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| Coming to America |
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 (10/10)
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Runtime: 116 |
| Public Rating: 8.09 (54 votes) |
Director: John Landis |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Comedy |
Year: 1988 |
| Writer(s): Eddie Murphy (story) David Sheffield (screenplay) |
| Distributor: 1 |
| Reviewed by: Alex Kocan |
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This romantic comedy is a modern fairy tale. Wealthy African prince, Akeem, objects to his father's setting him up in an arranged marriage. As a result Akeem, fantastically played by Eddie Murphy, decides to travel to Queens, New York, to search for his bride without the help of his parents. He takes his bodyguard and best friend Semmi, played by Arsenio Hall, along with him. Together they set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
While in New York Akeem wants them to act like any other Americans. They remove any sign of their connection with royalty. They live in a horrible apartment. They also get jobs in a fast food restaurant. After a short time they get used to living as commoners. The film sees them both maturing while living away from the power of the king. Did Akeem succeed in finding a bride? Let me ask you this, do fairy tales have happy endings?
There was a fantastic team behind this movie. John Landis as director brought this cast together beautifully to make this story very believable. The make-up effects are superb, allowing Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall to exhibit their repertoire of voices and character acting. If you need a hint where to find them in disguise, all I will say is look out for the barbershop.
James Earl Jones gives a good performance of King Jaffe Joffer, Akeem's father. His big stature and bellowing voice makes him ideal for such a regal role. There is also an early screen performance from Samuel L. Jackson. Eriq La Salle, Doctor Benton from ER, also pops up as the spoilt son of a business tycoon.
A romantic comedy meant for adult audiences, Coming To America is certainly not for family viewing. However, it is a fantastically funny comedy that should not be missed.
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