Every once in a while, a movie comes along that completely defines its era. For me, Beverly Hills Cop (1984) was one of those films. I can still remember the first time I saw it – Eddie Murphy’s laugh, the slick soundtrack, the fish-out-of-water comedy, and of course the iconic “Axel F” theme that instantly transports you back to the mid-80s. The question I had going into my rewatch was simple: does it still hold up nearly four decades later?
The short answer is yes – and in some ways, it’s even better than I remembered.
Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley is the heart and soul of this movie. It’s easy to forget just how meteoric Murphy’s rise was in the early 80s, but rewatching Beverly Hills Cop reminds you why. He’s charismatic, hilarious, and completely in command every time he’s on screen. What struck me on this rewatch was how effortlessly he balances comedy with genuine grit. Axel isn’t just cracking jokes – he’s also a street-smart Detroit detective who knows how to get results, and Murphy nails that blend.
The supporting cast is equally fun. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as Billy Rosewood and Sgt. Taggart provide perfect straight-man energy against Murphy’s chaos. Their transformation from stiff Beverly Hills cops to unlikely allies makes the movie more than just a one-man show. And Jonathan Banks – yes, that Jonathan Banks from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul – pops up in a small but memorable role as one of the heavies, which was a fun surprise this time around.
Then there’s the soundtrack. If you grew up in the 80s, you already know how iconic it is. Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F” is one of the most recognizable movie themes ever, but the whole soundtrack screams 80s in the best way possible. Songs like “The Heat Is On” and “Neutron Dance” don’t just serve as background noise – they’re time capsules.
From a filmmaking standpoint, the movie also holds up surprisingly well. The pacing is tight, the action sequences are gritty without feeling dated, and Martin Brest’s direction keeps everything grounded even when Murphy is riffing off the rails. Sure, some of the fashion choices might make you chuckle, but that’s part of the charm.
Watching Beverly Hills Cop again after so many years reminded me why it became a cultural phenomenon. It wasn’t just a comedy, or just an action film – it was a perfect mix of both, carried by one of the greatest comedic talents of all time at the peak of his powers. Does it hold up? Absolutely. In fact, if you haven’t revisited it in a while, I’d argue it’s even better the second time around because you appreciate how unique it was for its time.
Beverly Hills Cop – Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Beverly Hills Cop is not just a product of the 80s – it’s a timeless action-comedy that still delivers laughs, excitement, and pure nostalgia nearly 40 years later. If you’ve been wondering whether to dust it off for a rewatch, do yourself a favor and press play. Axel Foley hasn’t lost a step.
