Coming 2 America
Amazon Studios
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Written by: Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield, Eddie Murphy, Justin Kanew, Kenya Barris
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Shari Headley, Wesley Snipes, Garcelle Beauvais, James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall, David Lengel
Coming 2 America is possibly the perfect sequel, blending nostalgia with new characters and a fresh story. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio absolutely nailed this sequel with tons of ridiculous cameos (many unexpected!) and throw backs to one of the most iconic comedies of all time.
The movie follows Akeem to America to find his long lost son in Queens, New York. Once reunited, they return to Zamunda where he must begin trials before becoming a prince.
Coming 2 America builds off the newer cast all while keeping you laughing with fresh takes on the comedic gold from the first movie.
New characters Lavelle, Mary, Uncle Reem, General Izzi, and Akeem’s daughters provide a fresh jolt to the franchise and Lavelle’s journey to becoming a prince is what this movie needs.
Sometimes movies can overdo the nostalgia factor, but this movie finds a way to implement it without sacrificing the new characters and their story.
Much like Akeem, Lavelle needs to find his place in a brand new country and become who he is destined to be, a prince. He’s brand new to this and since he’s a male, he’s expected to be King, overshadowing the princess, Meeka, who has trained her whole life to take the mantle.
The story works best when the family comes together. Meeka and Lavelle’s dynamic sets that tone and delivers a strong message of empathy and understanding.
That journey takes Akeem back to Queens where he realizes why he came to America in the first place: To follow his heart and solidify his place, not just as King of Zamunda, but as a father.