Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Detroit street cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) investigates the murder of his childhood friend. His investigation leads him to sunny Beverly Hills, California. There, he must work with Sgt. John Taggart (John Ashton) and Det. Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) to uncover the truth.

Review:

As a 1980s film, Beverly Hills Cop is a mix of offbeat comedy, licensed music, and style.

Alongside Eddie Murphy’s comedic timing, Beverly Hills Cop is a fun ride for 1980s action enthusiasts.

Though there is not much action to speak of, the sequences present have enough impact to please genre fans.

Despite its limited action, Beverly Hills Cop uses licensed music to good effect.

Some of these include Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On” and “Neutron Dance” by The Pointer Sisters. The Heat Is On plays during the film’s opening credits.

This is to showcase Detroit’s suburban neighborhoods and industrial factories.

As a whole, this song fits the scene well. This then leads to a fun chase sequence involving a truck with "Neutron Dance" playing in the background.

An original track titled “Axel F” is also present throughout the film.

Composed by Harold Faltermeyer, this music incorporates 80s synth to good effect.

As a whole, this film’s music is its most memorable aspect. This film also includes a good cast of characters, visuals, and plot.

As a whole, director Martin Brest handles these elements well.

Eddie Murphy’s comedy in this film also complements both Judge Reinhold and John Ashton’s characters.

As discussed in the synopsis, Judge Reinhold portrays Det. Billy Rosewood, with John Ashton portraying Sgt. John Taggert.

As with Lethal Weapon, this duo is a case of the old, grizzled veteran saddled with a young rookie.

Even without Murphy at their side, they both have a good sense of comedic timing.

Where this film falters is with its main antagonist, pacing, and other side characters.

For context, Beverly Hills Cop’s main antagonist is Victor Maitland (Steven Berkoff). In the film, Victor is an art dealer who smuggles drugs.

Aside from this brief description, there is little else to his character.

Though Steven Berkoff demonstrates occasional menace, he is a standard character otherwise.

This also applies to Axel Foley’s friend Jenny Summers, portrayed by Lisa Eilbacher.

While she does help Foley with his investigation, she has little purpose aside from this. Furthermore, the film’s plot can take its time to get moving.

While this was intentional to set a foundation, it does meander during the film’s second act.

Aside from this, the plot and characters are entertaining enough.

Though Eddie Murphy’s comedic timing is funny as a whole, there are times when it becomes irritating.

This often leads to scenes where Eddie is shouting random words without much context. For those who can look past this, it should not be an issue.

Conclusion:

As a whole, Beverly Hills Cop is a fun ride for 1980s fans.

Its positives are Eddie’s comedy (which can irritate), character interactions, and music.

This film also uses Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On” and “Neutron Dance” by The Pointer Sisters well throughout.

Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F” is the film’s most prominent track.

To many, it is a track that has become synonymous with this film series.

This film also has good action, despite there being little of it. Furthermore, the film’s visuals help to bring Beverly Hills to life.

As a whole, the film’s negatives can be its main antagonist, some side characters, and its pacing.

Despite these flaws, fans of 1980s action comedies or Eddie Murphy should find entertainment.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 7/10

Action - 7/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.1 out of 10