A fast talking Detroit detective finds himself in affluent Beverly Hills where cops play by the rules and he is out of his jurisdiction hunting for the people who killed his childhood friend.
It is exactly forty years since Axel Foley was brought to the big screen by larger than life comedian Eddie Murphy. With the fourth film in the franchise “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” coming to Netflix in a matter of days it felt like the right time to reacquaint myself with the franchise.
The plot is a classic fish out of water buddy comedy that is heightened by Eddie Murphy’s fast talking comedy. The film opens with Axel undercover trying to capture some cigarette smugglers which ends with him getting shouted at by his commanding officer Inspector Todd (Gilbert R. Hall) when it all goes horribly wrong. His pal within the department Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser) tried to warn him of his rampaging boss but fails. He then comes home to find his childhood pal Mikey (James Russo) is out of prison and has been working as a security guard in Beverly Hills. But one night of drinking later and he has been murdered and Foley has been warned off the case by Todd.
Heading to Beverly Hills he finds himself harassing Mikey’s employer Victor Maitland (Steven Berkoff) and his right hand man Zack (Jonathan Banks) whilst catching up with old friend Jenny (Lisa Eilbacher) and getting in hot water with the Beverly Hills police department. Of course his investigation skills and charisma will result in him earning the friendship of Lieutenant Bogomil (Ronny Cox), Sergeant Taggart (John Ashton) and Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold). Whilst some may remember the small role of Serge (Bronson Pinchot) who is the most camp art dealer in Beverly Hills.
Foley’s thinking outside of the box and tenacity gets him results and his fast talking one liners will make you laugh. Whilst the whole affair results in a large scale shoot out like only a 1980’s action movie can. Its 1980’s credentials do not stop there though with the film featuring much smoking, swearing and a scene in a strip club.
There are certain facets that elevate it above being an ‘also ran’. I have already mentioned Murphy’s charisma and fast talking one liners. Then we have the truly iconic theme music by Harold Faltermeyer which I fondly recall being a mainstay of all music lessons when the class was let loose on the keyboards and the catchy “The Heat Is On” by Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey sung by Glenn Frey. Whilst director Martin Brest does a good job of juxtaposing the gritty Detroit scenes with those of Beverly Hills and ensuring Foley stands out. Brest would go on to perfect the buddy comedy four years later with Midnight Run starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.
The end result is an entertaining affair although I would still struggle to refer to it as a classic.
If you want to read more of my opinions on Beverly Hills Cop check these out:
Phil the Bear's Film Reviews 
5 thoughts on “Beverly Hills Cop (1984)”