Akeem, now king of Zamunda, learns he has an illegitimate son in Queens and returns to America to find him and bring him back to be crowned prince.

COMEDY

Coming 2 America (2021)

Directed by Craig Brewer

Written by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield

Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Wesley Snipes, Shari Headley,
John Amos, Nonzamo Mbatha, Paul Bates, James Earl Jones

Sequel to 1988's Coming to America

Oscar Nominations - Best Makeup

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Connor Eyzaguirre

March 7, 2021

8/10

I never get my hopes up when it comes to belated comedy sequels. I've just been burned too many times. When all the reviews of Coming 2 America said it was hot garbage, I wasn't surprised. But I was surprised when I watched it and found it to be a perfectly fine movie that works as a great sequel to an 80's classic. Coming 2 America may not be as funny as its predecessor, but it builds on the world of Zamunda and introduces us to some hilarious new characters while still maintaining the spirit and charm of the first film. I don't know what more people could've wanted.

Akeem (Murphy) is now the king of Zamunda, and his country is on the verge of war with Nextdoria, led by odd General Izzi (Snipes). Akeem's only chance is to unite their kingdoms through marriage, but Akeem has only daughters, and his eldest won't marry Izzi's son. But Akeem learns he has a bastard son from a drunken encounter in Queens, and travels back to America to find him. Lavelle Junson (Fowler) is a quick-witted, free-thinking American who goes to Zamunda with his mother (Leslie Jones) and learns what it means to be a prince. But Lavelle's story mirrors Akeem's own, and love finds a way. It's a story as engaging as the first one and it'll definitely make you laugh.

I heard people saying Coming 2 America was nothing but stereotypes and outdated jokes. I don't think that. It's no more stereotypical about Africa than films like Black Panther or the original Coming to America for that matter. In this age of finding fault before even looking for praise, it's important to remember the most important thing a film can be: Entertaining.