Eddie Murphy Is Back For Netflix Sequel

Ultimately, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is … fine? I guess? I wish I could tell you this was either a laugh-out-loud hilarious romp or an utter failure, because then my job would be easier. Instead, this is a more frustrating type of film: it’s middling. It’s neither really good nor really bad, it just kind of exists, going through the motions and trying to get by on Murphy’s considerable charm. Most of the time, this very much looks like a Netflix movie, and I mean that in a derogatory sense. Every now and then, an original Netflix film, usually handled by a master filmmaker, will deliver the goods (you know, like “The Irishman”). But that seems to be the exception, not the rule. The majority of the time, Netflix movies are visually bland and drab; they look like what they are: TV movies. “Beverly Hills Cop II” may not be anyone’s idea of a masterpiece, but you have to admit it looked great. No one will say the same thing about “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”

I suppose your mileage will vary. If you’re simply looking to see Murphy slip back into a familiar role and have a little fun, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” might do the trick. Even though this film is lackluster, it’s still fun to watch Eddie Murphy do his thing, and there are moments here where he genuinely seems to be having a good time, and that can be contagious. So maybe that’s enough to satisfy. Or, when you sit down and fire up Netflix to watch this film, you can make a wiser choice and just watch “Dolemite is My Name” instead. It’ll be a much better use of your time, I promise. 

/Film Rating: 5 out of 10

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is streaming on Netflix on July 3, 2024.