America may have serious problems, but for many people outside borders it is still the Promised Land supposed to solve their existential and other issues. It was even more so in late 1980s, when the world’s soon-to-be sole remaining superpower had irresistible attraction for global masses. This sentiment was not only promoted by Hollywood, but also served as basis of one of its most popular comedies, Coming to America, 1988 film directed by John Landis.
Protagonist, played by Eddie Murphy, is Prince Akeem Joffer, heir to the throne in fictional African country of Zamunda. On his 21st birthday he is informed by his father, King Jaffee (played by James Earl Jones) that he is to be married to Imani Izzi (played by Vanessa Bell), glamorous but apparently empty-headed girl who has been groomed for his wife since birth. Akeem is tired of not being allowed to do anything by himself and talks father to allow him and his friend Semmi (played by Arsenio Hall) to spend forty days before wedding outside Zamunda. Father thinks that Akeem would indulge himself in sexual adventures, but Akeem’s plan is quite different. He yearns for a woman that would love him for his character rather than his status, so travels to New York in search of perfect bride. He and Semmi take identities of ordinary African students and rent apartment in bad section of Queens. On one of local church meetings Akeem spots Lisa McDowell (played by Shari Headley) and falls in love. In order to get near her, he takes the job in fast food restaurant owned by her father Cleo (played by John Amos). Lisa is, however, dating Darryl Jenkins (played by Eriq La Salle), heir of a business empire, while Akeem attracts Lisa’s sister Patricia (played by Allison Dean).
Coming to America was made at the time when Eddie Murphy reigned supreme at the box office and it can be argued that it was his personal project. Although his credit for story idea is matter of debate (and plagiarism lawsuit with Art Buchwald, later settled out of court), the plot was in line with Murphy’s attempts to redirect his career from playing brash street smart characters into playing romantic leads. Character of Akeem, even for a mere fact that he had to use African accent, represented a new challenge for Murphy; he played that role very well and in many way paved the way for new, gentler, kinder and family-friendly image of Murphy that would become norm in 1990s. Murphy, just like his colleague Arsenio Hall, however, indulged themselves in a little experimentation. Both comedians play not one, but many characters, with Murphy using Rick Baker’s “Oscar”-awarded makeup to even pass as white Jewish character.
Murphy had such clout at the time, that John Landis was hired as director at his insistence. Landis’ career was at the time in bad shape, following the series of flops and The Twilight Zone tragedy. Murphy wanted to return favour to the film maker whom he owed his stardom following the casting in immensely successful Trading Places, comedy which is here referenced by having Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche in cameos repeating roles of Duke Brothers from said film. Landis as director did solid, although not particularly remarkable job. Coming to America has slight issues with pacing, especially in the middle section, but most of the audience won’t notice because script by David Sheffield and David W. Blauestein, despite simple premise, cliches and predictability of plot, deliver just enough humour. Landis was given rather impressive budget and it is most visible in the opening, when the audience can enjoy impressive production design, costumes and props that depict luxurious royal palace of Zamunda. Landis, despite film having roots in Classic Hollywood romantic comedies, allows some modern-day “roughness” with profane language and occasional female nudity. Although script bases his humour on classic “fish out of water” situation in which pampered foreign aristocrat finds after arriving in rough low class neighbourhood in urban America, chances for some profound social commentary, unlike Trading Places are missed.
What ultimately makes this watchable is an excellent cast. Not only Murphy and Hall deliver great performances in their multiple roles, but they are supported by formidable actors, many of which would, like Samuel L. Jackson, Vondie Curtis-Hall and Cuba Gooding Jr., appear briefly but show talent that would shine even brighter in their latter films. Although far from perfection, Coming to America delivers entertainment by major Hollywood talents at the zenith of its power and is film that could be appreciated and enjoyed even today. It became a massive hit, although Murphy and Landis apparently had massive falling out during production (only to reconcile few year later, resulting in disastrous Beverly Hills Cop III). Like with many big Hollywood hits, sequel was planned, but those plans didn’t materialise until 2021, when Coming 2 America appeared on Amazon Prime.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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