"Coming to America": A Landis Gem (and barbershop arguments!)
Alright, alright, alright! Had to revisit "Coming to America" last night. Still holds up, right? Seriously, that movie is quotable gold. From Akeem's initial rejection of the arranged marriage ('She's got a nice head...of hair!') to the absurd wealth disparity ('Good Morning My Neighbors!') it just doesn't stop. I always crack up at Semmi's struggles with the... ahem... lack of royal amenities. He's so dramatic. Arsenio Hall absolutely killed that role (and all the other ones he played!). I'm telling you what, though, the barbershop scene is iconic. "How can you shave a man sitting down?" It's a testament to Landis' direction (yeah I looked that up). That whole crew is hilarious, from Clarence the barber to Saul the Jewish customer. The arguments they have are so ridiculous and passionate, I feel like I'm eavesdropping on an actual barbershop debate. I swear my uncle sounds exactly like one of those guys, haha. And let's be honest, the whole premise is just brilliant. Eddie Murphy playing a fish-out-of-water prince trying to find real love in Queens? Comedy gold. The 80s fashion is pretty great, too (or terrible, depending on your perspective!). I always loved Lisa McDowell and her dad Mr. McDowell. He's selling Big Macs basically, and I love it. The ending is a bit predictable, but who cares? It's a feel-good movie, plain and simple. Anyone else think it's a top-tier Eddie flick? Or am I out here on an island? Let me know what your favorite moments are. Maybe we can quote 'em back and forth!
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