Eddie Murphy is back in the long-awaited sequel to Coming to America (released in 1988). Now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Coming 2 America brings much of the same cast and laughter in this 110-minute movie.
The plot of the movie shows the newly crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) learning about a son in America he knew he never had. The king immediately flies to New York to find his son, so he can bring him back to Zamunda to marry him off to another wealthy family – and make amends with a rival.
This story unfolds with King Akeem’s trip back to Queens (where it all started), meeting his son and the hilarious chaos of them coming back to the lush city of Zamunda. While his son enjoys the royal life at first, he quickly strives to prove his worth of being a prince among the family and community.
This movie is filled with laughs, dope Karate moves (from the King, his assistant Semmi, and all of the king’s children… even the little girl has some badass moves!), beautiful costumes and rose petals on the king’s every step!
Original cast favorites 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.
It’s also worth mentioning the set, plus costumes, were gorgeous. Every little detail on the array of gowns and crowns was show-stopping with their bright colors and gold accents. I also learned the Zamunda castle is actually rapper Rick Ross’ house – wow! That house is definitely fit for royalty.
In my opinion…. the first movie, like many others in sequels, remains my favorite of the two. But in times of this pandemic, a movie like this gives many viewers an escape from reality and a chance to be entertained. So grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!
Amazon Studios has acquired worldwide rights to Coming 2 America from Paramount Pictures. This long-awaited sequel to the iconic comedy Coming to America launched worldwide in over 240 countries and territories on Prime Video on March 5, 2021.
Directed by Craig Brewer
Screenplay by Kenya Barris and Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield
Story by Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield and Justin Kanew
Based on characters created by Eddie Murphy
Produced by Kevin Misher and Eddie Murphy
Costumes by Ruth E. Carter
Executive Produced by Brian Oliver, Bradley Fischer, Valerii An, Kenya Barris, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, Michele Imperato Stabile and Andy Berman
Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, with Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones. Also starring John Amos, Teyana Taylor, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Paul Bates, Nomzamo Mbatha, Bella Murphy. Rated PG-13
(Disclaimer: I was provided with an advanced screening opportunity, and all opinions are my own.)