Directed by:
John LandisCinematography:
Woody OmensComposer:
Nile RodgersCast:
Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, Shari Headley, Paul Bates, Eriq La Salle, Frankie Faison, Vanessa Bell Calloway (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Coming to America casts comedian Eddie Murphy as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America to find a new bride. Murphy's regal father (James Earl Jones) agrees to allow the prince 40 days to roam the U.S., sending the prince's faithful retainer Semmi (Arsenio Hall) along to make sure nothing untoward happens. To avoid fortune hunters, Prince Akeem conceals his true identity and gets a "Joe job" at a fast-food restaurant. Murphy and Hall play multiple roles, and there are innumerable celebrity cameos peppered throughout the proceedings -- including the Duke Brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) from Trading Places. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (3)
A legendary comedy, full of innocent materialism, great insight, catchphrases and excellent actors. It's just a shame Eddie Murphy didn't stay on top longer. Surprisingly, the ravages of time have not taken too much of a toll on it.
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One of the most original comedies of the 80s. It’s a pity that there are moments when it’s devalued by the star power of Eddie Murphy, who unnecessarily dilutes the pace and the taste with his screaming cameo roles. Otherwise, it’s a very good piece of entertainment that fully exploits the core premise “rich dreamer looking for love in a poor environment”. I don’t think I’ve ever envied anyone’s life so much as Murphy’s here, having my sex organ washed in the morning by a sexy topless servant is now in my bucket list. 75%
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Coming to America is one of the more accomplished pieces in Eddie Murphy's feature filmography, yet I still haven't found my way to the film even years after its release. Murphy's (and Arsenio Hall's) penchant for latex costumes was still in its infancy in Coming to America, and therefore tolerable (compared to the later Klump films, it's definitely a "treasure") – yet Randy Watson and Reverend Brown could have been left out. Plot-wise, it's a fairly simple tale of independence and defiance of one's roots, which is at times humorous, at times topsy-turvy, but compared to some of Murphy's later films, it doesn't offend. From time to time, though, I'm happy to take a trip to America (and Zamunda) with Akeem and his slightly annoying companion Semmi.
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