Sundaymail Editor
Tinashe Kusema
Film Review
I have always been of the opinion that reboots, prequels and sequels are killing the movie industry.
Where is the creativity?
Half the time, these films bring nothing new to old concepts.
They simply rehash outdated jokes or plotlines; in the process, ruining good movies and timeless classics.
I shed a tear or two when I found out about plans to revive the “Ace Ventura” franchise without Jim Carey, “Big Trouble in Little China” without Kurt Russel and a remake of “Bloodsport” without Jean-Claude Van Damme.
This is in addition to the soft “Candyman” and “Ghostbusters” reboots due for release later this year.
It is enough to give anyone a splitting headache. Reboots are well and good at times, but only get one so far.
However, every now and then, Hollywood tends to get it right.
“Coming 2 America” might be that one good day in the office for the producers.
The original film was released back in 1988, and the fact that Eddie Murphy and company manage to achieve something special with a sequel some 33 years later is something that deserves special mention.
The film kicks off with Akeem (Murphy) and Lisa Joffer (Shari Headley) now proud parents of three daughters — Meeka (Kiki Layne), Omma (Bella Murphy) and Tinashe (Akiley Love).
When his father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones), falls ill and dies, Akeem assumes the throne. However, as he is without a son, neighbouring kings are keen to marry their sons into Zamunda, and topping that list is General Izzi (Wesley Snipes) who rules Nexdoria.
King Akeem then finds out that he has an illegitimate son, Lavelle Junson (Jermaine Fowler), from his short time in America.
In an attempt to save his kingdom from an inconvenient alliance, Akeem goes to America to get his son, whom he hopes will later succeed him.
As lazy as the plot sounds, it is saved by some meaningful sub-plots, gags aplenty, stellar performances and cameos and, most importantly, heavy doses of nostalgia.
For starters, most of the characters from the first film — most notably the main cast that comprises Murphy, Arsenio Hall (Semmi), James (King Jaffe) and John Amos (Cleo McDowell) — return to their roles and stories.
Murphy and Hall — secondary characters from the barbershop and church — return, as do a handful of characters like Oha (Paul Bates), Maurice (Louie Anderson) and Garcelle Beauvais (Rose Bearer).
Special appearances from acts like Morgan Freeman, Dikembe Mutombo, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, Gladys Knight and Davido give the movie that extra dose of nostalgia.
Without revealing too much, there are also some recycled jokes and punchlines squeezed in there.
But what separates this movie from the other reboots and outdated sequels is that the nostalgia, while perfectly played, is just the tip of the iceberg.
“Coming 2 America” is not a coming-of-age movie like the prequel, but one that delves into deeper and more meaningful subject matters, all the while maintaining its sense of humour and light-heartedness.
Akeem battles between balancing the demands of his family and the kingdom.
Tradition dictates that he hands over the throne to a son, but he has three daughters.
It is a tired but still relevant trope of African culture.
We also see the battle between African and Western culture in Akeem’s bastard son Levelle Junson, as he battles to adjust to the demands of his new responsibilities and the desires of his heart.
There is also a love story thrown in there.
And given that this is an Eddie Murphy movie, one should expect plenty of laughter and running gags.
In terms of performances, Murphy and Fowler carry the bulk of the weight of the movie and do an outstanding job.
He is a toned-down Murphy but still having fun.
The fun aspect rubs off onto the rest of the cast as we see an exaggerated Wesley Snipes (General Izzi) as the main protagonist of the movie.
He is aptly guided by the ever-so-funny Michael Blackson and surprising cameos by Rick Ross as one of Izzi’s lieutenants.
Honourable mention should also go to Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan, who also steal the show as Levelle’s mother and uncle (Mary and Reem Junson) respectively.
Online Reporter