MOVIE REVIEW: Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

I was two when the first Beverly Hill Cop was released but somehow it doesn't feel dated. Murphy's brilliant-but-with-the propensity-to-go-rougue cop character swaggers around in jeans, T-shirt and a navy hoodie which wouldn't be out of place on today's streets.

The soundtrack reeks of the 80s but because there have been recent remixes of tunes such as Nasty Girl, the film again feels more current than it is.

What struck me most was how annoying Eddie Murphy wasn't. Will Smith at his funniest is what comes to mind. I'm aware the latter is more likely to have been influenced by the former but I've watched a lot more Smith before dabbling in Murphy.

Perhaps this is because when I think Will Smith I think Bad Boys, Enemy of the State and Ali whereas Eddie Murphy conjures up The Nutty Professor, The Nutty Professor II and Doctor Dolittle.
According to my sources (Wikipedia), the part of Axel Foley was originally offered to Mickey Rourke who signed a $400,000 holding contract to do the film. However, Rourke left and the part was offered to Sylvester Stallone. According to Steven Berkoff (Victor Maitland in the film) Stallone left because of disagreements about which kind of orange juice was to be put in his trailer. I'm not sure how true this is but not beyond the realms of imagination.

The idea of Rourke or Stallone as Foley goes someway in explaining the huge action scenes which sit awkwardly with Murphy knowing what kind of actor he has become. Crazy car chases involving trucks blasting down narrow side streets destroying buildings, cars, everything plus massive shoot-em-ups with Eddie Murphy bumping off henchmen right, left and centre.

However, the part needed mouth not muscle - Foley wins the help and respect of Beverly Hills officers with determination, heart and persistence not brute force. Murphy famously made up many lines on the spot and filming was often stopped because the director and cast were laughing so much.

Perhaps one of my favourite scenes is when Foley chats to eccentric art gallery assistant Serge - see below:

This on-set good feeling comes across in the chemistry between the characters, particularly Murphy, Judge Reinhold as Detective William 'Billy' Rosewood and John Ashton as Detective Sergeant John Taggart.

The story line and script are enjoyable but predictable: Murphy uncovers Maitland's dodgy dealings, revenges his friend, rescues the girl, wins the friendships of his enemies and gets off with a massive hotel bill.

It's not the expensive effects or the story which win over the audience but rather the actors' performances. I'm going to watch the sequel tonight and not just to get video games off the TV for two hours.

Beverly Hill Cops facts:

Soundtrack:

* "New Attitude" by Patti LaBelle
* "Don't Get Stopped in Beverly Hills" by Shalamar
* "Do You Really (Want My Love?)" by Junior
* "Emergency" by Rockie Robbins
* "Neutron Dance" by Pointer Sisters
* "The Heat Is On" by Glenn Frey
* "Gratitude" by Danny Elfman
* "Stir It Up" by Patti LaBelle
* "Rock 'N Roll Me Again" by The System
* "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer

Awards and nominations:

* Academy Award
o nominated for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen - Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie, Jr.
* BAFTA Awards
o nominated for Best Score - Harold Faltermeyer
* Edgar Allan Poe Award
o nominated for Best Motion Picture - Daniel Petrie, Jr.
* Golden Globe
o nominated for Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy
o nominated for Best Actor Musical/Comedy - Eddie Murphy
* Grammy Award
o won for Best Score Soundtrack - Marc Benno, Harold Faltermeyer, Keith Forsey, Micki Free, Jon Gilutin , Howard Hewett, Bunny Hull, Howie Rice, Sharon Robinson, Danny Sembello, Sue Sheridan, Richard Theisen, Allee Willis
* People's Choice Award
o won for Favorite Motion Picture
* Stuntman Award
o won for Best Vehicular Stunt (Motion Picture) - Eddy Donno
* This film is number 22 on Bravo's 100 funniest movies

American Film Institute recognition

* 2000: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs #63