For years there was no one as big at the box office as Eddie Murphy. He has so many classic films in his filmography that everyone has their favorites. In 1988 he re-teamed with Trading Places director John Landis alongside Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones for the hit comedy Coming To America. With a sequel finally on the way what better time to revisit this comedy classic, but does it hold up or should it never have come to America?

 

Coming To America follows an extremely pampered African Prince travels to Queens, New York, and goes undercover to find a wife whom he can respect for her intelligence and will. This movie still cracks me up every time. There are so many iconic comedic moments here all thanks to both Murphy and Hall. I always loved that while this is a Murphy film that Arsenio got a ton of time to shine throughout as well. Sure the main story arc is great, but some of the best overall moments are still the other characters they both play with my personal favorite being Murphy as singer Randy Watson with his band sexual chocolate. This entire sequence kills me every time and I always sing along with his rendition of “Greatest Love of All”.

 

Despite this being a silly comedy there is still love story that works here without ever getting too mushy, but does play up the standard format. Coupled with the hilarious fish out of water aspect and you have what I think is one of the best comedies ever. There is just so much to love here that is not only the details like the McDonald’s war to the cameos from Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy reprising their roles as the down and out Duke brothers from Trading Places as wdell as a young Samuel L. Jackson.

 

I love this film and think it is one that everyone should see and this new release is the perfect time to do it. In addition to the film this release includes bonus content including a photo gallery, trailer, interviews, and featurettes on bringing this film to life. If that wasn't enough the limited edition steelbook also includes an exclusive mini-poster that fans will love. 

 

Grab your copy of Coming To American in both standard and Steelbook Editions when it hits 4K Ultra on December 1st from Paramount Home Entertainment.