Eddie Murphy is back, and back up to speed, in âComing 2 Americaâ
By Ty Burr Globe Staff,Updated March 4, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
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Released in 1988, âComing to Americaâ is probably the most congenial comedy in Eddie Murphyâs
filmography. The story of a royal prince from the fictional African country of Zamunda who looks for a queen in â where else? â Queens, N.Y., the movie is as broad as a barn and twice as sweet-natured. Youâd have every expectation that a sequel arriving 33 years late to the party would be a bust.
Itâs a pleasure to report, then, that âComing 2 Americaâ lands on Amazon Prime largely in possession of the first filmâs better qualities. Itâs silly of mind and open of heart, full of visual and sonic eye candy while telling a predictable story with pleasurable generosity. The laughs are pitched right over the plate with the skill and enjoyment of a team of vaudeville pros. As reunions go, itâs a success.