Reviews of Beverly Hills Cop

Beverly Hills Cop review

Posted : 10 months, 1 week ago on 2 January 2009 12:43 (A review of Beverly Hills Cop)

Funny funny stuff and yet another reason why I love 80's movies. I'd say this is Eddie Murphy at his best. Axel's antics are quick witted and hillarious and his impersionations of different members of authorities that becomes a running theme in the films are hysterical, the rants he uses to get into places are just comedy gold. The Axel F theme song will also be stuck in your head for hours after viewing! Judge Reinholds character is a loveable chump too. Well worth a watch one of the greatest comedys ever written.

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Impeccable mix of comedy and action!

Posted : 1 year, 4 months ago on 11 July 2008 10:21 (A review of Beverly Hills Cop)

"Disturbing the peace? I got thrown out of a window! What's the fuckin' charge for getting pushed out of a moving car, huh? Jaywalking?"

Beverly Hills Cop is possibly Eddie Murphy's most popular flick - a deft, witty combination of hilarious laughs and violent action. The film admirably stands out for its excessive energy, clever repartee, and sharp-tongued wit (compliments of star Murphy, who was originally a successful live comedian). For most of its pre-production period, the film was scheduled to be a dead straight, all-out action film with Sylvester Stallone as the title character (everyone from Al Pacino to Arnie had been circling the project, eying the lead role). However, the studio heads were concerned about the rising budget costs as additional action sequences were added to the script. Eventually the plug was pulled, and Stallone stepped away gracefully.

With a few weeks left until production was scheduled to commence, Eddie Murphy stepped into the title role and the film underwent massive script re-writes as the genre was altered to comedy/action. The action scenes were toned down, instead replaced with comedy and clever character interaction. Everything came together perfectly, mainly to the credit of its title star who brought fantastically witty humour to the production. Director Martin Brest once described his fondness for improvisation on the set. Due to Murphy's outstanding skill in stand-up comedy, heavy improvisation resulted in far more laughs. Interestingly, the heavy script re-writes can be easily spotted - but not as flaws, in fact the film's charm derives from the lack of clichés: no love interest despite the presence of a female lead (in the Stallone script version it was a typical love story that develops in two days), no pointless racial jokes (Axel Foley was initially a white man), etc.

Beverly Hills Cop has a thin revenge plot that seems to be an excuse for foul-mouthed Eddie Murphy humour and some entertaining action. Detective Axel Foley (Murphy) works for the Detroit police department and is in big trouble following unauthorised undercover work (and consequently being severely berated by his boss). One night, Axel unexpectedly runs into an old friend - Mikey Tandino (Russo), who was his partner in crime many years ago. However, Mikey is in possession of suspicious German bearer bonds that are the cause of his imminent murder. Axel seeks revenge, but his boss won't let him touch the case. Instead he opts for an early vacation...to Beverly Hills where Mikey formerly lived. As Axel begins his investigation, he's arrested by the Beverly Hills police who find his foul-mouthed attitude rather offensive. We soon meet another trio of supporting characters: Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), Sgt. Taggert (John Ashton), and Lt. Bogomil (Ronny Cox). After much scepticism and hesitation, they unite with Axel to solve the case.

The thin plot soon disappears in the gags and action; however Beverly Hills Cop is extremely entertaining viewing. The film became a terrific box-office accomplishment and is considered by many as the defining moment in Eddie Murphy's career. While his career has seen its ups and downs over the years, he is stunning in this film; from his winningly mischievous smile as Axel to his superbly over-the-top gay male hustler "Ramone". Murphy is the film's driving force and he's impeccable with each line delivery. Never is a false note struck. His character of Axel Foley is tough, cool, quick-witted, sarcastic, and likable - one of cinema's most enduring characters and certainly one of the best law enforcers in cinematic history. There is also a remarkable supporting cast to boot; featuring the marvellous duo of Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as Beverly Hills cops. Together the three have great chemistry. They're easily likeable, credible and their interactions are frequently side-splitting. Also watch out for Bronson Pinchot as the memorable Serge - he is only on the screen for a criminally small time, but he will make an impression that will last far longer.

Beverly Hills Cop is perhaps best known for its amazing music! It's a faultless blend of techno-pop and electronic rock - the movie's renowned theme is energetic, rambunctious and fun. For a genre-defining buddy comedy/action, it's simply incredible at the low amount of clichés and conventions that would later emerge frequently in films to follow. Even so, there are a number of full-on action movie clichés that remain in place: the enemies can't shoot to save their life, the heroes can shoot with perfect accuracy, really dumb cops are abundant (with the exception of the title character), overbearing police rules, Axel Foley's dumb methods of investigating (breaking and entering illegally) and heroes survive getting shot while their enemies are easily dispatched with a single bullet. Oh well, it's easy to overlook these flaws for entertainment.

Overall, Beverly Hills Cop provides great, brutal, entertaining action with plenty of laughs to boot! The film moves at an amazing pace, and it leaves you wanting much more. You will learn to love the characters and their snappy dialogue. The film exceeds beyond anyone's expectations. With current filmmakers producing watered-down comedy/action flicks, it's fantastic to revisit these old gems that defined the genre and proved to be an example of the genre done correctly. The film is one of the best action/comedy films you will ever see, with star Eddie Murphy in his prime backed up by a brilliant supporting cast, droll dialogue, lively soundtrack and crisp editing. You cannot afford to miss this one! Followed by Beverly Hills Cop II.

8.3/10

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Beverly Hills Cop review

Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 15 June 2007 04:54 (A review of Beverly Hills Cop)

I used to think Eddie Murphy was the epitome of cool back in the day. He certainly exudes style and class in the Beverly Hills Cop movies. A top class blend of action and comedy with a charismatic hero and lovable supporting cast. One thing I'll say about the Beverly Hills movies is how dated they look by todays standards, but that definitely doesn't make me enjoy them any less.

This film begins the INDOMITABLE partnership of Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold which must have been one of the major higlights of the eighties for all of us. Throw in Paul Reiser and you're laughing. For about 105 minutes.

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