In the LA Times, Glenn Whipp, external was similarly positive, commenting that from as early as the opening credits, “you realise that everyone involved understood the assignment”.
“The solution to creating a new Beverly Hills Cop movie was to simply make the first one all over again.”
He continued: “Murphy is effective, even if the tone has shifted from a brash swagger to nostalgic cheer. The heat is gone.”
“While it’s easy to view Axel F as a calculated cash grab, it’s clear that Murphy possesses an affection for the title character.”
Original cast members Judge Reinhold and John Ashton have joined Murphy for the fourth instalment.
The film also stars Taylour Paige, as Foley’s daughter Jane, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as his new partner, detective Bobby Abbott.
However, Robert Daniels at The New York Times criticised, external the film, writing that Murphy “struggles to revive the moribund action-comedy franchise”.
“Murphy returns with the same Detroit Lions jacket, his familiar chuckle and his movie star grin.
“But there’s little to smile about in this painfully lacklustre retread desperately trying to justify its own existence,” he added.
Peter Bradshaw in The Guardian agreed, external, adding: “There’s something a bit tired and formulaic about this further go-around for his iconic Detroit cop Axel Foley.
He continued: “It’s still funny when Murphy does his “white people” voice, once a staple of his stand-up days. But like Murphy’s Coming 2 America, this feels a bit stale, and a mature guy like him can’t play the subversive anarchist comedy energy in the way he did.
“Murphy could still play comedy or drama with the right script, but this presumes a great deal on the audience’s brand loyalty.”
The latest film is the first time Murphy has reprised the role, which paved the way to his stardom, in 30 years.
He was in his 20s when he shot the first film, and is now 63, with a string of films including The Nutty Professor, Shrek and Norbit under his belt.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
