Ultimately, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is … okay? I guess? I wish I could tell you that it was either a laugh-out-loud funny movie or a total failure, because then my job would be easier. Instead, it's a more disappointing kind of movie: it's mediocre. It's neither really good nor really bad, it just exists, relying on Murphy's considerable charm. Most of the time, it looks exactly like a Netflix movie, and I mean that in a derogatory sense. Sometimes, an original Netflix movie, usually handled by a master filmmaker, does well (you know, like “The Irishman”). But that seems to be the exception, not the rule. Most of the time, Netflix movies look dull and boring; they look like what they are: TV movies. “Beverly Hills Cop II” may not be a masterpiece for anyone, but you have to admit that it's a masterpiece. saw Great. No one would say the same thing about “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”
I guess your tastes will vary. If you just want to see Murphy in a familiar role once again and have some fun, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” might work for you. Even though this movie is dull, it's fun to watch Eddie Murphy do his thing, and there are a few moments where he really seems to be having a good time, and that can be infectious. So maybe that's enough to satisfy. Or, when you open Netflix to watch this movie, you can make the wise decision and watch “Dolemite Is My Name” instead. It'll be a better use of your time, I promise.
/Movie Rating: 5 out of 10
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is streaming on Netflix on July 3, 2024.
