Coming 2 America doesn’t just follow the struggles of Akeem and Lavelle to carve out their own space, however; we also get to see his eldest daughter, Meeka, fight for her positioning among the royal kingdom. It is here where the film steps from 1988 into the newest century, reflecting a time when women continue to prove their abilities to lead among a sea of men. Though Zamunda is still very much a kingdom that prides itself on history and tradition, there is a shift happening with the newest generation of royals.
©Amazon/Courtesy Everett Collection
Lavelle, the son born from a one-night stand Prince Akeem had with Mary (Leslie Jones), makes a decision that best suits him as it pertains to his role in Zamunda and the woman he wants to share his life with. Meeka, much like her brother, displays in both might and wisdom that she is more than capable of deciding her best path forward, as well as the kingdom’s when the time comes. The film is not without its exploitation of patriarchal customs (would it be a sequel if they were absent?), but there is a good mix of old thinking with new ideas, a connection the two films have in common.
“This movie lives up to whatever expectations you have,” Murphy shares. “You want it to be good; you want it to be as good as the first picture. You don’t want it to be, ‘Oh, why did they do that?’ This movie is not a ‘Why did they do that.’ This movie is ‘Wow, this is a really cool continuation of that story.’”
One of the coolest aspects of Coming 2 America is its star-studded cast and cameos. Teyana Taylor, Rotimi, Tracy Morgan, Garcelle Beauvais, Salt-N-Pepa, Gladys Knight, and Davido are just a few names among the lengthy credits. Add to that a scene-stealing Wesley Snipes and the strikingly beautiful Nomzamo Mbatha and the film has one of the most robust Black casts in the last decade. If you’re seeking nostalgia and want a few good laughs, this sequel satisfies that craving.
Tanya Christian is a writer and editor based in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @tanyaachristian.
