Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F might not have been generated by an algorithm, but its nostalgic formula is unmistakable. Co-written by Will Beall (known for Bad Boys: Ride or Die), Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten (collaborators on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), this attempt to revive the dormant franchise of the past 30 years meticulously incorporates elements from the original trilogy.


Within seconds of the Netflix-exclusive movie's start, the familiar saxophone of "The Heat Is On" by Glenn Frey from the first Beverly Hills Cop echoes, followed closely by Bob Seger's "Shakedown" from the sequel and the Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance" from the series' debut. Eddie Murphy, sporting his trademark grin as Detroit detective Axel Foley, cruises through the city in a montage reminiscent of the franchise's iconic opening sequences.


The ensuing major set piece—an attempted heist at a Detroit Red Wings game—lands Axel in hot water yet again with his superiors. Paul Reiser reprises his role as Axel's former partner turned chief, Jeffrey. Axel soon discovers that his estranged daughter Jane (played by Taylour Paige of Zola) and old friend Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) are both entangled in a case involving corrupt cops in Los Angeles. In classic Axel Foley fashion, he swiftly heads back to Beverly Hills to tackle a case far beyond his jurisdiction as a Michigan cop.


Axel F follows the familiar plug-and-play plot structure of its predecessors, making it predictably formulaic. Yet, like its predecessors, the film manages to deliver Murphy's charismatic performance, where he seamlessly blends humorous antics with his character's trademark charm. Despite occasional dialogue that feels straight out of a script generator, the film remains breezy and unapologetically lighthearted.


Murphy effortlessly slips back into the role of Axel Foley, engaging in his signature hijinks such as assuming false identities and indulging in impromptu singing sessions with Mary J. Blige. His on-screen chemistry with Paige adds depth to their characters' strained father-daughter relationship, injecting genuine emotion amid the film's contrived moments.


While returning cast members revel in their nostalgic reprisals—Reiser, Reinhold, and John Ashton as the Beverly Hills Police Department chief—newcomers like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kevin Bacon, and Luis Guzmán inject fresh energy into the franchise. Director Mark Malloy, in his feature debut, keeps the pace lively and pays homage to the series' roots with action-packed car chases reminiscent of '80s and '90s cinema.


In essence, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F doesn't aim to break new ground but succeeds as a nostalgic retread that offers enjoyable adult action-comedy. Despite its flaws, it's a welcome addition to a summer lineup that already boasts entertaining Netflix releases like The Fall Guy and Hit Man. As one character aptly remarks, "Some things never change," and Axel F confidently banks on its audience's desire for familiar, retro vibes.