.

8/10

Netflix