Coming to America Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich African dude goes to Queens to find a wife who won’t bark like a dog, ends up working at a McDonald’s rip-off, and somehow gets away with lying about being royalty.

🍿 Coming to America: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Akeem’s Royal Life

Prince Akeem of Zamunda is living a life of extreme luxury, but he feels unfulfilled. He’s expected to marry a woman he’s never met, one who has been trained to obey his every command. Akeem yearns for genuine connection and a partner who respects him for who he is, not his title.

Journey to Queens

Determined to find true love, Akeem travels to Queens, New York, with his loyal servant Semmi. They disguise themselves as commoners to avoid attracting attention and to ensure that any potential partner is interested in him, not his wealth. Their culture shock is immediate as they navigate the unfamiliar urban landscape.

Working at McDowell’s

To experience ‘real life’ and meet potential partners, Akeem and Semmi get jobs at McDowell’s, a fast-food restaurant that bears a striking resemblance to McDonald’s. Akeem quickly becomes smitten with Lisa McDowell, the owner’s daughter, who embodies the qualities he seeks in a wife: intelligence, independence, and compassion.

Deception and Discovery

As Akeem courts Lisa, he keeps his true identity a secret. Semmi, struggling with their impoverished conditions, sends a message to Zamunda requesting funds. This alerts King Jaffe Joffer, who travels to America to ensure Akeem fulfills his royal duty and marries the arranged bride. Lisa learns the truth about Akeem’s identity, leading to hurt and confusion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy): A pampered African prince who travels to Queens, New York to find a wife who loves him for himself, not his title.
• Semmi (Arsenio Hall): Akeem’s loyal valet who accompanies him to America and struggles to adjust to a more modest lifestyle.
• Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley): A strong-willed and independent woman working at her father’s restaurant who captures Akeem’s heart.
• King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones): Akeem’s traditionalist father, the King of Zamunda, who initially opposes his son’s quest for love in America.
• Cleo McDowell (John Amos): Lisa’s father and the owner of McDowell’s restaurant, who is initially excited by Akeem’s royal status but ultimately wants his daughter’s happiness.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Prince Akeem: “I want a woman who will arouse my intellect as well as my loins.” – Akeem explains his desire for a wife who is more than just physically attractive, setting the stage for his journey to America.
• Semmi: “Good morning, my neighbors!” – Akeem shouts this from his apartment window in Queens, only to be met with a less-than-friendly response, highlighting the culture clash.
• King Jaffe Joffer: “When you are the king, you can wipe your bottom with one hundred dollar bills!” – The King expresses his view on the privileges of royalty.
• Cleo McDowell: “Look… me and the McDonald’s people got this thing, okay?” – Cleo explains the differences between McDowell’s and McDonalds.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $128,152,301
• Worldwide Gross: $288,752,301

💥 Coming to America Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! Growing up, Coming to America was a staple in our household. The scene where Akeem shouts ‘Good morning, my neighbors!’ always cracks me up, and I still find myself quoting it. What I appreciate most is the film’s genuine heart, showing that love can be found even in the most unexpected places. Also, who can forget Sexual Chocolate?!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Eddie Murphy’s 1980s comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a fish-out-of-water premise”
  • “People interested in stories about cultural clashes and self-discovery”
  • “Audiences who appreciate lighthearted humor with a touch of social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor and innuendo”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Some cultural stereotypes (though often used satirically)”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Coming to America delivers a delightful culture clash with Eddie Murphy’s charm and Arsenio Hall’s comedic brilliance. The film’s strength lies in its clever satire of wealth and the pursuit of genuine connection. While occasionally relying on stereotypes, its heart remains pure and its humor consistently lands.
• RogerEbert.com: “John Landis and Eddie Murphy create a vibrant and funny world in Coming to America. Its witty social commentary and Eddie Murphy’s impeccable comedic timing shine. The movie’s strength is its ability to blend a fairy tale with the real-world struggles of finding love and identity.
• Variety: “Coming to America is a charming and hilarious film. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall deliver fantastic performances and the satire is sharp. Its heart and humor make it a classic for a reason.

Audience Reactions

The hilarious barbershop scenes where Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall play multiple characters are unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the comedic performances of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, especially in their multiple roles.

The movie’s blend of comedy and romance resonates with audiences.: Many appreciate the heartwarming love story and the film’s overall positive message.

Overall Consensus: Coming to America is a beloved comedy classic known for its memorable characters, witty humor, and heartwarming story.

Awards

1. NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Motion Picture)- 1989
2. NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture)- 1989
3. People’s Choice Award (Favorite Comedy Motion Picture)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall played multiple characters in the film, requiring extensive makeup and prosthetics work by Rick Baker and his team. This added a significant layer of comedy and showcased their versatility.”
• “The fictional country of Zamunda was intentionally designed to be a utopian vision of Africa, contrasting with the stereotypes often portrayed in media.”
• “The ‘Soul Glo’ commercial was a parody of hair product commercials popular in the 1980s, and its over-the-top nature made it a memorable comedic element of the film.”
• “The film features a brief cameo by Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy, reprising their roles as the Duke brothers from ‘Trading Places,’ another Eddie Murphy film directed by John Landis. This was a nod to their previous collaboration.”

🖥️ How to Watch Coming to America?

Coming to America is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Paramount+, where it’s often included with a subscription. It’s also available to rent or buy on demand through services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. For physical media collectors, the movie is available on DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Coming to America, you might like these similar films:

• Trading Places (1983): Another Eddie Murphy-John Landis collaboration with a focus on social commentary and comedic role reversals.
• Crocodile Dundee (1986): Features a similar ‘fish out of water’ scenario where an individual from a vastly different culture navigates the unfamiliar environment of New York City.
• The Princess Bride (1987): A fairy-tale romance with comedic elements, exploring themes of true love and adventure.
• Black Panther (2018): Features a utopian African nation with advanced technology, which provides a similar sense of aspirational representation.

🛒 Coming to America Related Products

• Coming to America [Blu-ray]: High-definition transfer of the classic comedy, featuring bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Coming to America T-Shirt: Officially licensed t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the movie, like the McDowell’s logo.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Coming to America – Prince Akeem: A vinyl figure of Prince Akeem in his royal garb, a must-have for collectors.
• Coming to America Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for framing.

🎧 Soundtrack

Coming to America features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Coming To America” – performed by The System

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

COMING TO AMERICA 1988 Cast Then And Now 2023, The Actors Have Aged Horribly!

I bet you’re curious to know how the Coming to America cast looks like today. Well, this video has all the answers!

Eddie Murphy’s Hilarious Prank On John Amos On-Set of ‘Coming to America’ #shorts #funny #fyp

If you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes antics on the set of Coming to America, this short clip will give you a good laugh!

Everything Wrong With Coming to America In 16 Minutes Or Less

Do you have an eagle eye for spotting plot holes in movies? Then you’ll love this video that takes a humorous look at the inconsistencies in Coming to America!

Coming To America: Soul Glo commercial [Entire Clip]

Remember the hilarious Soul Glo commercial from Coming to America? This clip will make you want to watch the movie again and laugh along!

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