Tag: Judge Reinhold

Film Review: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix)

By: Jesse Striewski

My initial thoughts on Beverly Hills Cop IV (other than why couldn’t it had just been titled that to begin with instead of Axel F?) was of skepticism; while bringing back established franchises might look good on paper, they’re often filled with disappointment (I’m looking right at you, Coming 2 America).

But for what it’s worth, this fourth entry is world’s above the last time we saw Eddie Murphy portray his greatest role ever as Axel Foley since the third entry back in 1994. Almost instantly the movie checks all the boxes, starting the action at a Detroit Red Wings hockey game that filters out onto the streets and becomes a massive car chase reminiscent of the 1984 original (complete with The Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance” for good measure).

The plot is fairly standard though; Foley is called back to Beverly Hills after receiving a tip from old friend Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) that his adult attorney daughter (Taylour Paige) is in danger after representing a high stakes client being framed by police.

Again, the action is generally spot-on, while most jokes hit their intended marks (the meter maid scene is fairly humorous). The throwbacks themselves are undeniably likable (even Bob Seger’s “Shakedown” from 1987’s Part II is represented here). Original cast members John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot all help add to the nostalgia, while newcomers Paige, Kevin Bacon, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt all help contribute to the fun in some way or another.

Perhaps the only other thing I would have liked to had seen done differently would have been a theatrical release in order to watch on the big screen at least once rather than just on Netflix. But otherwise, Axel F is at the very least worth a watch all things considered.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Retrospective: 40 Years of ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ By Jesse Striewski

There was never any shortage of teen flicks to choose from while channel surfing on cable TV back in the day. But 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High was one I would nearly stop on each and every time it passed by my radar (I can even clearly recall watching the film as a teenager after working the very first day of my very first job at my father’s roofing company).

When originally released on August 13 of 1982, something about its honest portrayal of American youth during that time period just struck a nerve like never before with audiences, made all the more authentic thanks to screenwritter Cameron Crowe’s ability to go undercover as a student at a San Diego, CA high school to get his story prior. The result, helmed by future Clueless Director Amy Heckerling, was nothing short of a fun, original ride.

Rounded out by a cast of talented young up and comers that centered around all-American brother and sister Brad (Judge Reinhold) and Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) Hamilton, it touches on various comedic and dramatic subplots of relatable teenaged woes that affect the two siblings and their numerous classmates. Other standout performances include Brian Backer as the nerdy Mark Ratner, and of course Sean Penn as the legendary stoner Jeff Spicoli.

And then there was Phoebe Cates as Stacy’s best friend Linda Barrett. No conversation about Fast Times at Ridemont High could ever possibly be complete without discussing that slow mo pool scene of Phoebe Cates in that red bikini with The Cars’ “Moving in Stereo” playing over it, hands down one of the most iconic and duplicated frames in any ’80s film. I had long since fallen in love with Cates when I first saw her in 1984’s Gremlins. But to see, that much of her, was simply overwhelming for me, and confirmed there was no doubt that I was one-hundred percent girl crazy from that moment on.

Many homages in pop culture and even a spinoff television series titled simply Fast Times briefly appeared in 1986 (featuring both Ray Walston and Vincent Schiavelli reprising their roles of teachers Mr. Hand and Mr. Vargas from the film, respectively). All these years later, the legacy of the film itself remains a staple of American cinema that continues to embrace the highs and lows of those awkward teenaged years we must all endure, like it or not. Kudos to the flimmakers for hitting the nail on the head so perfectly. And thank you once again to Phoebe Cates.