Coming 2 America has received mixed reviews, with most critics claiming that it repeats much of the same plot beats as its predecessor. The sequel to 1988’s Coming to America is now available on Amazon Prime Video, and it features many of the same actors and characters from the first film, as well as a few new additions to the cast. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall reprise their roles as core characters in the new film, which is directed by Craig Brewer and features a large supporting cast.
With his father King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) ailing, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is set to take the throne of Zamunda thirty years after the first film. Akeem and his sidekick Semmi (Arsenio Hall) return to New York City to collect the son Akeem never knew he fathered – a prince of Zamunda who can take the throne under the country’s male-rulers-only rules – in order to reinforce the dynasty and his family’s position as leaders of Zamunda. Meeka (KiKi Layne), Akeem’s daughter, complicates matters. She has spent her whole life planning to be queen. Many characters from the first film return in Coming 2 America, as well as newcomers including Akeem’s son Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler), his mother, Mary (Leslie Jones), and General Izzi (Wesely Snipes) ruler of neighboring nation Nexdoria.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Coming 2 America currently has a 52 percent Tomatometer score and a 49 percent audience score. Although critics agree that the sequel provides enough laughs for those who have seen the first, they also agree that it treads too many of the same plot beats, is sloppy, and lacks the same passion that made the first one amazing. Most critics agree that Coming 2 America works better when it builds on what was established in the first film rather than retreading old ground with a new generation.
Despite this, many reviewers find Coming 2 America to be enjoyable. Most people agreed that there are times when the sitcom is as good as the original, and that bringing back those characters, such as the barbershop employees, would please fans. Wesley Snipes, a newcomer to the franchise, gives an outrageous performance as General Izzi, the leader of neighbouring country Nextdoria, and Ruth E. Carter’s costumes are widely lauded as among the best parts of the film.
Coming to America fans have been waiting 33 years for a sequel, and now they have it. Though it seems that audiences will prefer a storyline that is more independent of its roots, there is a chance that this would be the case.
