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Coming to America
1988 117 min United States of America R 6+
★7.3
Comedy, Romance
Director: John Landis
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
An African prince decides it’s time for him to find a princess... and his mission leads him and his most loyal friend to Queens, New York. In disguise as an impoverished immigrant, the pampered prince quickly finds himself a new job, new friends, new digs, new enemies and lots of trouble.
Budget:
$30M
US Gross:
$128.15M
Worldwide:
$288.75M
Starring
Eddie Murphy
Actor
Paul Bates
Actor
Garcelle Beauvais
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Costume Design
Key opinion
Coming to America is widely regarded as a nostalgic, feel-good 1980s classic that succeeds primarily due to Eddie Murphy's charismatic lead performance and comedic versatility. While some critics find the plot predictable and the pacing occasionally uneven, the film's heartwarming tone and enduring humor maintain a strong positive reputation among audiences.
| Acting | Eddie Murphy's multi-character performance is the film's undeniable anchor, showcasing his exceptional range and charisma. | |
| Production | The production design, specifically the vibrant costumes and period aesthetic, effectively captures the distinct charm of the 1980s. | |
| Emotion | The film balances comedic beats with a sincere, heartwarming romance that provides the story with its emotional core. | |
| Originality | The screenplay relies on a familiar, fairytale-like 'Prince and the Pauper' narrative structure that some find comfortingly classic while others view as unoriginal. | |
| Humor | Opinions on the film's humor are divided; many find it consistently hilarious and charming, while some modern viewers feel the jokes have lost some of their edge or impact over time. |