Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
"Murphy, in his worn-out sweatshirts, saunters through swank Beverly Hills locations, tells whopping lies, and outsmarts the white dumbos. " - Pauline Kael
"Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) is a fantastic comedy that undeniably captures the essence of the '80s. It stars Eddie Murphy in a role that allows him to showcase his comedic chops. Murphy plays Axel Foley, a free-wheeling super cop with street looks and street smarts hailing from gritty Detroit. The catch here is that he's obliged to work in tandem with some straight-laced, clean-cut, by-the-book Beverly Hills cops to bring the villains to justice.
However, any attempt to describe the plot would be missing the point. The narrative serves merely as a vehicle for Eddie Murphy to dazzle us with his comedic prowess. His hoodie and jeans super cop character contrasts so well with the suited Beverly Hills boys that the resulting comedic tension is a joy to watch, and it's all delivered with Murphy's trademark '80s style charisma.
The action is all perfectly choreographed against the most undeniably '80s movie soundtrack of all time. Many of the songs were written and recorded specifically for "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) but went on to become legitimate musical hits in their own right.
At some point, I think Eddie Murphy spent too much time in LA and lost the low-key feel that made his early comedy so brilliant. This was especially devastating for his role in the "Beverly Hills Cop" sequels. In the sequels, Axel Foley lost his street looks, lost his street smarts, and meanwhile, the LA cops stopped going by the book. Losing the brilliant contrast and conflict of the original.
"You know, this is the cleanest and nicest police car I've ever been in in my life. This thing's nicer than my apartment."
- You are under the recommended viewing age of 15 (as the movie contains violence and strong language).
- You do not enjoy action comedy films.
- Scenes of crime and violence make you uncomfortable.
- You don't like 80's style cinematography and soundtracks.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Beverly Hills Cop"? I mean, here you have a movie about a Detroit cop, who decides to investigate a murder in Beverly Hills. I mean, doesn't Detroit have enough crime to keep him busy?
Coming to America (1988)
"Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) and "Coming to America" (1988) are iconic Eddie Murphy movies that showcase his comedic genius, charm, and versatility as an actor. They're both directed by John Landis and feature Murphy in the leading role, navigating through hilarious and often absurd situations. The humor in these films is derived from the contrast between Murphy's characters and their surroundings - a Detroit cop in upscale Beverly Hills in the former, and an African prince in New York City in the latter. If you enjoyed the humor, charm, and charisma of Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop," you're likely to appreciate it in "Coming to America" as well.
Die Hard (1988)Admirers of "Beverly Hills Cop" will appreciate "Die Hard" for similarly blending action and comedy into a thrilling cop narrative. Just as Eddie Murphy's Detroit detective brings his street-smart humor to ritzy Beverly Hills, Bruce Willis' New York officer John McClane uses his gritty wit to navigate a hostage situation in an upscale LA skyscraper. Both films deliver high-stakes action scenes, charismatic lead performances, memorable supporting characters, and a mix of tension and humor that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Ghostbusters (1984)"Beverly Hills Cop" and "Ghostbusters" are iconic movies from the 80s that perfectly combine comedy with action-packed scenarios, making them enjoyable for those who love thrilling entertainment interwoven with humor. They feature charismatic and witty characters, portrayed by popular actors of that time - Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray respectively, who deliver memorable performances. The two movies are also loaded with unforgettable lines, hilarious antics, and compelling storytelling, set against the backdrop of urban landscapes, which give a nostalgic trip to the 80s pop culture. So, if you enjoyed the funny, adventurous ride in "Beverly Hills Cop," chances are you'll love the paranormal exploits in "Ghostbusters" too.
Caddyshack (1980)"Beverly Hills Cop" and "Caddyshack" are classic comedies from the 80s, cherished for their unforgettable characters, witty dialogue and slapstick humor. The former stars Eddie Murphy as a quick-witted Detroit cop in LA, while the latter features a hilarious ensemble cast including Chevy Chase and Bill Murray in a chaotic golf club. Each film is driven by the comedic performances of its leads, and both feature a lighthearted and humorous approach to storytelling. If you loved the blend of action and comedy in "Beverly Hills Cop," you will likely appreciate the similar mix of sports and humor in Caddyshack.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)Those who love "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) will also love "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) because both movies share a similar blend of comedy, action, and charismatic lead characters. Both films are set in the 80s and are marked by iconic characters - Eddie Murphy's fast-talking Det. Axel Foley and Matthew Broderick's charmingly mischievous Ferris Bueller - who cleverly outsmart their adversaries in humorous and entertaining ways. The two films also share a distinctive 80s vibe, including memorable soundtracks that further enhance their appeal.
Top Gun (1986)Admirers of "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) will appreciate "Top Gun" (1986) as both movies encapsulate the quintessential 80s action-packed cinema, characterized by high-octane action, charismatic leading men, memorable one-liners, and iconic soundtracks. Just as Eddie Murphy brought a unique charm and humor to his role as a Detroit cop in "Beverly Hills Cop," Tom Cruise’s portrayal of a skilled yet reckless fighter pilot in "Top Gun" offers a similar blend of charisma and intensity. Both films are directed by acclaimed directors (Martin Brest for Beverly Hills and Tony Scott for Top Gun) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, ensuring top-notch production values and storytelling.
Lethal Weapon (1987)"Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) and "Lethal Weapon" (1987) are iconic action-comedy films of the 80s that expertly blend thrilling action sequences with sharp humor. They both feature charismatic lead characters, Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop" and Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs in "Lethal Weapon," who are rule-breaking cops dealing with dangerous situations. The films also have similar narrative structures, combining crime-solving, buddy-cop dynamics, and a balanced mix of comedy and action, which could appeal to fans of either film.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)Admirers of "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) will appreciate "Lethal Weapon 2" (1989) because both films expertly blend action and comedy in an urban setting, showcasing charismatic lead performances by Eddie Murphy and Mel Gibson/Danny Glover respectively. They both feature cleverly constructed plots involving corrupt authorities and an unlikely hero, infused with elements of suspense, exhilarating car chases, shoot-outs and witty banter. Each film is imbued with a distinctive 80s vibe that adds to its charm and nostalgic appeal.
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)Lovers of "Beverly Hills Cop" will likely enjoy "Lethal Weapon 3" due to its similar blend of action, comedy, and captivating storytelling. Both films feature charismatic yet flawed detectives, Eddie Murphy's Axel Foley and Mel Gibson's Martin Riggs, who navigate dangerous situations with humor and an almost reckless bravery. "Lethal Weapon 3," like "Beverly Hills Cop," is able to balance thrilling action sequences with comedic moments and engaging character dynamics, making it a must-watch for any fan of the action-comedy genre.
Lethal Weapon (1987):If you liked "Beverly Hills Cop," chances are you'll get a kick out of "Lethal Weapon." This movie is iconic for its blend of witty banter, high-energy action, and memorable characters. The unlikely pairing of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover creates a dynamic that's both comedic and intense. Directed by Richard Donner, it sparked a genre-defining franchise.
48 Hrs. (1982):This is another classic buddy cop film but with a twist. It stars Nick Nolte as a gruff detective who must team up with a wise-cracking convict, played by Eddie Murphy, to catch a pair of cop killers. The tension and humor created by their contrasting personalities provide the base for a good laugh with some action-filled moments. It's also the movie that launched Eddie Murphy's acting career.
Rush Hour (1998):A modern take on the buddy-cop genre, "Rush Hour" perfectly blends action and comedy. The movie showcases the comedic chemistry of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as they play a pair of mismatched cops from different parts of the world. The constant culture clash and language barriers bring humor to the heart-pounding action.
The Heat (2013):For a more recent entry to the buddy-cop genre, check out "The Heat." Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy form an unlikely duo in this action-comedy. They play a straight-laced FBI agent and a rough-around-the-edges Boston cop, respectively, who must take down a ruthless drug lord. Laugh-out-loud moments and high-octane action scenes are plenty here.
Like this? Then click here to see more comedy movies
