When Murphy was great! (Beverly Hills Cop (DVD))

Member Name: Grindhouse87

Product:	Beverly Hills Cop (DVD)
Date:	22/05/09 (1 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Genuinely funny comedy. Great screenplay.

Disadvantages: A little dated maybe but it is 25 years old now.

The hit movie was released in 1984 was the highest grossing film of the year.

A variety of things combined to make this film the success it was. Firstly the fact that original star Sylvester Stallone was replaced two weeks before shooting began with Murphy. Murphy's largely improvisational performance make the character of Axel Foley so much more engaging than you imagined Sly would have.

Secondly the quality of the writing is better than you would expect from a film of this kind. The basic story of a Detroit cop heading to Beverly Hills to find his best friend's killer comes with the usual fish out of water scenarios but these are elevated by an Oscar nominated screenplay that punches well above its weight.

Add to that great supporting roles from Reinhold, Ashton and Cox as the local cops who like to do things by the book and a brilliant, yet slightly dated soundtrack and you have a great evening's entertainment.

If you are tired of watching Eddie Murphy nowadays in sub-standard, laugh free comedies, then check him out here at his very best.

Rating 4/5

Summary: A really well written comedy with Murphy at his best.