'Coming to America': Overrated Nostalgia Trip or Actually Good?
Alright, alright, settle down. I know, I know, 'Coming to America' is like, a sacred cow for some people. Comedy gold, right? Eddie Murphy at his PEAK. Lemme tell ya, I watched it again the other day, and I'm just not seeing it the same way everyone else does. Parts of it are funny, sure. Clarence and Saul are legitimately hilarious, and I'll give Arsenio Hall props for playing multiple roles. But a LOT of it just felt... dated? And not 'charmingly retro' dated, more like 'cringey stereotypes and predictable plot' dated. Like, the whole 'noble savage' thing with Akeem suddenly discovering the real world sucks because he has to actually work for something? Played out. Lisa McDowell is supposed to be this strong, independent woman, but really she just spends the whole movie waiting for a man to rescue her from a perfectly good existence. Plus, let's be honest, Zamunda looks like a community theater production of The Lion King threw up on a soundstage. I mean, I appreciate the concept, but the execution wasn't exactly stellar. And don't even get me started on the 'sexual chocolate' bit. I get it, Randy Watson's supposed to be a joke, but it's just… not funny anymore. I'll admit, I laughed at it as a kid, but it's super corny now. Look, I'm not saying it's a terrible movie. There are some genuinely funny moments, and Eddie and Arsenio have great chemistry. But I think a lot of the love for 'Coming to America' is pure nostalgia goggles. People remember it fondly from their childhood, and they're afraid to admit that maybe, just maybe, it's not quite as amazing as they remember. Anyways, that's just my two cents. I'm prepared to be crucified in the comments, so bring it on. Maybe I'm missing something obvious, but I just felt this one hasn't age as well as some would think.
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