This long-awaited sequel to the iconic comedy Coming to America has arrived on Prime Video but how does it compare to its 1988 predecessor, we check out Coming 2 America.
The new sequel is set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began. Original cast favourites from Coming to America return including King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones), Queen Lisa (Shari Headley), Cleo McDowell (John Amos), Maurice (Louie Anderson) and the motley barbershop crew. Joining this star-studded ensemble are Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Jermaine Fowler, Bella Murphy, Rotimi, KiKi Layne, Nomzamo Mbatha and Teyana Taylor.
I remember going to see Coming to America in the cinema back in the late 80s and at that time movies had a certain feel to them, maybe it was the decade that brought us some great comedies and action movies or that in those days movies let go a little bit more and weren’t afraid to go a little wild.
One of the many things that stood out with the original was the laugh factor and even watching it again recently it still had me laughing out loud and although over the years it has been cut and the language removed for its terrestrial viewings, the film was one of the best movies I had seen in that decade.
Now over 30 years later we have the imaginatively titled Coming 2 America a film that I had been looking forward to seeing since seeing the first stills and the teaser trailer a while back. Hearing that many of the original cast were returning to the screen was a delight to hear.
Coming 2 America On Amazon Prime
So last night I settled down and started watching the sequel in 4K via Amazon Prime, I was very excited and had high hopes that the film would be a worthy sequel to a film that was so much fun. The cast maybe 30+ years older and included new members of the royal family that weren’t even born when the original film came out including Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bella Murphy as Omma daughter of King Akeem.
But one of the most notable things about the film for me was the drop in the age rating, Coming to America was rated an 15 (R in the US) which no doubt was down to the F-Bombs flying around, Coming 2 America has that 12 rating, no swearing at all, OK I know this is probably to get more younger viewers watching but that was one of the comical things from the original film.
There are some funny moments in the movie, but I just didn’t find it as entertaining as the first one, Eddie Murphy seemed very laid back and subdued with his portrayal of Akeem, the character has become his father (played by James Earl Jones) and for me Coming 2 America seems to be a rewrite of the first movie in so many ways but rather than King Akeem heading to America and all the comedy of his outlook of the far off land, it’s now Akeem’s son that comes to Zamunda to claim his thrown and find a wife!
It is great to see Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall back together again but they just don’t seem to have the same rapport as they did in the 1998 movie, Coming 2 America is funny in parts, but I just didn’t have the same belly laughs I had and still have when watching Coming to America, if you have Amazon Prime then check it out, it won’t cost you any extra.
Coming 2 America is directed by Craig Brewer, from Paramount Pictures in association with New Republic Pictures, and produced by Eddie Murphy Productions and Misher Films. The screenplay is written by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield, with a story by Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield and Justin Kanew, based on characters created by Eddie Murphy. The producers are Kevin Misher and Eddie Murphy, executive producers are Brian Oliver, Bradley Fischer, Valerii An, Kenya Barris, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, Michele Imperato Stabile and Andy Berman.
Returning to Zamunda after 30+ Years
Movie title: Coming 2 America
Movie description: The African monarch Akeem learns he has a long-lost son in the United States and must return to America to meet this unexpected heir and build a relationship with his son.
Date published: March 5, 2021
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 50min
Director(s): Craig Brewer
Actor(s): Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley
Genre: Comedy
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
