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‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ Criminally Depending On Nostalgia

I was really looking forward to revisiting the Beverly Hills Cop universe, I have fond memories of these classics from my childhood. However, I have mixed feelings about legacy sequels, they often seem like soulless cash grabs, and sadly, this film falls right into that category. While Eddie Murphy still brings his trademark humor, it feels like he’s been away from the gritty, no-holds-barred comedy for too long. And let’s be honest, Judge Reinhold just isn’t the same as we remember.

It’s clear that Netflix is banking on our nostalgia here. That said, I did appreciate the dynamic with Axel’s daughter, and Kevin Bacon shines as the antagonist, bringing some much-needed energy to the film. Plus, I have to commend the filmmakers for keeping the CGI to a minimum; the practical effects really enhance the action, but unfortunately, they can’t save the lackluster performances from the main cast.

In the end, it’s not a terrible movie, but if you’re not invested in Beverly Hills Cop or Eddie Murphy, you might want to give this one a skip. Netflix has a knack for churning out about one solid film for every ten they produce, and this movie lands more into the forgettable or uninspired category.

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