I recently just picked up the 4K of Coming to America and it is the first time since the 90s that I have seen the movie. I always remember, Coming to America being a lot of fun and I am happy to say that I feel the movie still holds up. Directed by the legendary John Landis, based on a story that was thought of by Eddie Murphy, it is no wonder that this has ended up being so beloved for all these years.
How to Download Coming to America
Coming to America was released on June 29, 1988. You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you like Eddie Murphy, check out also our reviews of Beverly Hills Cop (1984), The Nutty Professor (1996), or Dr. Dolittle (1998).
The Movie Review
Memorable Moments
One of the “weird” things that I have about Coming to America is that whenever I think of this movie or if I have been talking about it to other people. The “royal penis is clean” scene always comes to my mind! However, this movie is full of so many quotable and funny moments.
A Star-Studded Cast
Starring Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem Joffer. Akeem lives a life of luxury in his homeland, the African nation of Zamunda. Akeem has the best life you could imagine, but his father, King Jaffe (who is played by James Earl Jones) has arranged a marriage to a woman who comes from a family that he deems acceptable.
Hilarious Chemistry
Akeem does not want this at all, he wants to find a woman that he really loves, a smart and independent woman, not some woman that his father has picked for him. Well, Akeem and his best friend and aid/servant, Semmi head to New York City where they will pose as poor exchange students to try and find him the perfect woman.
Unexpected Twists
Semmi is played by Arsenio Hall and he and Eddie Murphy as you would expect have amazing chemistry together. Now, I do not know why, but I completely forgot that Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall played multiple roles in this movie! Their comedic talents are on full display here!
Romantic Comedy or Slapstick?
It does not take long for Akeem to meet the woman of his dreams. Akeem meets Lisa McDowell who is beautiful and smart, but she has a real jerk of a boyfriend. Also, her father Cleo is a piece of work and owns a restaurant that is kind of like McDonald’s. This leads to Akeem getting a job here so that he can get to know her better and also potentially win over her father.
Kingly Intervention
In a twist of fate, Cleo does not think that Akeem is good enough for his daughter as he thinks that he is poor and from a poor family. Adding to Akeem’s troubles is that Semmi is having a really hard time living a “normal” life and is causing all kinds of trouble, causing the King and Queen to come to New York to intervene in things.
Conclusion
I get the feeling that Coming to America was made to be some kind of romantic comedy and there are certainly elements of that here. Yet, I would describe this as more of a wacky/slapstick kind of comedy than a romantic one. I do not mean that as a negative at all, the stuff with Akeem and Semmi trying to adjust to life as “normal” people is awesome, but the stuff with Lisa is very, very predictable. Still, I am glad I picked up the 4K to add to my collection as this is a fun 80s comedy!
