Netflix - Beverly Hills Cop : Axel F Returns to Netflix with a Bang

By Mulder, 21 june 2024

The iconic detective Axel Foley is back, and this time, he’s bringing the heat to Netflix. On July 3, 2024, the streaming giant will globally release Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, reigniting the beloved franchise that catapulted Eddie Murphy to superstardom nearly four decades ago.

Directed by Mark Molloy, this new installment not only pays homage to the original but also updates the story for a new generation. Axel Foley, the maverick detective from Detroit, finds himself drawn back to Beverly Hills when his daughter, Jane Saunders, played by Taylour Paige, faces a life-threatening situation. Teaming up with new partner Detective Bobby Abbott, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and old friends Billy Rosewood and John Taggart, played by Judge Reinhold and John Ashton respectively, Axel is on a mission to uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy.

The film sees the return of familiar faces and introduces fresh talent to the franchise. Eddie Murphy reprises his role as Axel Foley, joined by a stellar cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, and Kevin Bacon. The screenplay, penned by Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten, stays true to the essence of the original while weaving in contemporary elements that resonate with today’s audience.

Jerry Bruckheimer, the legendary producer behind blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and the original Beverly Hills Cop films, returns to helm the production, ensuring the film's high-octane action and emotional depth. His involvement brings a sense of continuity and expertise that fans of the franchise will surely appreciate.

Mark Molloy, making his feature film directorial debut, brings a fresh perspective while honoring the legacy of the franchise. Reflecting on his first encounter with Beverly Hills Cop as a child in Australia, Molloy emphasizes the balance of action and comedy that made the original so groundbreaking. His vision for Axel F includes practical stunts, real locations, and a blend of nostalgia and modernity.

Music plays a pivotal role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, with Lorne Balfe reworking Harold Faltermeyer’s classic Axel F theme. Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X contributes with his new song Here We Go!, infusing the film with a contemporary edge while honoring the franchise's musical heritage. The soundtrack also features hits from the original, including The Heat is On by Glenn Frey and Neutron Dance by The Pointer Sisters.

The film’s production took place across multiple iconic locations in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the city. Highlights include scenes shot on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills City Hall, and a thrilling helicopter sequence on Wilshire Boulevard. The dedication to authenticity extended to Detroit, where additional scenes were filmed to maintain the gritty realism that fans of the franchise expect.

Reuniting with Eddie Murphy are Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot, who bring their beloved characters back to life with the same chemistry and charm. New additions like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, and Kevin Bacon bring fresh dynamics and new challenges for Axel Foley. Each actor brings their unique flair, enhancing the overall narrative and providing a seamless blend of old and new.

At its heart, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F explores the evolving relationship between Axel Foley and his daughter Jane Saunders. This father-daughter dynamic adds emotional weight to the film, grounding its high-energy action and comedy in a relatable and heartfelt story. Taylour Paige's portrayal of Jane Saunders brings depth to this relationship, highlighting the personal stakes involved for Axel Foley.

Reflecting on the franchise’s enduring appeal, Eddie Murphy shared, Anyone that saw the original Beverly Hills Cop, you’re going to love this movie. And even if you haven’t seen it, this movie stands by itself and you can jump right into it. His sentiments are echoed by co-stars and the production team, all of whom have poured their passion into making Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F a worthy successor to the original.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Detective Bobby Abbott, expressed his excitement about joining the cast, reminiscing about how he watched the original film with his older brother. Taylour Paige, who plays Jane Saunders, spoke about the surreal experience of working alongside Eddie Murphy and being part of such a legendary franchise. Kevin Bacon, who portrays police captain Cade Grant, shared his admiration for Eddie Murphy and the thrill of finally working with him.

Jerry Bruckheimer praised Eddie Murphy’s unique talent, stating, That’s what it’s all about: two words, Eddie Murphy. He emphasized that while the film features a great ensemble cast, Eddie Murphy’s performance remains the cornerstone of the movie. Director Mark Molloy also lauded Murphy’s ability to balance humor and emotion, noting that Eddie Murphy brought a renewed energy and depth to Axel Foley.

Mark Molloy’s dedication to practical effects and real locations shines through in the film’s action sequences. The director’s insistence on shooting in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles adds an authentic feel to the movie, making the city itself a character in the story. From shutting down Rodeo Drive to filming a helicopter sequence on Wilshire Boulevard, the production team spared no effort in creating a visually stunning experience.

The music of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a blend of classic and contemporary, with Lorne Balfe and Lil Nas X bringing new life to the iconic Axel F theme. The inclusion of original hits like The Heat is On and Neutron Dance alongside new tracks ensures that the soundtrack will appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers. Lil Nas X’s contribution, Here We Go!, has already generated buzz, with its energetic vibe and clever interpolation of the classic theme.

As Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F prepares to debut on Netflix, fans old and new can look forward to a film that blends the humor, action, and heart of the original with fresh twists and modern sensibilities. With Eddie Murphy leading a stellar cast and a talented production team, this latest adventure promises to be a thrilling ride that honors the past while paving the way for the future. The combination of nostalgic elements and contemporary storytelling makes Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F a must-watch for both longtime fans of the franchise and new audiences.

Synopsis :
Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in Beverly Hills. After his daughter’s life is threatened, she (Taylour Paige) and Foley team up with a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Directed by Mark Molloy
Written by Will Beall, Tom Gormican, Kevin Etten
Story by Will Beall
Based on Characters by Danilo Bach, Daniel Petrie Jr.
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Eddie Murphy, Chad Oman, Melissa Reid
Starring Eddie Murphy Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, John Ashton, Bronson Pinchot, Taylour Paige, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Pellegrino, Kevin Bacon
Cinematography : Eduard Grau
Edited by Dan Lebental
Music by Lorne Balfe
Production companies : Paramount Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Eddie Murphy Productions
Distributed by Netflix
Release date : July 3 2024
Running time : 115 minutes