Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Coming to America (1988)
"Coming to America," released in 1988, is a delightful comedy that introduces us to an extravagantly pampered African prince, played by Eddie Murphy, who embarks on a journey to Queens, New York. He adopts a low-profile, going undercover to look for a wife who would captivate him with her intelligence and indomitable spirit.
This film is one of my absolute Eddie Murphy favorites, showcasing his incredible versatility and comedic timing. The story is engaging, and Murphy's performance as a prince who finds happiness in mopping floors at a McDonalds-inspired restaurant is both humorous and heartwarming.
In addition, this film is also memorable for the little cameo from another beloved Eddie Murphy movie, adding a delightful twist for the fans.
Moreover, this film also marks one of the earliest appearances of Samuel Jackson. It's indeed the first movie where he utters his iconic line, adding an extra layer of personality to his character.
Eddie Murphy's character is wonderfully happy to be doing menial work after years of being pampered as a prince. He starts off as a floor mopper in a fast-food restaurant, but his ambition doesn't stop there. He exclaims, “Hey, I started out mopping the floor just like you guys. But now... now I'm washing lettuce. Soon I'll be on fries; then the grill. In a year or two, I'll make assistant manager, and that's when the big bucks start rolling in.”
"Coming to America" offers a fantastic blend of comedy and romance, supported by Eddie Murphy's outstanding performance, making it a must-watch film.
"Look at it this way, at least we learned how to make French Fries."
- You are uncomfortable with adult themes and sexual innuendos.
- You don’t enjoy comedy or romance movies.
- You are under the age of 17 - due to its R rating.
- You are easily offended by cultural stereotypes.
Trading Places (1983)
Fanciers of "Coming to America" (1988) will surely enjoy "Trading Places" (1983) as both films are directed by John Landis and feature Eddie Murphy in his prime, showcasing his incredible comedic talent and versatile character portrayals. Both films share a similar comedic style and underlying themes of wealth disparity, social status, and identity. Additionally, they both contain clever storytelling, memorable quotes, and a supporting cast that perfectly complements Murphy’s performance. Therefore, the wit, humor, and social commentary found in "Coming to America" is also prevalent in "Trading Places," making it a must-see for fans.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)Buffs of "Coming to America" will love "Beverly Hills Cop" because both films showcase Eddie Murphy's trademark humor and charm in endearing fish-out-of-water narratives. In "Coming to America," Murphy is an African prince experiencing life in New York, while in "Beverly Hills Cop," he's a Detroit cop navigating the ritzy world of Beverly Hills. Both films also share similar comedic styles and have memorable supporting characters, offering a blend of action, comedy, and heart.
Ghostbusters (1984)"Coming to America" (1988) and "Ghostbusters" (1984) are iconic films from the 80s that feature a blend of comedy, memorable characters, and unique storylines. They each offer a rich viewing experience filled with laughter, courtesy of their combined talented ensemble casts which include comedy greats like Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray. Both films are also set in New York City, allowing viewers to enjoy a nostalgic glimpse of the Big Apple during the 80s. Consequently, fans of "Coming to America" will likely appreciate the same elements of humor, character-driven plots, and cityscape in "Ghostbusters."
Groundhog Day (1993)A classic comedy-drama film directed by Harold Ramis. If you loved the situational humor and character development in Coming to America, you will definitely enjoy Groundhog Day. It stars Bill Murray as an arrogant TV weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same day again and again. Just as in Coming to America, the protagonist in Groundhog Day undergoes a significant transformation throughout the movie which is heart-warming and funny at the same time.
Caddyshack (1980)Lovers of "Coming to America" will enjoy "Caddyshack" because both films share a similar comedic style, marked by their quirky characters, slapstick humor, and clever dialogue. Both films are helmed by well-known comedic actors such as Eddie Murphy in "Coming to America" and Chevy Chase in "Caddyshack," providing a guarantee for laugh-out-loud moments. Additionally, each film contains an underdog story with themes of class disparity and social mobility, wrapped in a blanket of hilarious hijinks.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)"Coming to America" (1988) and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) are classic 80s comedies that thrive on the charm of their protagonists, unique humor and memorable quotes. They share themes of personal freedom, breaking out of societal norms, and youthful adventure, all presented in a lighthearted, comedic manner. If you appreciate the clever humor and feel-good narrative of "Coming to America," you will likely enjoy the mischievous antics and charismatic personality of Ferris Bueller.
Spaceballs (1987)"Coming to America" and "Spaceballs" are classic comedies from the late 80s that showcase the comedic genius of their respective main actors, Eddie Murphy and Mel Brooks. They share a similar sense of humor, involving clever one-liners, slapstick, and satirical commentary on cultural tropes. Additionally, both films focus on royal characters from fictional lands who find themselves in unfamiliar and hilarious situations. The blend of comedy, romance, and adventure in both films provide timeless entertainment that fans of one are likely to appreciate in the other.
There's Something About Mary (1998)"Coming to America" and "There's Something About Mary" are iconic comedies that feature compelling romantic storylines, hilarious situations, and unforgettable characters. They both revolve around the theme of a man going to great lengths to win the woman of his dreams, delivering a perfect blend of romantic pursuit and comedic relief. The humor in both movies is timeless, with a mixture of slapstick comedy, clever dialogue, and situational comedy that fans of "Coming to America" will surely appreciate in "There's Something About Mary". Furthermore, both films strike a perfect balance between romance and comedy, making them entertaining and enjoyable for fans of the romantic comedy genre.
Shrek 2 (2004)Fanciers of "Coming to America" (1988) will appreciate "Shrek 2" (2004) for its similar themes of royal characters exploring new environments and undergoing transformative experiences. Both films feature humorous and heartwarming narratives, as well as lead characters who must hide their true identities, resulting in amusing predicaments and misunderstandings. Both movies also present a satirical view of societal norms and expectations, and are underscored by the theme of finding or accepting one's true self. Not to mention, Eddie Murphy's comedic genius shines through in both films, adding another layer of appeal for fans.
Rush Hour (1998):If you enjoyed Coming to America for its blend of good-natured humor and adventure, you'd likely enjoy Rush Hour. Starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, it is a delightful buddy cop film that combines action, humor, and a little culture shock with an unforgettable chemistry between the leading stars. Like Coming to America, it intermixes comedy of manners with action-packed sequences.
Big (1988):This is a charming comedy in which Tom Hanks portrays a 12-year-old boy who is magically transformed into an adult overnight. The film’s treatment of the child-like innocence and the mature world is both humorous and thought-provoking, something that you might have loved in Coming to America. Directed by Penny Marshall, it's a sweet-natured, exceptionally-acted movie with a big heart.
Zoolander (2001):Directed by Ben Stiller, Zoolander is a comedic take on the fashion industry. If part of the charm of Coming to America for you was seeing Eddie Murphy's character navigating a new and absurd world, you're likely to love Zoolander. The film features a ridiculous but hilarious plot, eccentric characters and - similar to Coming to America - a heartfelt message about being true to oneself, despite the zany surroundings.
Crocodile Dundee (1986):Crocodile Dundee, like Coming to America, is about a fish out of water who must adjust to a new culture. Paul Hogan stars as the iconic Australian who must navigate the wilds of New York City. Hogan's natural charm and the film's upbeat spirit make it a delightful watch. The movie is also reminiscent of Coming to America’s sharp yet affectionate humor about the clash of cultures, which should give you a similar viewing experience.
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