Review of Coming 2 America (2021) by Yorkman — 06 Mar 2021

It's hard to watch C2A and not draw direct comparisons to the original, in fact it's impossible. Why? Because the film is so intentionally self-referential that it practically begs you to, with so many returning characters and recycled jokes.

However, it IS a pretty good comedy... IF you understand it's a continuation from the original i.e. a sequel, rather than watch it with that comparative mindset and judge it against what is probably Eddie Murphy's funniest film.

The plot is basic, with the fish out of water being Prince/King Akeem's illegitimate son being brought from Queens NY, to Zamunda because of ages old succession laws requiring only a male heir to possess the throne. Throw in a subplot with a neighbouring state looking to get their offspring onto the throne for political/financial reasons and the story moves along quite nicely.

From an acting perspective Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall look like they're really enjoying themselves, as do all the actors returning from the first film (Shari Headley still looks gorgeous 32 years later!). The new actors/characters, especially the younger ones, aren't so good. Jermaine Fowler as Akeem's son Lavelle in particular lacks the charisma needed for the role, outside the comedy elements which he does do well. Wesley Snipes is hilarious as the Dictator from the neighbouring state, and pretty much steals all the scenes he's in.

But, there are problems with the film. It lacks bite and that sense of dread which the first movie had. Being R-rated CTA was able to derive characterisations/humour/depth through racism/profanity/culture clashes that C2A simply can't. It's newer PG-13 'woke' mantra means so much of that is replaced with trying to breathe modern sensibilities into a cliched narrative.

Overall though, it isn't terrible... It's just always going to compare unfavourably to it's predecessor.