Coming to America (1988)

 

Ah, the 80s... When Eddie Murphy was at the total peak of his performance and his name would attract droves of people to the theatres. And you know what? They were right, as the man is not only funny as hell, but he has oodles of charisma. Sure, later on he would totally lose me (and quite a bit of following) with self-indulgent films like 'Norbit' and stuff like that, but it would be downright silly to dismiss the man. 

'Coming to America' is one of his features that has a warm place in my life. Also: it's just a darn funny film with its heart in the right place. It will make you feel fuzzy. 

In the African kingdom of Zamunda, everything is going swimmingly for prince Akeem (Murphy). On his 21st birthday however, he rightly feels overly pampered and he isn't sure if this is all that life has to offer. Akeem is not an idiot, and doesn't like the fact that he has to marry some preordained girl, as he would much rather meet one who likes him for who he is, not just because he is a prince. 

Yes, Murphy is a Disney princess in this one. 

In order to find his real bride, Akeem and his friend/servant Semmi head to New York. More precisely Queens, in the seediest neighbourhood they can find. During a pageant, Akeem sees Lisa, the daughter of a local fastfood entrepreneur called McDowell. He is instantly smitten, because she is not just a pretty face, but clearly a woman who has a mind of her own. To try and win her over, Akeem and Semmi go to work at the restaurant. Through a multitude of happenings and occasional shenanigans, things do seem to work out for Akeem and Lisa, but Semmi does throw a spanner in the works... 

There is a lot to love with this one. For starters: it really is funny. The combination of a witty script, John Landis' direction and Murphy's starpower leaps off the screen. And to be sure, this is in every respect Murphy's film. But the guy is so endearing, charming and just funny that is all clicks. He even refrains from his usual barrage of F-bombs and presents Akeem as just a nice guy. Remember that? When protagonists could just be nice guys? 

But it's not only Eddie Murphy, the supporting cast consists of some heavy hitters who are all clearly enjoying themselves. There's James Earl Jones as Akeem's father king Jaffe, who is pretty spot on as far as royalty is concerned. Or Eriq LaSalle as the slimy boyfriend of Lisa. And of course Arsenio Hall, who is at least as funny as Murphy and gets the mischievous part of Semmi. 

And you know what? It's just nice to watch a film that makes you feel good. Sure, storywise it is pretty straightforward and you can see the denouement coming a mile away, but I can assure you that you will be smiling and laughing all the way to the end. If that isn't a nice enough sentiment, I honestly don't know what is. Maybe it's a hefty dose of nostalgia, but 'Coming to America' is absolutely wonderful.