Review of Beverly Hills Cop (1984) by Stevenf — 11 May 2013

In comedy terms this isn't Eddie Murphy at his absolute best, but a film that starts off light-hearted and gradually builds quite a bit of tension is definitely worth watching almost 30 years on.

Murphy stars as Detroit cop Axel Foley, who gives his precinct more than enough problems with his unauthorised undercover operations.

But when an old friend from Beverly Hills comes to visit, tragedy soon strikes and Axel soon jumps back into his unauthorised ways to try and figure out just who the shady characters are that are lurking around Beverly Hills. He takes in everything with zest, the overpriced hotels, mercedes everywhere and fashion sense gone wild. But as Foley begins to uncover secrets regarding the men he is after, he is really stuck for people to turn to, seeing as he is supposed to be on holiday and has also been told by his boss back in Detroit to stay away from the ongoing murder case.

He is also being followed by two bungling cops Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Taggart (John Ashton), who keep getting spotted by Axel in their stakeouts, but who prove useful as the film plays out.

Beverly Hills Cop never really attempts to be a big flashy film, instead going for a more subtle and almost TV like approach, until the closing stages of the film obviously.

Eddie Murphy stars in arguably his most iconic and recognised role as Foley, he's sharp-witted, funny, and he feels very much realistic, unlike many other fictional characters, he is surprised when all the events start unfolding, but still keeps true to finding justice.

The film plays with an upbeat and energetic soundtrack, perfectly capturing the glitz and glam of the story, and showcasing 1980s Los Angeles, while also playing out the iconic theme that is still remembered to this day.

The comedy is pure and side-splitting, whether Foley is impersonating the very uptight chief of the Beverly Hills Police, or if he is casually walking in to a swanky Beverly Hills apartment and starting an argument with the desk clerk, it all showcases an expertly written and well directed film that is still fun to watch decades later.