Coming to America 2 was finally released on March 4th 2021.
The movie is the sequel to the 1988 romantic comedy with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. Now more than 3 decades later the star cast returns to the small screen. Initially set for a late December release, COVID-19 lead to various production delays, however, most fans were still excited to see the story unfold on the small screen.
Comedy giants Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall retain their roles of Akeem and Semmi. With the death of Akeem’s father, he becomes king and has to contend with the various troubles rulers often face, including finding out he has a bastered son.
Here are 3 special considerations you should make when watching the film:
1.The concept of Zamunda, the African kingdom of King Akeem is still problematic.
It seems that Hollywood still has not been able to crack the code when it comes to attempting to capture Africa is all its glory. Though the film has been a great improvement from the original film released in the late 80s; the sequel still misses the mark. From the accents to the Hollywood gloss over the costumes as well as traditions; there definitely could have been more done to provide context and information based on the rich African culture on the continent. Though it is clear that it is well inspired by African culture and kingdoms, matters of succession, relationships as well as initiation could have been better captured, even highlighting the counter culture of various other kingdoms that does not serve to perpetuate popularized African stereotypes.
However, despite the hiccups in terms of representation; it seems that the production and release of Coming to America 2 are all a result of the Hollywood ecosystem that stifles black storytelling. According to a recent interview on Jimmy Kimmy Live Murphy revealed that he was told that “there has to be a white person in the movie”, resulting in the comedian Louie Anderson joining the black cast. One might deduce that Hollywood is not ready for big-budget all- African/ African American films.
2.Star cameos
Davido performs for a few minutes and South African star actress Nomzamo Mbatha is the only African cast member, she plays ‘Mirembe’ Prince Lavelle’s love interest.
The movie also delivered some notable performances from the likes of Wesley Snipes plays General Izziz, comedian Tracy Morgan, multi-talented Teyana Taylor plays ‘Bopoto’ daughter to General Izziz, rapper Rick Ross, as well as ‘Power’ star Rotimi who plays ‘Idi Izzi’. Wild n’ Out funnyman Michael Blackson, and Saturday Night Live comedian Leslie Jones also feature in the movie.
The movie score was by John Legend, and the production also features a pleasant surprise with guest features from Glady Night who performs a reworked rendition of “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Salt n’ Pepa as well as En Vogue perform a mashup of their 1993 classic “Whatta Man” and Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” at a royal party.
Several African artists had their tracks picked up as soundtracks for the sequel. South Africa’s Nasty C collab with Ari Lennox, R&B newcomer Ricky Tyler, Prince Kaybee’s “Fetch Your Life,” featuring Msaki,Togo duo Toofan, Locko and Alpha P all had their music featured in the movie.
3. Prince Lavelle adorned in Kenyan flag
The Kenyan national flag features heavily Prince Lavelle’s attire. Inspiring a full outfit in his initiation, Jermaine Fowler who plays ‘Lavelle’ is dressed in the national flag, as well as Puma running shoes. Throughout the 1h 50min movie, he is also seen in the Kenyan embroidered shirt and various other intriguing looks.
The movie is definitely worth watching, and delivers some great laughs.
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