Review: 'Coming 2 America' is Tired Sequel Fare

Every week, it seems, there are new sequels, reboots, or remakes trying to capitalize on beloved movies or television shows. There are cries amok complaining that Hollywood has no original ideas left. While that's not entirely true...with the high budgets involved in filmmaking these days, producers certainly do want a sure bet.

On paper, a sequel to "Coming to America" seems as sure a bet as any. Much of the cast returns, along with a strong supporting cast. In reality, however, "Coming 2 America" is quite lazy and, even more problematic, has an expiration date that has long passed.

This time around, audiences are treated to a reverse trip. Akeem does still come to America, after his father dies. He informs Akeem on his deathbed that he has a son living in New York. The now king must fetch his secret love child that he unknowingly had before meeting his future wife, Lisa, to bring his son, Lavelle, back to Zamunda.

Due to tradition, Lavelle is the rightful heir to the throne once Akeem eventually passes away, which many feel could happen sooner than later (even though Akeem and Lisa have three competent daughters waiting to succeed their father).

The story about only a male heir being able to succeed his father feels dated, though you know that the film will end with Akeem seeing the errors of his way.

Even so, it doesn't do enough to address the misogyny throughout the rest of the film leading to his enlightenment, making it feel like this was a screenplay that Murphy had sitting around since the 1990s. The fact that Kenya Barris - who has created such strong female characters in his "Black-ish" universe on television - helped to write the screenplay makes the whole issue more disappointing.

"Coming 2 America" is meant for fans of the original. It leans on the first film, even incorporating footage of the original, and reworking some of it to demonstrate how Akeem met Lavelle's mother. In an attempt to appease fans of the original, they have brought back almost everyone, even if it doesn't necessarily make sense to do so. With this fan service, the filmmakers prevent this movie from ever establishing a reason to exist beyond the financial.

It's a shame that so much focus remains on Akeem because, when "Coming 2 America" focuses on new characters, it shines. His daughters are underused, and there's hardly any development of Lavelle and family. Despite this, Jermaine Fowler and Leslie Jones rise above and are the main source of any laughs.

Director Craig Brewer previously worked with star Eddie Murphy on "Dolemite is my Name." He also cut his teeth on "Hustle and Flow" and the remake to "Footloose," so it should be no surprise that one of the highlights of the movie is when Lavelle and General Izzi's daughter first meet as they perform "Get Off" by Prince and the New Power Generation.

Trying to create a sequel to a movie over 30 years later is a tall order, especially one as iconic as "Coming to America." By focusing on its core fan base almost exclusively, it offers few laughs. Bottom line...this sequel is about 25 years too late.

"Coming 2 America" premieres on Amazon Prime on March 5, 2021.