Movie Review: Coming to America (1988)

★★★★★

Eddie Murphy as a prince pretending to be broke? Coming to America is royal comedy gold with extra fries from McDowell’s.

Denzel R.

Michigan

When it comes to 1980s comedies that blend absurd humor with genuine heart, Coming to America stands in a class of its own. Directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy in one of his most beloved roles, this 1988 classic is often remembered for its fish-out-of-water premise, multiple-character performances, and unforgettable barbershop scenes. But dig deeper, and the Coming to America movie reveals itself as a surprisingly thoughtful romantic comedy, one that tackles cultural identity, wealth, class, and personal freedom, all under the banner of mainstream comedy.

At Box Review, we love spotlighting films that do more than just entertain. Coming to America is not just a laugh-out-loud movie; it’s a story with nuance, cultural insight, and one of the most charismatic performances of the decade.

The Plot: A Prince in Queens

The story begins in the fictional African nation of Zamunda, where Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is about to be married in a lavish, prearranged ceremony. But Akeem isn’t interested in royal tradition or a wife chosen for him. He wants to find a woman who loves him for who he is, not what he has.

So, he travels with his loyal friend and servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) to Queens, New York, figuring that the name alone must mean it's full of potential brides. Posing as a broke foreign exchange student working at a fast-food knockoff called McDowell’s, Akeem tries to find love the American way, eventually falling for Lisa (Shari Headley), the smart and principled daughter of his boss.

What Most Reviews Miss: A Modern Fairytale with Social Commentary

Many Coming to America movie reviews focus on the outrageous comedy, but what’s often overlooked is how much the film plays like a classic fairytale with a modern, subversive twist. Akeem is a prince not trying to rescue a damsel, but to escape his own privilege. His quest isn’t to save someone else, but to find a life with meaning beyond luxury and status.

This reversal of traditional fairytale roles is part of what gives the movie its lasting charm. While it never gets too heavy-handed, Coming to America does something rare for a mainstream comedy: it questions the value of wealth, tradition, and identity without preaching.

And it’s that balance between satire and sincerity that makes it a standout in the genre.

Eddie Murphy’s Masterclass in Character Work

By now, most people know that Murphy plays multiple characters in Coming to America, but few reviews really dive into just how impressive that performance is. From the regal Akeem to the animated barbershop regular Clarence, Murphy brings depth, humor, and distinct personality to each role. It’s not just a gimmick, it’s a showcase of range.

Even more impressive is how well these personas interact, creating some of the film’s most quotable and iconic scenes. The barbershop debate about boxing legends? Pure improvisational gold. And while the makeup and prosthetics were groundbreaking at the time, it's Murphy's energy that truly sells the illusion.

Arsenio Hall also shines in multiple roles, particularly as Reverend Brown and the hilariously awkward club-goer in the dating montage. This dynamic duo doesn’t just carry the film; they elevate it.

Cultural Identity and Representation

When Coming to America debuted in 1988, it was groundbreaking in its depiction of a Black royal family, Black wealth, and African excellence without resorting to stereotypes. Zamunda may be fictional, but it's portrayed with pride, tradition, and opulence that was almost unheard of for Black characters in mainstream Hollywood at the time.

In America, the film presents a range of Black experiences from small business owners to activists to royalty in disguise. Few films of the era gave this level of spotlight and nuance to a predominantly Black cast in a mainstream romantic comedy setting. At Box Review, we believe this alone makes Coming to America a landmark piece of cinema.

The Setting: Queens, McDowell’s, and the American Dream

The movie’s depiction of Queens is as much a character as Akeem himself. It’s gritty, diverse, chaotic, and full of heart. The McDowells’ fast-food restaurant clearly a parody of McDonald’s, serves as the perfect symbol of working-class aspiration. Cleo McDowell (John Amos) is hilariously obsessed with maintaining the illusion of success while shamelessly ripping off a global brand.

This parody of the American dream filtered through Akeem’s fresh eyes offers subtle commentary on the absurdities of American capitalism and class struggle. Yet, it’s all handled with such lightness that it never undercuts the comedy.

Love Story That Actually Works

Romantic comedies often fall flat when it comes to believable chemistry. Not here. The relationship between Akeem and Lisa evolves naturally. There’s mutual respect, real conversation, and shared values. Shari Headley brings dignity and grace to Lisa, making her more than just a love interest; she’s the moral compass of the film.

Akeem doesn’t win her over with wealth or charm; he wins her over by being kind, honest, and humble. In the world of flashy 80s movies, this was a refreshing take on romance.

Final Thoughts

Coming to America (1988) is far more than a classic 80s comedy; it’s a layered, progressive, and endlessly quotable film that still resonates today. It broke ground for representation, delivered career-defining performances, and did it all while keeping audiences laughing from start to finish.

Over three decades later, its themes of identity, love, and defying expectations remain relevant. And while the jokes are timeless, the heart behind them is what keeps this film in the cultural conversation.

Whether you’re watching for the first time or the fiftieth, Coming to America continues to deliver a royal dose of comedy with a message that still matters.