By Michael Lyons
There is a scene in 1988's Coming to America where Prince Akeem is so happy that he walks through the streets of Queens, NY, singing Jackie Wilson's "To Be Loved," at the top of his lungs.
Fans of the beloved blockbuster comedy may soon be doing the same thing themselves. That’s because, this Friday, March 5th, Prime Video will debut Coming 2 America, a long-awaited and much-anticipated sequel to one of the '80's biggest films.
Almost 33 years after its debut, the original Coming to America has also become one of those repeatedly watched and quoted comedies. It's also one of Eddie Murphy's best films.
The '80's king of box-office comedy starred as Prince Akeem, a pampered member of a royal family who travels from his kingdom in Africa to New York. Here, he goes undercover, rebelling against his family's wishes of arranged marriages to find a true love of his own.
Directed by John Landis (who helmed several popular '80s comedies), Coming to America co-starred Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, and Shari Headley. The film was a perfect vehicle for Murphy, allowing him (and Hall) to perform some hysterical, supporting roles (in amazing prosthetic makeup) that have become classics. The film also had sweetness and heart, as well as a nice message around charting one's course in life and the power of true love
In the sequel, Coming 2 America, Murphy is back as the Prince (most of the cast from the original also returns). His highness goes back to Queens, this time is looking for a long-lost son.
To commemorate Coming 2 America coming to our TVs, here is a rundown of just some of Eddie's other memorable movies:
48 Hrs. (1982)
After capturing everyone's attention on Saturday Night Live and helping to revitalize the then-struggling show, Eddie Murphy burst onto movie screens like a force of nature in 48 Hrs.
As a convict forced to pair up with a gruff cop played by Nick Nolte, Murphy has so many tour-de-force memorable scenes in the film (the one in the cowboy bar is a star-making moment). Murphy and Nolte had perfect chemistry, and director Walter Hill essentially created the "buddy movie" genre. Multiple films like this followed (including a disappointing 1990 sequel), but none compare this to the original.
Murphy's first collaboration with his Coming to America director, John Landis, had him paired with fellow SNL-alum Dan Aykroyd. The two find themselves part of a "social experiment" conducted by two millionaires (Don Ameche, Ralph Bellamy) who reverse the positions of a poor, street smart con artist (Murphy) and a wealthy, snobbish investor (Ackroyd) to see how they will fare.
Smart and sophisticated in its humor and its messages about stereotypes and economic hierarchies, Trading Places seems more relevant today than ever.
At one time, this movie was one of the top ten grossing films of all time. Looking back at it, one can see why. Murphy, a Detroit cop who comes to Beverly Hills to unofficially investigate his best friend's death, was at the top of his game and held the screen (and the film) with his confident comic talents.
Plus, the scene with Murphy and art gallery employee Serge (Bronson Pinchot) is still absolutely hysterical.
The Nutty Professor (1996)
Murphy was snubbed of an Oscar nomination for his role in this remake of the famous Jerry Lewis comedy as Sherman Klump, an overweight college professor. Through an experiment, he accidentally creates an obnoxious alter ego called Buddy Love (also Murphy). Murphy was so good and funny in both roles, but with Sherman, he makes such a kind-hearted soul that a scene in which he is ridiculed by a stand-up comic (played by Dave Chappelle) quickly moves from funny to absolutely heartbreaking.
Amid this serious epic Disney animated film, based on a beloved Chinese folktale about the main character who takes her father's place to go off to war and fight the Huns, came Mushu.
Murphy voiced the fast-talking, "travel-sized" dragon in rat-a-tat delivery that brings much-needed comic relief during the film's most serious moments.
Bowfinger (1999)
An extremely underrated comedy from director Frank Oz. Steve Martin (who wrote the film) is the title character, a low-rent filmmaker who comes up with an unorthodox way to direct Hollywood's next blockbuster.
Murphy is so great here, in another dual role, as a self-centered action star and an innocent nerd who Martin convinces to star in the film. Look for the scenes in which Murphy crosses a busy LA freeway for pure, physical comedy gold.
Shrek (2001)
Murphy's second animated vocal performance was as Donkey in DreamWork's hit (and subsequent franchise) about a gruesome Ogre (Mike Myers) who becomes a hero.
Murphy brought his usual comic talents and singing skills that create the film's infections musical high note of a finale.
Dreamgirls (2006)
Murphy finally scored his first Oscar nomination for his role as James "Thunder" Early in this adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. A unique role for the comedy star who brought his skills for mimicry (in this case of many singers of the time) and music to this performance that genuinely lights up the screen in every scene.
In an all-star caper involving a robbery of a billionaire living in a Manhattan skyscraper, Murphy plays "Slide," an ex-con who helps mastermind the heist. Not only does Murphy provide great street-smart comedy here, but he also works perfectly with his co-stars Ben Stiller, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, and Gabourey Sibide in this solid ensemble comedy.
Of course, this list would include the original Coming to America and could consist of a number of the comedian's other film vehicles.
So, after you finish his latest Coming 2 America this weekend, why not have a Murphy binge-a-thon? You can then go out in the street and sing all about it.
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