A return that promises laughs and chases but ends up being a nostalgic attempt to revive past glories. Find out why.
Axel and daughter vs. California boredom
Axel Foley, the most unconventional cop from Detroit, is back, and this time he's not alone. He finds himself once again thrown into the plastic world of Beverly Hills, but with a new and intriguing complication: his daughter, an explosive mix of intelligence and rebellion who carries on the family's irreverence. After the murder of an old friend, Axel and his daughter move to California to solve the case but find more clichés than they can handle.
Arriving in the city of plastic palms and chemically whitened smiles, Axel immediately clashes with the new generation of local cops, more concerned with updating their social media than solving crimes. Axel and his daughter must navigate the high society of California and its ridiculous excesses, from high-speed chases in million-dollar electric cars to biting one-liners. There are plenty of hilarious scenes, like when Axel, disguised as an unlikely fitness guru, infiltrates a wellness center to bust a steroid ring.
Meanwhile, his daughter, with a mix of wit and sarcasm worthy of her father, manages to infiltrate a dance school to investigate a mysterious money-laundering case. The whole thing is sprinkled with sharp jokes that spare no one, from bored millionaires to their purse dogs. As Axel uncovers the web of corruption hiding beneath Beverly Hills' shiny surface, we can't help but laugh at his antics. Between explosions and chases, Axel gives us an ironic and ruthless portrait of Californian society, where everything is perfect only on the surface.
In summary, Axel Foley is the whirlwind of madness that disrupts the perfect, and sometimes boring, postcard of Beverly Hills. Between laughs, explosions, and breathtaking chases, the film reminds us that sometimes a little chaos is needed to set things right.
Laughs at half price
With its return to the glories of the '80s, the film promises much but delivers only partially. If you thought Eddie Murphy could magically bring back the same magic of the first film, I've got bad news for you: not all miracles happen twice.
The narration, at times as predictable as an episode of an old sitcom, leans heavily on nostalgia. There are moments when you find yourself thinking, "Wait, haven't I seen this before?" The answer is yes, you probably have, but with fewer wrinkles and more hair.
The cinematography of Beverly Hills is as captivating as a postcard sent by your quirky uncle on vacation. Everything seems too perfect, too polished. It lacks that touch of authenticity, that grain of dirt that makes things real. Here, everything is so glossy that you might slip just by looking at the screen.
The costumes? A real journey into kitsch. Axel looks like he raided an '80s rock star's wardrobe while his daughter sports a fashion sense that calling questionable would be a compliment. Sure, the contrast between the two and the Californian environment is stark, but not enough to distract from the glaring plot holes.
Eddie Murphy does his best, bringing his usual charisma and humor. It's like watching an old friend try to dance like they did in the good old days but with less agility. The chemistry between him and his on-screen daughter is palpable, but it can't cover up the narrative gaps. The film feels more like a collage of funny scenes stitched together by an editor with a penchant for easy jokes.
Drawn from an idea that could have been brilliant, the film fails to maintain narrative tension and often falls into the banal. The plot twists are visible from miles away, and the comedic situations are sometimes so forced that you wonder if the screenwriters wrote everything under the influence of a B-movie marathon.
In conclusion, Beverly Hills Cop 4 is an attempt to revive old glories that succeeds only in part. If you're a fan of the series, you'll find some joy, but if you're looking for a film that can really keep you glued to your seat, prepare to be disappointed. The overall judgment? A lukewarm 6 out of 10. But hey, at least Eddie Murphy is back.
Why I recommend it
I recommend it because if you love seeing human flaws put on display, this film is for you. Axel Foley is a master at exposing the hypocrisy and superficiality of the rich Californian elite. His sharp jokes and indomitable spirit are perfect for those seeking intelligent laughs, even if sometimes predictable. Human flaws are Axel's daily bread, and his ability to tackle them with humor and sarcasm is the film's true strength.
why I don't recommend it
I don't recommend it because if you're looking for something deeper or more innovative, you'll be disappointed. The film is a series of clichés and already-seen situations. Human flaws are indeed showcased, but often in too superficial and predictable a manner. Axel Foley is a fun character, but he can't lift a plot that feels overly familiar. If you're hoping for a sharper and more original analysis of human vices and virtues, this film isn't for you.
