Remembering an 80s Summer Hit

 

It wasn't that long ago.   Back in the 80s, you would know in the preceding wintertime the identity of the big summer blockbuster release schedule.  And, on opening weekend, you would crowd into the local multiplex to see whatever film franchise was making oodles of money.

"Beverly Hills Axel F" would have been one of those releases.   But, sadly, it is 2024 and you now crowd around Netflix and the living room couch on opening weekend.  It really isn't the same for an excitement level.   And, unfortunately, this Eddie Murphy installment isn't the same on a quality level.

Oh, all the feels and cues are there.   The characters.  The music.  The one-liners.  Still, something seems off.  Indeed, you should never include a failing grade in your film title because it makes it too easy for critics.

While all the usual ingredients are there, this movie also features an overabundance of computer-generated car crashes and explosions.  It's a veritable explosion of explosions.  After the first 75, you are exhausted.   But I suppose film makers felt a need to prevent their audience from falling asleep on the living room sofa.  Meanwhile, there's some convoluted plot about STD cards and an unrecognizable Kevin Bacon is the villain.

It's all a modest failure.

What "Axel F" does do successfully is make you long for those 80s summer weekends again.  When going to theaters was an event and blockbuster movies were not something you did with a can of Pringles in a recliner.

LEN'S RATING:  Two stars.

Dinner last night:  Hot dog at Holy Cow.