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Coming 2 America Blu-ray Review

“Coming 2 America” is a serviceable sequel.

Written by Kenya Barris, David Sheffield and Barry W. Blaustein, “Coming 2 America” is a sequel to the 1988 “Coming To America.” In this follow up, we see that Prince Akeem is still married to Lisa and that they have daughters together. On his father’s deathbed, Akeem learns that he has a son from his visit to Queens. As part of Zamunda tradition, a son must inherit the throne so Akeem must travel to America (with Semmi of course) to find his son (Lavelle). Lavelle, however, soon learns that his life is about to be upended and that his journey to becoming a Prince is easier said than done. Elsewhere in the story, the nation of Nexdoria (led by General Izzi) is seeking power and also wants his children to marry into Akeem’s family.

Upon release, director Craig Brewer’s “Coming 2 America” was received with a very tepid response, but it’s better than its mixed reputation. Yes, it’s a nostalgic retread with plenty of callbacks, recycled jokes, and character cameos (everyone from Sexual Chocolate band to the late great Louie Anderson), but it’s much more involving than many recent sequels that were released many years after the original (COUGH “Dumb And Dumber To” and “Jay And Silent Bob Reboot” COUGH). If you are able to look past date rape being a plot point (whose idea was that disastrous decision?), “Coming 2 America” is an often funny and charming check in with characters that so many people loved. At its heart, it’s also a story about family and change (particularly societal changes from 1988 to the time this sequel was made).

The cast is loaded with talent like Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Tracy Morgan, Shari Headley, KiKi Layne, Leslie Jones, James Earl Jones, Colin Jost, and Jermaine Fowler. They all deliver quality performances and, in the case of the cast members reprising their roles, have no problem stepping back into the roles once again. With that said, there’s one actor who steals the entire movie- Wesley Snipes. The actor is having a blast playing General Izzi. It makes you wish that he’d be in more movies nowadays.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen 1080p. How does it look? A nice pristine hi-def print is present here.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This track does the job.

Extras include a commentary by director Craig Brewer, the 25 minute “From Queens To Zamunda” featurette that includes film clips, discussions about the original and sequel, set footage, and trailers for Eddie Murphy movies ”Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming To America,” “Trading Places,” “Dreamgirls,” “Harlem Nights,” “48 Hrs.,” “Imagine That,” and “Norbit.”

March 2, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Comedy, Coming 2 America Blu-ray Review, Coming To America, Eddie Murphy