Monday, November 28, 2011

Movie of the Week – Beverly Hills Cop

This week’s movie is Beverly Hills Cop (1984).

The action comedy is about rebellious Detroit cop Axel Foley, who pursues the murderers of his best friend to Beverly Hills, to discover a much different culture. The film is directed by Martin Brest, who also made the fun action comedy Midnight Run. He worked with cinematographer Bruce Surtees, production designer Angelo Graham and composer Harold Faltermeyer (whose score is one of the most iconic of the decade – especially the track entitled Axel F). Eddie Murphy stars as Axel Foley. At the time, he was the biggest comedy star in America (coming off 48 Hrs., Trading Places, the comedy special Delirious, and being the most popular star on SNL). It also features supporting work from Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox, Steven Berkoff, and Jonathan Banks. However, the movie’s success is primarily due to Murphy’s charisma and improvisation. The 1980s featured a lot of action comedies, but Beverly Hills Cop (and its sequel, and Big Trouble in Little China) is the best of the bunch. Along with its great score, it also has a fantastic soundtrack (with songs like: New Attitude, Neutron Dance and The Heat is On). It is a must-see for fans of Murphy and action comedies. Check out the trailer.


Available on Blu-ray and DVD

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