Eddie Murphy returns as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop 4", a nostalgic bet in the era of Netflix

In the entertainment industry, the past always seems to hold a special allure. That's why it's not surprising to see how Hollywood repeatedly turns to remakes, reboots, and continuations of stories that made a mark in cinema history. This time, it's Eddie Murphy's turn to revive one of his iconic characters: Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop 4." This time, the action takes place in the world of Netflix, a platform with a global audience of over 200 million subscribers. However, betting on nostalgia doesn't always guarantee success, something Eddie Murphy recently experienced with the sequel to "Coming 2 America." Despite this, the actor decides to reprise his role as Axel Foley, the uncontrollable Detroit police officer who turned Beverly Hills upside down 40 years ago. In this new installment, we encounter a seasoned Foley, who struggles to follow the rules of the institution to which he has belonged since the beginning of the film. The plot of "Beverly Hills Cop 4" revolves around a crime involving someone close to Foley, triggering a series of events that lead him to Beverly Hills, where he will reunite with old and new characters. Among the returning characters from the past are Billy and Taggart, played by Judge Reinhold and John Ashton respectively. These characters, now older, bring a touch of nostalgia to the story, reminding fans of the original trilogy of the classic moments from the previous films. But this new installment doesn't rely solely on nostalgia. The introduction of characters like Jane Saunders, Axel Foley's daughter played by Taylour Paige, adds an additional layer of complexity to the plot. The dynamic between Foley and his daughter, who has changed her last name for personal reasons, adds an emotional element to the film's comedy. Additionally, the inclusion of young police officer Bobby Abbott, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, brings freshness and contrast to the story, generating conflicts and comedic situations. On the villain side, Kevin Bacon stands out as Captain Grant, a square and ruthless character who leads the pursuit against Axel Foley. Through subtle special effects, well-executed fight choreographies, and a competent cast, the film manages to hold the viewer's attention for nearly two hours of action and comedy. Despite any criticisms that may arise regarding Hollywood's trend of recycling past stories, "Beverly Hills Cop 4" demonstrates that when done with care and respect, the result can be satisfying. The strength of the original story, the chemistry between the characters, and Eddie Murphy's ability to embody Axel Foley once again make this fourth installment worth watching. With the possibility of further exploring the contrasts between Detroit and Beverly Hills, this film opens the door to new installments that could continue to explore the adventures of this eccentric detective.