By: Russ Matthews
In 1984, Eddie Murphy came off the hits of 48 HRS and Trading Places, and then he went from a breakout star to superstar status with his newest role as Detroit detective, Axel Foley.
It was a film and character that became essential for a generation who was on regular repeat on VHS, and everyone wanted a Mumford Athletic Department T-Shirt. After three films and four decades, Axel is back in Beverly Hills, where things have changed significantly since his last trip.
Over the years, Axel has remained in contact with Detective William “Billy” Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), who has been keeping an eye on the Detroit detective’s daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige). Billy has become a private investigator investigating a case involving dirty cops and a drug cartel, and he needs some help from his old friend. Since he asked Jane to assist with a young drug mule who has been wrongly charged and endangered her life in the process, he decides to ask Axel for some assistance one more time. This leads the perpetual troublemaker to jump on a plane to California to help out his former law-fighting colleague and to protect his estranged daughter. A decision that will lead to mayhem, gun fights and getting the team back together to find out who is behind all of the problems in the City of Angels.
One thing that can be said about Eddie Murphy is that he comes to life when he slides into the Detroit Lions jacket and is allowed to be, well, Eddie Murphy. For fans of this franchise and this comedic megastar, the fourth chapter will provide all you have come to love and expect from this series. Even though Los Angeles has changed over the years, the bizarre atmosphere of this city gives Murphy and the team bucketloads of content to mock. First-time Australian director Mark Molloy needs to keep the formula developed over the years and keep the majority of the fan base happy and laughing. A task that he manages to do.
Yet, the one noticeable aspect of this storyline and its star is that they operate in different times and narratives. What worked in the 1980s struggles to entertain on the same level as it did so long ago. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, and Kevin Bacon do add some fresh faces to the standard cast members of Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot, who manage to relive their former glory with this latest Axel Foley adventure. Still, one of the weakest elements of this chapter has to be the believability of the central villain. Kevin Bacon does pull off smarmy, but his role could be better conceived and becomes more preposterous as the story unfolds.
Beverly Hills Cop Axel F will give Murphy fans one of their favourite characters from his filmography doing what he does best. As he smashes cars, he ad-libs most of his dialogue and brings the bad guys down in the most dramatic way possible. It will encourage a generation to go back and watch the original film and introduce themselves to a different era and comedy style that will still get you laughing.
REEL DIALOGUE: What does being a Father Mean?
‘Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.’ Psalm 127:3-5
At the heart of the latest version of Beverly Hills Cop, a story of reconciliation is needed between Axel and his daughter. Jane wants nothing to do with her father, but he tries to win her over. He says that he has been a father as long as she has been a daughter, and they both need to learn how to fulfil their familial roles.
This film will help parents see that our roles are not only a responsibility but a privilege. Children are truly a blessing. It can be hard to remember this during early morning feedings or the latest car smash, but these incidental things should not diminish the gift that they are in our lives.
Fathers need to consider this opportunity an honour and do all that can be done to be the men our children need us to be. Some days are harder than others, but thankfully, the Bible gives us the instruction manual to help mold our children, and prayer provides the comfort to watch over them in all situations.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” – Joshua 24:15
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Michael Walsh is a Missions Engagement Minister in Sydney, and an avid film fan. His love of film is surpassed only by his love of God, and his desire to make the Gospel known.