Coming 2 America: A Royal Return with Heart and Humor
When I first heard about Coming 2 America, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia mixed with excitement. The original Coming to America holds a special place in my heart—its blend of romance, comedy, and social commentary was a masterclass in 80s filmmaking. Now, with legends like Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall reprising their iconic roles, I felt an inherent curiosity about how such a beloved classic could evolve. Would it honor the past while carving its own path for modern audiences?
Set in the vibrant, fictitious land of Zamunda, the film reintroduces us to newly-crowned King Akeem (Murphy) and his loyal sidekick Semmi (Hall) as they embark on a journey back to Queens, where it all began. Akeem discovers he has a long-lost son, Lavelle (played by Jermaine Fowler), and the story unfolds with family, identity, and the clash of tradition versus modernity at its core.
What struck me most about the film was its thematic depth blended with humor. It tackles the nuances of fatherhood and the pressure of legacy while still serving up laugh-out-loud moments—like Wesley Snipes as the hilariously ambitious General Izzi, who wants to intricately merge his kingdom with Akeem’s through marriage. The absurdity is met with poignant moments that capture the struggle of balancing duty and personal desires, as Akeem attempts to raise his son in a world both foreign and familiar.
The performances were undoubtedly a highlight. Eddie Murphy shines as Akeem, melding his trademark humor with a sense of gravitas that reflects his character’s growth. Arsenio Hall brings his unique charm and comedic timing as Semmi, providing a dynamic duo that feels as electric as it did in the original. Newcomers like Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan inject a fresh, vibrant energy that complemented the established cast beautifully.
Visually, Coming 2 America is stunning. The vibrant colors of Zamunda pop off the screen, enriching the world-building that makes you wish you could step right into its royal palace. The cinematography does an excellent job of juxtaposing the grandeur of African royalty with the familiar streets of Queens, renewing that sense of cultural connection and disconnection that the original film explored.
Notable lines, like “You’ve never walked in my shoes,” resonate deeply as they encapsulate the film’s exploration of identity and understanding across generations. It’s a reminder of the importance of learning and growth, all wrapped in a package of laughter and levity.
For anyone who revels in a rich mix of nostalgia, humor, and heart, Coming 2 America is well worth the watch. It may not fully capture the ineffable charm of its predecessor, but it offers a fresh perspective on beloved characters while calling attention to the importance of family, heritage, and humor in navigating life’s confounding complexities.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or new to Akeem and Semmi’s world, Coming 2 America provides a delightful escape that reminds us of the bonds that tie us together, however wide the gaps may seem. Personally, watching it felt like a warm hug from an old friend—full of laughter, wisdom, and the enduring truth that, no matter the distance, home is where the heart is.
You can find Coming 2 America (2020) here >>