Coming 2 America

Coming 2 America is an American comedy film, released in 2021. This movie, a sequel to the 1988 box office hit Coming to America, brings back the iconic team of Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Shari Headley.

In the original film, audience would remember Eddie Murphy, the lead actor, who portrayed the incredibly wealthy and charming Prince Akeem from the fictional African kingdom of Zamunda. Akeem travels to near bankrupt, crime-ridden New York City along with his loyal confidante Semmi, played by Arsenio Hall, looking for a bride who would love him for who he is, not for his royal lineage. He falls in love with and marries a young, independent American woman, Lisa McDowell, played by Shari Headley.

In this sequel, Coming 2 America pulls the audience back into the world of Zamunda. It takes us back into the desires, duties, and dreams of Prince Akeem. Now crowned King Akeem, his world is again turned upside down when he discovers that he has a son in America whom he never knew existed.

Played by the dazzling Jermaine Fowler, Akeem's son, Lavelle, is living in Queens, New York, the very place where Akeem found his queen. The discovery puts Akeem again on a hilarious and heartfelt journey across the globe, from the lush and grandiose world of Zamunda to the vibrant, chaotic streets of Queens, meeting new and old faces along the way.

Arsenio Hall also returns as Semmi, Akeem's devoted and level-headed right-hand man, joining his longtime friend and king on this new adventure. Shari Headley reprises her role as Lisa, now the Queen of Zamunda and the mother to Akeem's three daughters, who are every bit their mother’s daughters – strong, intelligent and proud.

The existence of Akeem's American son confronts him with tufts of new challenges, as both Zamundan traditions and his fatherhood are at stake. The sudden discovery beckons a tug-of-war between duty and love, with Akeem having to choose between his country’s royal traditions and his responsibilities as a father.

Directed by Craig Brewer, Coming 2 America cruises through a concoction of comedy, romantic, and cultural aspects. The script, written by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein, and David Sheffield, is implicitly stitched with remarkable themes that give the film a distinctly modern edge while retaining the magic of the original. Themes revolving around Afrocentricity, feminism, generational conflicts, and the clash between traditions and modern viewpoints garnish the storyline, providing both depth and vigor.

The film also features a star-studded lineup of supporting cast. Wesley Snipes, James Earl Jones, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones add layer upon layer of vitality and dynamism to the plot, amplifying the cheerfulness of the comedy while contributing to the elements of the family and culture drama that mark the film.

Eddie Murphy continues to demonstrate his prodigious comedic abilities, creating countless laughs with his impeccable timing and perfect delivery, while also deftly handling the more emotional and dramatic aspects of his character. Arsenio Hall delivers a phenomenal performance as Semmi, providing comic relief while also acting as the voice of reason. Both Murphy and Hall also revive multiple eccentric characters from the first movie, exhibiting their range and versatility on screen.

In terms of its artistic elements, the film is visually stunning. The production and costume designs help transport the audience from the hustle and bustle of Queens to the regality of Zamunda, with vibrant colors, beautiful landscapes, and grand set pieces further highlighting the dichotomy between the two worlds.

Every element of Coming 2 America is drenched with a nostalgia that is at once irresistible as it is gratifying. It’s an engaging, enjoyable watch that guarantees plenty of laughs, provides thoughtful commentary, and does justice to the legacy of its beloved predecessor.

After 33 years, Murphy, Hall, and Headley's reunion is a nostalgic treat, creating a film that is both a homage to the original and a comedy that stands on its own. Hence, Coming 2 America is a must-watch for fans of the classic and for those seeking a feel-good laugh-fest.