Coming to America

Plot synopsis:
Akeem Joffer, the heir to the throne of Zamunda (a fictional African kingdom), lives a pampered lifestyle with every daily task performed by servants. Akeem has become fed up with this and wishes to do more for himself. The final straw comes when his parents, King Jaffe and Queen Aeoleon, present him with an arranged bride-to-be named Imani Izzi, whom he has never met and who has been trained to obey Akeem's every command. Akeem concocts a plan to travel to the United States to find an intelligent, independent-minded woman he can both love and respect, and who will love Akeem for who he is and not for his wealth and social status as a prince. Akeem and his best friend/personal aide, Semmi, flip a coin to decide between going to either Los Angeles or New York City, and end up going to New York City. They end up in the borough of Queens and rent a run-down apartment in the neighborhood of Long Island City, passing themselves off as poor foreign students. They begin working at a local fast food restaurant called McDowell's—an obvious ripoff of McDonald's—owned by widower Cleo McDowell and his two daughters, Lisa and Patrice.
Akeem soon falls in love with Lisa, who possesses all the qualities that the prince is looking for in a woman, as first seen by Akeem at a rally where she makes a strong plea to renovate a playground. The rest of the film centers on Akeem's attempts to win Lisa's hand in marriage, which is complicated by Lisa's lazy and obnoxious boyfriend, Darryl Jenks (Eriq La Salle), whose father owns "Soul Glo" (a Jheri curl–like hairstyling aid). Lisa eventually breaks up with Darryl after he announces their engagement (without Lisa having given her consent) to their families, and starts dating Akeem. Although Akeem thrives on hard work and learning how commoners live, Semmi is not comfortable with living the life of a poor man. When Akeem randomly donates their travel money to the homeless Randolph and Mortimer Duke (characters in the previous Eddie Murphy film Trading Places), Semmi transmits a plea to the King of Zamunda for financial help. This causes Akeem's parents to travel to Queens and expose Akeem's identity as a prince to the McDowells.
Mr. McDowell, initially disapproving of the match as he did not want to see his daughter with a man of poor means, is ecstatic that she has in fact attracted the interest of an extremely wealthy prince, but Lisa becomes angry and confused as to why Akeem lied to her about his identity, as he had told her before that he was actually a Zamundan goat herder. Still hurt and angry that Akeem lied to her, she refuses to marry him, even after he offers to renounce his throne, and he returns home with a broken heart, resigned to marry the woman chosen for him by his parents. On the way to the airport, King Jaffe remarks that Akeem can't marry Lisa anyway because of "tradition," and tries defending himself by saying "Who am I to change it?", with Queen Aeoleon curtly responding, "I thought you were the King".
At the final scene's wedding procession, Akeem, still heartbroken, waits dejectedly at the altar as his soon-to-be consort makes her way down the aisle. However, when Akeem lifts the veil to kiss her, he finds Lisa instead of Imani. Akeem and Lisa are married, and they ride happily in a carriage after the ceremony to the cheers of Zamundans. Witnessing such splendor, Lisa is both surprised and touched by the fact that Akeem would have given it up just for her. Akeem offers to formally abdicate if she doesn't want a life like this, but Lisa playfully declines and decides to become royalty instead.

Tags: cult, fantasy, satire, comedy

Review:
The first part of this movie, showing Eddie Murphy's life as an African prince, is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.
After several years of starring in rowdy action comedies and con man capers, Eddie Murphy gets a chance to deliver a more restrained performance with this film and he manages to do so very well.
COMING TO AMERICA (1988) *** Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, Shari Headley, John Amos, Eriq La Salle, Louie Anderson.
Murphy does a fine job as an African prince unhappy about his upcoming nuptials to a woman he has never met so he sets off to New York to find his true love (and queen) with some sweet moments as well as comic (thanks largely to his and Hall's neat hat trick of playing several different characters thanks to the miracle of Rick Baker's make up).
Look sharply for Vondie Curtis Hall (of tv's "Chicago Hope") as an overly welcoming fellow native stateside; Cuba Gooding Jr. in a blink-and-you'll miss cameo (getting a haircut) and the clever inserting of Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy as the Randolph Brothers from Murphy's and director John Landis' previous joint effort "Trading Places".
It's a good thing that from time to time you can still see one of his older ones on the television, so you won't forget that the man really has some talent.In this movie Eddie Murphy plays, most of the time, the role of Prince Akeem of Zamunda.
This movie is proof that when given the chance, a comic actor like Eddie Murphy is capable of playing a complex character that is central to a story.
The film works because actors selected have great timing.Eddie Murphy (Akeem, et al) is quite versatile as the lead.
He's in his very best form, earnest when he needs to in this feel-good comedy, with on-point comic timing.Shari Headley (Lisa McDowell), she's level headed, perfect in delivering outrage and frustration as well as contentment and laughter.Allison Dean (Princess in "Cool as Ice") as Patricia is not only hot, I love her nappturality hair styles.
It must take a lot of hard work to play multi characters film,and the hard work of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall really pay off.They take a very unique idea for a film,play most of the characters in it,and the results are nothing short of hilarious.Murphy plays (among others), Prince Akeem of Zumunda.Akeem,discouraged with the arranged marriage tradition of his beloved country,seeks to find the true meaning of love in America.The typical fish out of water style here is worked to perfection by Murphy,as well as Hall.Also excellent are James Earl Jones(as always),and Madge Sinclair as King Jaffe and Queen Aoleon, Akeem's parents.Jones and Sinclair would later portray husband and wife again 6 years later,as the parents of Simba in The Lion King,a little trivia for those of you who may not have known.There is a clever tie-in involving Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy,portraying their characters from another Murphy film,Trading Places.A unique story,great character acting and a great supporting cast make Coming to America great fun to watch..
It doesn't avoid some clichés like the passing of zebras and elephants to show that the film is set in the African continent, yet it's one of these moments we remember the most from the film just before, as the trailer says, the fairy tale stops as soon as the first shot of New York City appears."Coming to America", directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy, is in the same vein than their previous work in "Trading Places", a movie that I compared to Frank Capra's classics.
Only this time, it's not a wags to riches story but quite the opposite, it's a Cinderella story told in reverse since it's the Prince Akeem who comes to America to marry a woman, and as he explains to his friend Semmi (Aresnio Hall) : "I want a woman who will arouse my intellect as well as my loins".
This premise leads to a succession of situations so funny that you almost forget about the romantic purpose of Prince Akeem's trip and the presence of Arsenio Hall as the second lead of the film is responsible of that as he literally outshines all the other cast members and creates the perfect comic-straight man duo that this kind of stories need.
A thing that we have been denied for far too long!" is the perfect counterpart to Akeem's naive enthusiasm as he joyfully gives the F-word back to an angry neighbor.After they find a place to live and a job, the whole New York's discovery part is a tribute to the actors' extraordinary talent to portray different characters from chatting barbers to drags, from singers to pervert reverends, they both nail their roles and we, as viewers, are invited to spot them every once in a while.
In a way, "Coming to America" prefigures the appeal of Eddie Murphy's "Nutty Professor" and his wonderful talent as a comedian when given a good role, and Prince Akeem is one of his best.
But to attribute the success of the film only on Eddie Murphy's talent would be untrue, and even more unfair.Another force of the film relies on the whole casting, starting with the perfect couple that could have ever played Akeem's parents: James Earl Jones as the authoritarian King Jaffe Joffe and Madge Sinclair as the most comprehensive mother but no less Queen Aoloan, both who'd team up later to play much ore memorable royal couple in a certain Disney film set in Africa.
Jackson in his typical scene-stealing 80's supporting roles and it also features briefs but heart-warming cameos of Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy as  you know, and if you don't, well, make a guess.As a comedy and romance (not a romantic comedy, mind you) the film is not without some predictable situations, but it delivers what is expected, it's funny, it has a happy ending, and most of hits scenes can be watched regardless of their context.
Eddie Murphy stars as Prince Hakeem, who comes to America with his servant (Arsenio Hall) in search of a future wife who can respect him for his intelligence, not his money.
Although it never becomes "great" and is quite uneven at times, entering its rough spots where the jokes seem to slow down and become not quite as funny, the movie is always entertaining and Murphy's charismatic lead performance displays his skills as a comedian -- unfortunately Hall is not as fortunate.
Jackson popping up in various scenes.The movie works as a sort of sequel to TRADING PLACES (1983) -- both star Eddie Murphy, both were directed by John Landis, both deal with the prospect of "trading places" (or countries, in this situation), etc.Also, it features a great self-referential moment (linked to Trading Places) when Murphy gives a couple of bums a wad of money.
Second, while it's obvious that he and his buddy Arsenio had a great time making this film, I felt like I was watching an inside joke and just didn't see what all the hubbub was about, as the movie made huge bucks at the box office.
Eddie Murphy had one of his biggest hits with COMING TO America, an expensive and somewhat entertaining comedy which found Eddie playing the crown prince of a fictional African country who travels to Queens, New York to find himself a wife after deciding that he's tired of being waited on hand and foot and not thrilled about having no say in the wife that has been selected for him.
Murphy is charming as Prince Akeem and he also gets to shine in one fabulous scene in a barbershop where he and Hall play everyone in the scene, but the film does not sustain interest until the end.
That is not at all the case, however, with "Coming To America," which - in my view - must surely rank as one of his best efforts.In this movie, Murphy adopts a deliberately low-key and somewhat innocent style of comedy as Prince Akeem of "Zamunda," which serves to make him all the funnier.
In addition to Murphy, Jones and Sinclair, we see established actors such as John Amos (in a very funny role as the father of Akeem's love interest) and Arsenio Hall as Akeem's servant.
It stars Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley and John Amos.
Plot finds Murphy as Akeem Joffer, an African prince who comes to the United States in the hope of finding a good woman he can marry.Released at a time when Eddie Murphy was ruling the 80s, Coming to America proves to be viable material for Murphy's talents.
You do feel that with director Landis stating that Murphy was a pain on set-that Eddie had lost the zest and the willingness to learn that he had on Trading Places five years earlier, that Murphy didn't let Landis produce the picture the director originally envisaged.No doubt about it, I liked the film much better back in the day, back then the fish out of water comedy hadn't been done to death, and of course Murphy was still coasting in on the wave of charismatic success, which to myself and many others was enough to warrant being in his company.
****Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headly, and James Earl Jones.Eddie murphy has made many great movies, like the Beverly Hills Cops series and the Nutty Professor duo.
Best moments: the "cameos" of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall anywhere in the movie.
There are others in the supporting cast that were fine and were fun to watch like James Earl Jones, Shari Headley and Allison Dean.The film is a little bit sloppy in it's comedy and story but it picks up in the latter half, though predictable.
Because he's black and he's got a funny voice?" The fictional African country as well was almost uncomfortable to watch to think that Eddie Murphy actually thought that his portrayal could reflect any real culture.I will give the movie this: it has heart.
Same goes for a simple , but incredibly effective duo of Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and Semmi (Arsenio Hall) .
Murphy also makes Prince Akeem a true human character – when the movie needs it you can see an intelligent , humble , sensitive human underneath all that joyful attitude.Arsenio Hall also likes to dress up ( he's hilarious as the woman in the bar) and gives a great supporting performance as Murphy's sidekick .
In fact the funniest Murphy moments in the film come from some of the other characters he plays rather than from Akeem.
Coming To America is a brilliant,hilarious movie with a great story,characters and cast.Eddie Murphy did a fantastic job as Prince Akeem,Clarence the hairdresser and the Sexy Chocolate guy,who where all very funny.I also thought Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones did a fantastic job,and altogether makes for a great movie with a great cast.Definitely some of Eddie Murphys better work.Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is tired of always being pampered.When he turns 21,he decides to head to New York to find his own princess instead of getting his father King Jaffe Joffer (Jammes Earl Jones) to find one suited for him..
MPAA:Rated R for Language Quebec Rating:13+ Canadian Home Video Rating:14AI haven't seen this film in a long time so I don't remember much of it.It stars Eddie Murphy,Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones.I remember it being very funny and entertaining.Fans of Eddie Murphy should watch this film.The film is basically about an African prince who with his friend, come to America(Queens, New York to be exact) and pretend to be poor so the prince can find a girl who will like him for his personality and not for the fact that he is a prince.Coming To America is a very funny and entertaining Eddie Murphy film and its one of his best..
And when viewed in that vein, this is a charming, traditional, popcorn love story, with the mainstream laughs you would expect from a 1980s Eddie Murphy film.It's the old tale of the prince in an arranged marriage who wishes to seek, instead, an independently minded woman.
The courtship is fairly speedy as the movie has to finish within two hours; though I'll hold back on whether Prince Akeem gets the girl or not due to IMDb rules.However, this was produced by Eddie Murphy and he came up with the original story, so there are suitably naughty bitsin the day when Murph wasn't a Dad and wasn't making kid-friendly fare.
Prince Akeem's (Murphy) biggest worry in a standard day is not where the next meal or a clean drink of water is going to come from but the annoying flower petals that constantly get dropped at his feet throughout the day but he is also frustrated with his inability to live his own life.But Landis isn't stupid and uses the setting of Africa as a utopia full of beautiful female servants, waiters waiting on you every need and a palace complete with acres and acres of giraffe and elephant roaming garden only to compare in a drastic manner the situation America (New York's 'Queens' in particular) finds itself in; it is a brutal and quite powerful comparison between America as Americans know it, yet perhaps refuse to accept and a far off continent know as Africa.
Coming To America 1988 Starring Eddie Murphy Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, and Eric La Salle.
In this 80's comedy classic Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) isn't ready to marry yet for the thrown of his country, Zamunda.Akeem and his servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) decide to go to Queens, New York to find his own bride.
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, and Shari Heardley.4 out of 5 Stars..
Long before Black panther became the highest grossing black movie of all time, there was coming to America a modestly budgeted comedy starring nearly an all black cast and directed by John Landis.
A movie with a story that was predictable from the beginning, Coming to America is an enjoyable movie, but suffers from its many flaws.Prince Akeem of Zamunda (Eddie Murphy), has been living an easy life as the son of the King of the fictional African country "Zamunda".
For a movie with poor acting from supporting actors and extras and a generic script, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall stand out from the rest of the cast with their sharp delivery and great comedic timing.
However, the funny main characters, sharp comedic timing and good acting from Arsenio Hall and Eddie Murphy keep this movie fun, and make it enjoyable to watch.I give this movie a 6/10 and would recommend it to those who are looking for a fun experience without much consequence or drama..
Continuing my plan to watch every Eddie Murphy movie in order, I come to Coming To America (1988) Plot In A Paragraph: An extremely pampered African Prince (Murphy) travels to Queens, New York, and goes undercover to find a wife whom he can respect for her intelligence and mind.Despite Murphy picking director John Landis (Trading Places) himself, they did not get on during filming, Landis said Murphy had turned in to an egotistical monster, with a ridiculous list of demands.
Eddie Murphy starting make some appearances in disguised as the Barber Shop's crew...they stolen the movie,inventive and unique all the characters are funny and remarkable the owner lies all the time saying that have met a lot of famous people...
Said like this, is sounds uninteresting, but all the gags, situations,dialogues and acting make this work in inexplicable ways.Eddie Murphy is great in his different roles in the film.
And one can see, in a movie like COMING TO AMERICA, what the basis of this stardom is; Eddie Murphy is a natural.
But most of the time the film is exceptional and well worth a watch for fans of Eddie and comedy.Overall, you should watch the film whoever you are because it is funny and clever, Eddie absolutely shining through his role and makes the prince a character worth remembering in looking back on Eddie Murphys career.
He plays Akeem, a pampered African prince who, along with his royal sidekick Semi (a hilarious Arsenio Hall) journey to America to find a perfect, independent woman to be his bride, and not just an air-headed slave to marry him just for the sake of him being a prince!!Murphy and Hall do a slam-bang job of their careers, and the supporting cast do equally great performances as well.
Eddie Murphy proved me wrong with this movie called "Coming to America".
I never saw this hit comedy, but now after 13 years I got to enjoy the many laughs of Eddie Murphy he is just as funny as can be in this film just like his many other fun hits.
Watch Coming to America it is one of the best from Eddie Murphy..
Think of a time when you heard the punchline of a joke you already knew and still laughed at it.Never?Exactly.Once Akeem comes to America, the film becomes much less funny for this reason.
It is 3 minutes and 45 seconds after the movie starts that the central character of Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy actually speaks.
Eddie Murphy's best movie and one of the best comedies in film.
Coming to America is One of Eddie Murphys Best Films ever.
Eddie Murphy the king of comedy stars in Coming to America, a prince from Africa searching for his bride with Aersino Hall.
Coming to America is a romantic comedy starred by comedian Eddy Murphy, and starred by actress and actors Arsenio Hall, John Amos, James Earl Jones, and Shari Headley.