AB's Movie Reviews - Coming 2 America

What’s It About? - Picking up 31 years after the original film, Prince Akeem suddenly becomes king of Zamunda, but his lack of a male heir threatens his rule from the neighboring nation of Nextdooria (yeah, really). When Akeem gets word that he has an illegitimate son from a one night stand in Queens, he jets back to America to meet the potential heir to his throne.

Is It Any Good? - It’s damn near impossible to create a sequel to an original that’s so universally loved, but this movie somehow got it right. There are a million callbacks to the first movie and a ton of stunt casting. Seriously, everyone and their mama is in this one. While Murphy is the star, Jermaine Fowler gets lots of airtime as his son and acquits himself well in a fish out of water role. The supporting cast is good and everyone gets a chance to ham it up. As in the original, there are some very problematic African stereotypes and a few gaping plot holes. Unlike the original, there are actually African actors in this movie, which makes it feel more authentic. It’s hard not to like this movie.

Should I See It? - Yes. It’s a stroll down memory lane that pays homage to the original while thankfully updating some of its 80’s anachronisms. While I think the movie coulda been a little edgier, I understand the decision to make this a PG-13 affair which the entire family can enjoy. A multinational celebration of unabashed blackness, Coming 2 America is definitely worth your Prime subscription.

Random Factoid - The home shown in the opening credits is actually Rick Ross’ Atlanta-area estate, which may explain his totally random cameo. In fact, most of the interior scenes of the Zamundan palace were shot in Ross' house.

What’s The Rating? - 4 Stars out of 5