It’s been 40 years since we first saw Eddie Murphy take on the role of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop. That film was followed by a sequel in 1987 and a third film in 1994. But in the 30 years since, we haven’t seen the Detroit detective back on screen.

It turns out absence makes the heart grow fonder and does little to diminish the excitement of seeing Foley back. Now, thanks to Netflix, we get the chance to see his adventures continue as Murphy is back in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which streams on Netflix beginning Wednesday, July 3.

In the latest film we open with Axel (Murphy) still up to his old tricks as he battles crime in Detroit. But his new captain—and former partner—Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser) warns him that it’s a different world and his methods are growing tiresome to leadership. He urges Axel to make a connection to life outside the job.

Not long after, his old friend Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) calls to say he needs help. There’s a case that’s gone off the rails, and Billy has employed Axel’s daughter Jane (Taylour Paige)—a Beverly Hills defense attorney—to help. That’s enough to lead Axel to Beverly Hills to help crack the case and, hopefully, make a meaningful connection with Jane.

There, he finds old friends like Serge (Bronson Pinchot) and Taggart (John Ashton), now the Chief of Police. He also makes new connections, like the detective working the case, Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and a shady police captain (Kevin Bacon) who isn’t what he seems. And, naturally, Axel finds plenty of trouble.

This new film, directed by Mark Molloy in his feature-film debut, is a great blend of nostalgia and storytelling. The opening sequence feels just like previous films, with Axel on a wild case in Detroit. It even gets things going with the famous anthems from the first two films, along with that iconic score.

The film also brings back familiar faces, like Rosewood, Taggart, and Serge, while bringing in a new generation. This feels familiar while telling a new story in a different kind of way, one that’s a fun ride.

We’ve seen plenty of films return to established franchises, some with mixed results. This film finds the right blend of nostalgia and originality to work. It’s also blessed with a good lead performance from Murphy, who seamlessly slides back into the role of Axel Foley. It’s fun to see him here, especially paired with Paige and Gordon-Levitt.

For fans of the franchise, or just those looking for a fun action movie for the long holiday weekend, this will hit the right now.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F streams on Netflix beginning Wednesday, July 3.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.