Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall star in this fantasy comedy circa 1987, about an African prince who is searching for his love, his queen, where else but Queens in New York City.
With adept comedic skill, the two young actors played the lead characters as well as several members of the supporting cast! It is good to see this comedy again!
I had not seen the full version of Coming to America since its theatrical debut. The television replays are somewhat watered down, and a little more kid friendly. Rough language, and nudity play a part in the film, but it is still very very funny even after all these years. Eddie Murphy was at his best looking as Prince Akeem who didn’t want an arranged marriage, and who goes out into the world to seek both fortune and bride. Arsenio Hall is his best friend Simi is sent along by King Joffey (played by James Earl Jones) to keep an eye on the Prince.
Handsome, wealthy, intelligent, determined and pretty much clueless to the dangers around them, the Prince and his friend take on New York City, in the borough of Queens. They are soon making a difference in the lives of those around them, not only falling in love, but helping clean up crime and litter.
Coming to America was one of those films that we all flocked to see in the 1980’s and talked about incessantly. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall were at the top of their game, able to play romantic leads, and turn their comedic skills to lesser but funny characters, a barber, a customer a fire and brimstone preacher and an old Jewish guy that baffled and amused viewers.
We were impressed and tickled by their humorous look at a small community within a large city, how could they get these familiar characters so right? And in addition, we had recently been treated to the Royal Wedding Grand Show in Britain, and people were up for a film that explored the real feelings of a Prince looking for true love.
The Boomer generation was looking for love, and life mates, and we could identify with not wanting these important people chosen for us, but BY us. It was all in good fun, and we enjoyed the heck out of this film.
The I Love the 80’s Coming To America is presented in widescreen format with a running time of 114 minutes. It is rated R for the above mentioned nudity and language, but is almost tame compared to some things that are now shown on cable.
Apparently the music has not been changed but exists as it was in the original release, which is both good and appropriate. Inside the keep case is a limited edition cd with musical numbers by A-ha, Echo & The Bunny Men, INXS and Erasure. These are the best known tracks by these artists, not music from the film.
Come on 80’s kids, this is one for your collections, with good music, good story and GREAT laughs! Nostalgia shouldn’t be this much fun, but it is!
Coming to America: I Love the 80's Edition is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for this version of the DVD in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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