Beverly Hills Cop (1984) REACTION! | First Time Watch | Eddie Murphy | Judge Reinhold | 80's Classic
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Eddie Murphy's performance as Axel Foley showcases a unique blend of high-energy comedic improvisation and a surprisingly calm, collected underlying personality.
- ❖The film effectively contrasts the 'street smart' policing of Detroit with the 'by-the-book' approach of the Beverly Hills Police Department, highlighting systemic differences.
- ❖The evolving relationship between Axel Foley and the Beverly Hills detectives, Tagert and Rosewood, is a key element, moving from antagonism to mutual respect and cooperation.
- ❖The hosts note the film's accurate portrayal of Beverly Hills' unchanging aesthetic from the 80s to today, contrasting with the evolution of police technology and methods.
Insights
1Eddie Murphy's Versatile Performance as Axel Foley
The hosts observe that while Axel Foley is known for his fast-talking, high-energy persona, Eddie Murphy also portrays a surprisingly reserved and chill side to the character. This duality allows Murphy to deliver both chaotic humor and a grounded presence, showcasing his range beyond typical 'uptempo' roles.
Michael notes that when Axel switches back to his actual personality, 'he's very reserved, he's very quiet. He doesn't like raise his voice a whole lot. He's pretty chill.' Brandon adds that Murphy maintains 'the same level of like energy and humor' even in this laid-back state.
2Contrast in Police Cultures: Detroit vs. Beverly Hills
The film effectively highlights the stark differences between the Detroit and Beverly Hills police departments. Detroit is depicted as a more 'street smart' environment where unconventional methods are common, while Beverly Hills adheres strictly to procedure, often to its detriment in dealing with complex crimes.
Brandon points out the 'polar opposite' nature of the police departments, noting the Beverly Hills cops' confusion over 'coffee grounds' as a smuggling tactic, suggesting they are unaccustomed to such illicit activities due to the area's affluence and perceived lack of 'street crime'.
3The Importance of the Strip Club Scene for Character Development
Though initially perceived as random, the strip club scene is crucial for the development of the relationship between Axel Foley and the Beverly Hills detectives, Tagert and Rosewood. It's the first time Foley's detective acumen is fully recognized and respected by his counterparts, solidifying their eventual cooperation.
Brandon states, 'I think it's a necessary scene to get Billy and Sergeant Tagert to respect Axel... it's the first time where he's really showed that his acumen as a detective works really well because he clocked those two guys long before the other two did.'
4Art Galleries as a Money Laundering Mechanism
The hosts discuss how the film uses an art gallery as a front for criminal activities, specifically money laundering and smuggling. They note that the art world's subjective pricing makes it an ideal vehicle for legitimizing illicit funds.
Brandon states, 'All I've heard that art and buying art is a really great way to uh launder money. So like if you're going to have a criminal enterprise, art's the way to do it.' Michael agrees, 'It makes sense because maybe because the prices vary so much.'
Notable Moments
The 'banana in the tailpipe' gag and its repeated use to disable the trailing Beverly Hills police.
This recurring comedic bit highlights Axel Foley's cleverness and resourcefulness while underscoring the initial naivety of the Beverly Hills officers.
Axel Foley's elaborate lie about being a Rolling Stone reporter to secure a hotel room.
This scene exemplifies Foley's talent for improvisation and manipulation, demonstrating how he navigates the affluent Beverly Hills environment using charm and quick wit.
Sergeant Tagert punching Axel Foley during their initial interrogation.
This moment marks a turning point in their dynamic, showing Tagert's underlying 'street smart' nature despite his 'by-the-book' facade, earning a degree of respect from Axel.
The hosts' personal anecdotes about feeling out of place in Beverly Hills with their older cars.
These relatable stories connect the film's theme of class and cultural contrast to modern experiences, enhancing the audience's understanding of Axel Foley's initial situation.
Quotes
"When he switches back to like Axel's actual personality, he's very reserved. He's very quiet. He doesn't like raise his voice a whole lot. He's pretty chill."
"All I've heard that art and buying art is a really great way to uh launder money. So like if you're going to have a criminal enterprise, art's the way to do it."
"I think it's a necessary scene to get Billy and Sergeant Tagert to respect Axel the same way he potentially respects them."
"You see these guys entertaining... they're able to turn it on and be so funny and so they're not always like that like 24/7."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Dwayne Johnson | Jack Black
"CinePals hosts Michael Boost and Viven Day dissect Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, praising its fresh take on the classic, standout performances, and immersive world-building while offering gamer-specific critiques."
MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING (1997) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Julia Roberts | Dermot Mulroney
"The hosts react to 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' highlighting how Julia Roberts' inherent charm makes her morally questionable character likable and how Cameron Diaz's 'perfect' bride subverts rom-com tropes."
RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez
"CinePals hosts react to 'Red, White & Royal Blue,' praising its witty writing and visual storytelling while critiquing certain plot pacing and character agency issues."
PREDATOR: BADLANDS Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatang, Elle Fanning
"This 'Predator: Badlands' reaction unpacks how the film redefines the Predator narrative, focusing on an underdog protagonist, complex family dynamics, and a unique 'Predator as prey' planet, all while seamlessly integrating the Wayland-Yutani Corporation."