Review of Coming to America (1988) by Dave A — 30 Jun 2011

This is one of those movies that everyone should see. It's hilarious, charming and socio-political greatness all in one! Eddie Murphy plays multiple characters, along with his buddy Arsenio Hall, and they try to find his princely character a "real" woman with thoughts and opinions before he is forced to marry a mule of a wife. They land in America, disguise their royality and wealth, and comedy ensues.

What makes Coming To America so great is the simple message at its core: love for love, not money. Parental pressure on both sides escalates into madness over who marries who, with one side contending that wealth is important, while our heroes want to find some genuine. It's easily likeable, and hard to argue such a winnable formula.

James Earl Jones plays the king, and as always, his gravitas alone makes him as badass as Jules Winnfield! Eddie Murphy shines as he must play a foreigner in his own native country, a challenge that forces him to play more innocent bystander than comic genius. He's a little too squeaky clean, but its not like he's asking for much.

Coming To America, along with Revenge of the Nerds, is yet another great 80s movie. It's tough to find good "entertainment" in cinema today without having to watch something in IMAX 3D, so its refreshing to go back to these 80s classics. Check it out!!