Beverly Hills Cop

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox, James Russo, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot
Directed by: Martin Brest
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Action
1984

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Detroit police officer Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) tracks his friend's killers to Beverly Hills, where he butts heads with the local law enforcement, including two cops (Judge Reinhold, John Ashton) assigned to keep tabs on him.

Review:

Tim: Beverly Hills Cop is a lightweight movie that is surprisingly fun, funny, and exciting. It is certainly not an award worthy movie, but it is very entertaining and has repeat-viewing quality. I really enjoyed this movie, because it offers the audience the chance to sit back, laugh, and be entertained. Sometimes, that is all you can ask of a movie, and this one definitely delivers.

Eddie Murphy is excellent as Axel Foley. He is believable as a tough cop, but even better as a loud mouth, jokester who constantly clashes with authority. He brings such energy to the screen that he is simply a joy to watch in nearly every scene he's in. Murphy clearly has fun with the role, and that translates on screen. This might be my favorite role he's ever played. He is just excellent as Axel Foley.

Murphy also has some great help around him. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton are both very good as his reluctant partners. They are every bit as much by-the-book as Foley is by-the-seat-of-his pants. This makes for a very interesting and occasionally fascinating contrast. These three actors all work very well together. The film also has some strong smaller roles, as both Paul Reisder and Bronson Pinchot are notable for their efforts here. The whole cast is quite good.

The movie does have some decent action scenes, but offers very little new here. The real appeal of this movie is less its action side, and more its comedic one. There are definitely a few good thrilling moments, but this movie will be remembered more for making people laugh. I actually enjoyed the slightly off balance here- it was refreshing to have the action take a back seat to the comedy, rather than vice versa.

I also have to mention the film's soundtrack, especially the main Beverly Hills Cop theme. This is one of the most recognizable pieces of music in the history of movies. I absolutely loved every time it was played, as it perfectly captures the film's atmosphere and feeling in music. I can't say enough about how important this theme music was to the film's success.

Beverly Hills Cop is a very good action/comedy cop film. It is one of the best and most memorable movies of the 80s. It isn't a perfect movie by any stretch, but it is pure entertainment, and that is good enough for me.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Beverly Hills Cop II, Beverly Hills Cop III