Coming to America (1988)

Half of the characters in this 1988 John Landis potboiler seem to be played either by Eddie Murphy or costar Arsenio Hall, swaddled in elaborate Rick Baker makeup appliances that render them unrecognizable but also weirdly immobile. As a pampered African prince who journeys incognito to Queens, New York, to find a bride who will love him just for himself, Murphy manages to look smug and naive at the same time. There are enjoyable sequences of Murphy's Prince Akeem applying his lordly manner to his new job in a fast-food emporium, and falling for the boss's spirited daughter (Shari Headley), who teaches him how to party down, American style. But the fish-out-water premise is never fully exploited. Star spotters will have a field day locating Cuba Gooding Jr., Donna Summer, Louie Anderson, Vondie Curtis Hall, E.R.'s Eriq La Salle, and Samuel L. Jackson in their minuscule supporting roles. --David Chute Amazon.com

I watched, I scratched, I rubbed, I watched again. I am a changed man.

My priest once gave a sermon that changed my life. After that sermon I rented this movie. Coming to America. We have all made journeys in life, but none as complex and dangerous as Eddie Murphy made one day in the late 20th century.

The director must have been a son of an immigrant as he distinctively captured the dream of every man, woman, and child who has climbed the statue of liberty. Reach the top. Climb with every ounce of strength you have remaining. Two more steps! One more! Now, open the door in front of you! You are now inside the Statue of Liberty's face!

I will live every day as if I were inside the Statue of Liberty's face. Thank you Mr. Murphy. I am finally free. October 6, 2008

Great Movie

Good transfer, good sound, good picture. For a 20 year old movie, it looks very good on Blu-ray. September 20, 2008

Coming to America - Blu-ray Info

Version: U.S.A / Region Free
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
MPEG-4 AVC BD-25
Running time: 1:56:48
Movie size: 19,30 GB
Disc size: 23,90 GB
Average video bit rate: 19.74 Mbps

Dolby Digital Audio English 640 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 640kbps
Dolby Digital Audio French 192 kbps 2.0 / 48kHz / 192kbps
Dolby Digital Audio Spanish 192 kbps 2.0 / 48kHz / 192kbps

Subtitles: English / English SDH / French / Spanish

#Prince-ipal Photography (25 minutes)
#Fit for Akeem: The Costumes of Coming to America (18 minutes)
#Character Building: The Many Faces of Rick Baker (13 minutes)
#Composing America (11 minutes)
#A Vintage Sit-Down with Eddie and Arsenio
#Photo Gallery
#Theatrical Trailers September 12, 2008

Murphy's Best, Never to be outdone!

This film is now 20 years old, and every aspect of it is simply iconic. Classic. Memorable. Genius! If you disagree, "What do you know from funny, ya bastard?!" Every line in this movie is a line worthy of repeating, every scene one worthy of re-enacting. Easily one of the top ten comedies of all time, and top 100 films of all time. From Zamunda to McDowell's, you'll feel the greasy goodness of Soul Glo in your hair and delight to the sounds of Jackson Heights' own Mr. Randy Watson with his band, Sexual Chocolate. Get off the damn computer and go watch this great movie already!!! August 15, 2008

Finding a Bride in New York City

This is a hilarious movie by Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. One gets reminded of the Klump family from the "Nutty Professor" films when Murphy and Hall's numerous performances of different characters are shown. It was a blast to seem them!

James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, and John Amos give excellent performances, while Shari Headley sure is beautiful. Cameos are also a plus: Louie Anderson, Samuel L. Jackson, and a couple of fictional characters from "Trading Places".

The middle and end parts are a bit slow at times, but put that aside, and you've got a clever movie. A- August 5, 2008

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