Director: John Landis
Writers: Eddie Murphy (story), David Sheffield (screenplay)
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Shari Headley,  James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, Arsenio Hall, Paul Bates, John Amos, Eriq La Salle

Once upon a time, an Eddie Murphy comedy was an absolute guarantee of non-stop laughter, whether it was in an action-packed adventure, a romantic comedy, or any other genre. This review takes us back to a time before “The Klumps,” in a classic romantic comedy directed by John Landis called “Coming to America” from 1988. The film revolves around the life of Akeem, an exceedingly pampered African prince who embarks on a journey to Queens, New York, incognito, in search of a wife he can admire for her intellect and character.

Before we get into the specifics of this movie, let’s remember the comedy gems Eddie Murphy gifted us with in the 1980s: “48 Hrs” (fantastic), “Trading Places” (absolutely hilarious), “Beverly Hills Cop I & II” (arguably one of the best franchises of the 1980s), and “The Golden Child” (just fantastic). It’s safe to say that in the 1980s, Eddie Murphy could do no wrong. From 1982 onward, he was a surefire box office hit, and his stand-up comedy was at its peak. The transition to the 1990s is a different story, one we’ll explore another time when discussing comedy actors of that era who didn’t quite fit in as the decade turned.

In “Coming to America,” Murphy takes on the role of Prince Akeem, who, after fleeing an arranged marriage, sets his sights on finding his future bride in America, specifically in Queens, New York. Alongside him on this journey is his loyal sidekick, Semmi (played by Arsenio Hall). The story is about two young men in their early 20s, both pampered all their lives, trying to adapt to a regular life in New York. It’s the classic “fish out of water” tale, where Akeem strives to find someone who loves him for himself rather than his royal status, all while concealing his true identity. If you grew up in the 1980s, you might not have been allowed to watch this movie due to its adult themes and language. However, if you were fortunate, like I was, to watch it around 1990 at the age of 13 or 14, you likely fell in love with it instantly. I still find myself drawn to it whenever it’s on TV, a testament to how funny this film remains. The humor isn’t primarily offensive; instead, the writers, Murphy and Sheffield, craft a cleverly written, multi-layered story. Some scenes even hark back to Murphy’s earlier work.

Eddie Murphy isn’t just terrific as Akeem; he also dazzles with his multiple characters, such as the clients in the barbershop, Clarence, and Saul (yes, a white man!). His portrayal of these characters is hilariously funny, with Murphy’s insightful observations shining through. The standout character, and perhaps the scene-stealer, is Randy Watson, a horrendous lounge singer who somehow lands a spot at a charity fundraiser. Akeem and Semmi attend this event in hopes of finding an honest and decent young lady, only to be treated to “The Greatest Love Of All” by Randy Watson and his band, Sexual Chocolate. The first time I witnessed this scene, I couldn’t stop laughing. The audience’s silent reaction to Watson’s performance and his desperate exclamation of “Sexual Chocolate” are comedy gold. Murphy’s multiple character portrayals don’t distract from the film’s enjoyment; they add to it. Clarence is outspoken and offensive, Saul is quietly humorous, and they only appear in a few scenes to guide Akeem on his path. It’s at this fundraiser that Akeem first sets eyes on Lisa McDowell, co-owner of the “McDowells” burger chain (not to be confused with McDonald’s). It’s love at first sight for the young Prince.

Arsenio Hall, a terrific and very funny comedian who is perhaps more famous in the US than in the UK, plays Semmi. I must confess I didn’t know him before seeing this movie, and his performance is on par with Murphy’s in “Coming to America.” Unlike Akeem, Semmi is more self-centered and devious, focusing on his own desires and resisting Akeem’s decision to blend in with the locals in Queens. Hall plays the character with a petulant charm, like a spoiled child unwilling to change his ways and struggling with manual work and regular life.

The supporting cast, including Shari Headley, James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, Paul Bates, John Amos, and Eriq La Salle, is strong and well-chosen. They all contribute humor to the story, and keep an eye out for a humorous cameo by Samuel L. Jackson, offering a glimpse of his future career. Having James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer and Madge Sinclair as Queen Aoleon was a brilliant choice. At that time, I only knew Jones as the voice of Darth Vader, but he would later voice Mufasa in “The Lion King,” and Sinclair became Sarabi in the same film.

John Landis was an excellent choice as the director. His earlier work, such as “Animal House” and “The Blues Brothers,” showed why he was selected, but his collaboration with Murphy on “Trading Places” probably sealed the deal. The film turned out to be a benchmark in 1980s comedy. Although Landis and Murphy would collaborate again in the mid-1990s for the mostly disappointing third installment of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, Landis had more hits than misses throughout his career. “Coming to America” was undoubtedly one of his hits. In recent times, both the director and actor have been linked to a possible sequel to the 1988 movie, but I hope it remains just a rumor. There’s no need to revisit these characters; their story was wrapped up satisfactorily, and I can’t envision how their journey could be extended without tainting the original’s conclusion.

In summary, “Coming to America” is a timeless comedy that’s a must-watch, a film that showcases Eddie Murphy at the height of his comedic fame. The story is a timeless one about finding love for the right reasons and going against tradition and familial pressures. The film isn’t an all-out comedy but contains some of Eddie Murphy’s funniest work. His films had a knack for blending genres, such as action/adventure and comedy, and this one is no exception. I still enjoy watching it whenever it appears on TV, even though the movie is now 30 years old. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it, but it still holds up to this day. If you haven’t watched this film yet, I highly recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a comedy with substance. Now, I’m off to McDowells for a “Big Mick and Fries”!

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