Police Shootout Archives - Sean Kelly On Movies

In advance of the Netflix release of the fourth film, this week we are doing a special marathon of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, beginning with the original 1984 film directed by Martin Brest. Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is a streetwise Detroit detective, whose childhood friend Michael "Mikey" Tandino is murdered soon after coming to Axel with some German bearer bonds. After being denied by his superiors to investigate the murder, Axel decides to take matters into his own hands by traveling to Beverly Hills and with the help of his their mutual friend Jenny Summers (Lisa Eilbacher), investigates Mikey's involvement with art dealer Victor Maitland (Steven Berkoff). However, Axel's actions catch the attention of the Beverly Hills police and Lieutenant Andrew Bogomil (Ronny Cox) sends Sergeant John Taggart (John Ashton) and Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) to tail Alex's actions. Beverly Hills Cop Synopsis In its forty year existence, Beverly Hills Cop has arguably become the signature franchise for star Eddie Murphy. This was only the comedian's fourth film role, following 1982's 48 Hrs., 1983's Trading Places, and 1984's Best Defense. Beverly Hills Cop was also one of the earliest films produced by Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Beverly Hills Cop is probably best described as a buddy cop action film, even Axel Foley is playing it solo for much of the film. Arguably, the "buddy" in this formula belongs to Judge Reinhold (Fast Times at Ridgemont High) as the titular "Beverly Hills Cop" Billy Rosewood, who along with his partner John Taggart, played by John Ashton, begin as adversaries for Axel, before eventually becoming allies. The real adversary of the film is crooked art dealer Victor Maitland and his henchman Zack, played by a very young Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad). My Thoughts on Beverly Hills Cop Not only was Beverly Hills Cop a star vehicle for a then 23-year-old Eddie Murphy, at the time one of the top comedians in the world, but it is known for its incredibly recognizable synth score by German composer Harold Faltermeyer. The film's main theme "Axel F" ended up being a hit in its own right, both on its own and a 2005 Crazy Frog remix. In some ways, the crime story of Beverly Hills Cops is just an excuse for Eddie Murphy's Axel Foley to get into various comic shenanigans. This includes distracting Billy Rosewood and John Taggart with the late supper, while a banana is placed in their tale pipe. However, the film does build up to a climatic shootout, which earns Beverly Hills Cop its R rating, apart from the constant language and a scene in a strip club. In fact, adjusted for inflation, Beverly Hills Cop is still considered to be the highest grossing R-rated film in the United States since 1977. Even though this was my first time watching Beverly Hills Cop, I was still familiar with characters who would go on to becoming recurring fixtures in the series. This includes Bronson Pinchot (Perfect Stranger) as Jenny Summers' gallery co-worker Serge and Paul Reiser as Axel Foley's fellow Detroit detective Jeffrey Friedman. I'm also aware that Billy Rosewood and John Taggart return in future installments. Even though it's now a 40 year old film, I quite enjoyed myself watching Beverly Hills Cop. My marathon will continue with a review of Beverly Hills Cop II tomorrow, followed by Beverly Hills Cop III on Wednesday. Then it will all come to a climax with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, which will by publicly reviewed on Thursday.

police shootout

Beverly Hills Cop – Premium Classics

Hold the Dark

Sicario: Day of the Soldado