Coming 2 America (2021) Review

 

Prince Akeem returns to New York to bring his lost son back to Zamunda. It's a fish-out-of-water reversal of the first film. 

Some of the gags are recycled even annoyingly over reused, nevertheless there's plenty of new laughs to be had. There's a great moment when we are treated to a CGI de-ageing flashback New York 1988 where Akeem and Semmi are trying to find a bride. 

What this outing gets right and makes it a joy to watch is the characters, from bit parts to the leads, they are exactly how and where we'd expect them to be over thirty years later. While is a pity there's not more time spent in New York, the colourful Zamunda setting/plot is interesting even if a little stage-like. It's hasn't the realism of the likes of a Trading Places either but this was also a little quibble with the original Coming to American. Talking Trading Places, the Dukes get a nod (after their characters cameos in the original) with Colin Jost playing their relation. 

 Both Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall again play multiple parts. The cast is huge. James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, John Amos returns as Cleo, head of the knockoff of McDonald's, McDowell's return to name a few. The only real main character missing is the late Madge Sinclair who played Queen Aoleon. There's call-backs and reprised cameos galore. There's also cameos from comedians, singers and athletes. Even Morgan Freeman turn up. It's heart and gender politics are in the right place, proudly celebrating culture in addition to readdressing arranged marriages, cultural sexism and like its predecessor being true to yourself. 

 The new additions including Akeem's three daughters (played by KiKi Layne, Akiley Love and Murphy's real daughter Bella) are welcomed. In addition, Wesley Snipes' memorable General Izzi and his daughter Bopoto played by Teyana Taylor are great. Lead Jermaine Fowler, Tracy Morgan and Leslie Jones offer plenty of laughs but it's Snipes who steals every scene. 

 Overall, it's a surprisingly entertaining follow-up which doesn't let the sequel side down, it compliments it, even if it doesn't excel the original. Recommend.