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    Movie Review

    Coming 2 America offers fun nostalgia trip but little else

    Alex Bentley
    Mar 5, 2021 | 5:30 pm
    Coming 2 America offers fun nostalgia trip but little else
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    The nostalgia for everything related to the 1980s has been in high gear in recent years, popping up in everything from Netflix’s Stranger Things, Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, and reboots of multiple ‘80s properties. Now, on the heels of the return to the Bill & Ted franchise with the original actors, comes the long-awaited sequel to Coming to America, appropriately titled Coming 2 America.

    Thirty-three years after the original, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) of Zamunda is still married to Lisa (Shari Headley), and he now has three daughters, Meeka (Kiki Layne), Omma (Bella Murphy), and Tinashe (Akiley Love), which puts a crimp in the tradition of having a male heir inherit the throne. Akeem’s ailing father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones), surprisingly informs him that he conceived a son during his initial trip to America, sending him on a trip back to Queens to find his son and bring him back to his rightful home.

    While the plot involving the son, Lavelle Junson (Jermaine Fowler), starts off promising enough with hilarious introductions of Lavelle’s mom (Leslie Jones) and uncle (Tracy Morgan), things devolve upon the return to Zamunda. Fans of the original film will find some striking similarities in the two films' plots, with Lavelle traveling almost exactly the same road as Akeem, but in reverse.

    Directed by Craig Brewer, who also helmed Murphy’s Dolemite is My Name, and written by Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield, and Kenya Barris, the film offers plenty of callbacks to the first film but little of substance for the sequel to stand on its own. Instead of finding an interesting way to involve Akeem’s three daughters, the story falls back on most of the same jokes that it made the first time around.

    That’s not to say that those things aren’t funny, but there’s only so much pleasure to be had out of rehashing McDowell’s/McDonald’s jokes or seeing Murphy and Arsenio Hall pull quadruple duty as multiple characters. They do some things right, though, including giving Jones and Morgan room to roam, a lavish scene that involves cameos by Morgan Freeman, En Vogue, Salt-N-Pepa, and Gladys Knight, and multiple appearances by Trevor Noah as a Zamundan newscaster.

    But those pleasurable moments are few and far between, with most scenes sticking to elements that involve very little effort for either the filmmakers or the audience. On the plot side, it seems like the filmmakers want to have their cake and eat it too, giving lip service to Meeka and her ambitions while still focusing on the antiquated story about Lavelle. Lavelle is shown to be conflicted about his new role, but the approach of the film never sells this aspect.

    Murphy (and, to a lesser degree, Hall) is obviously the main draw, and much like the film as a whole, his presence is enjoyable but not impactful. Akeem is not as over-the-top as some of his other roles, and seeing him as a dad makes him recede even more. The filmmakers missed a real opportunity in not giving Layne, who impressed in both If Beale Street Could Talk and The Old Guard, more to do, as she’s much more dynamic than Fowler.

    Coming 2 America is far from a disaster, but it doesn’t deliver anything more than surface fun for those who still remember and love the original film. Nostalgia has its place, but it needs to be complemented by something new and meaningful, and that part is all but missing here.

    ---

    Coming 2 America is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

    Kiki Layne and Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America.

    Kiki Layne and Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America
    Photo by Quantrell D. Colbert/Amazon Studios
    Kiki Layne and Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America.
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    weekend event planner

    Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jun 24, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Hilary Duff
    Photo by Aaron Idelson
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    This weekend has several heavy hitters doing live concerts, including rap boss Rick Ross, soul songstress Alex Isley and, Lizzie McGuire herself, Hilary Duff.

    However, Houstonians looking for less musical options, this weekend offers some great choices: several movie-related happenings, a wine-filled anniversary party, an Art Car showcase, the opening of a very patriotic art show, and even a Puppy Cup!

    So, go out there and, as a deep-voiced white man once said, take it to the streets!

    Thursday, June 25

    Nan & Company Properties and Chapman & Kirby present Puppy Cup
    Houston real estate brokerage Nan & Company Properties is partnering with Chapman & Kirby to host the inaugural Puppy Cup. The free public event will feature a live puppy soccer match, a FIFA World Cup watch party, live music, and charitable fundraising, creating a one-of-a-kind summer celebration benefiting Houston-based animal welfare nonprofit PetSet. Attendees can also enjoy Chapman & Kirby's specialty event cocktail, the Million Dollar Margarita ($14), and 20 percent of each cocktail sold during the event will be donated to PetSet. 6 pm.

    Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves
    Elmo’s Got the Moves, an all-new Sesame Street Live production, is a joyful and engaging show that invites children and their families to sing, dance, and move along with their favorite friends from Sesame Street in a heartwarming, interactive celebration unlike anything they’ve seen before. The show features Elmo and his friends as they move and groove to fan-favorite songs, including "Sunny Days," "Elmo’s Got the Moves," and "Letter of the Day." 6 pm.

    IPSY and Rooftop Cinema Club Houston present Some Like It Hot
    Join Rooftop Cinema Club Houston and beauty subscription IPSY under the stars for an evening of old Hollywood glamour. Come celebrate 100 years of Marilyn Monroe, the original blonde bombshell, by watching the classic comedy Some Like it Hot, where she gets into screwball shenanigans with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, all dolled up in drag as on-the-run musicians. Upon entry, each guest will receive our exclusive IPSY x MM 100 Glam Bag full of must-have beauty goodies. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, June 26

    The T.R.U.T.H. Project Inc. and Black Alphabet NFP present 2nd Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival
    The 2nd Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival Houston is a two-night celebration of Black LGBTQ+ film, culture, and community, going down at The DeLUXE Theater in the Fifth Ward. Born from a shared commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices through art and advocacy, the festival brings together filmmakers, community members, and culture-makers for two evenings of curated screenings, talkbacks, and community-centered programming exploring wellness, identity, and the liberating power of storytelling. 6 pm (10 am Saturday).

    Houston Symphony presents Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert
    Between crushing on Cho Chang, studying for his O.W.L.s, and the ever-growing number of detentions from Professor Umbridge, Harry Potter (future Tracy Morgan scene-partner Daniel Radcliffe) must find the time to discover the secret of his terrible nightmares. All of this happens in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert, which will be presented in HD on a giant screen and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    The Players Theatre Company presents 1776
    It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence ... if only our founding fathers can agree to do it. 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday)

    Steve Ray Ladson and Devin Tuel & Stephen Harms in concert
    America's Got Talent finalist Steve Ray Ladson has partnered with folk-soul duo Devin Tuel & Stephen Harms (formerly Native Harrow) to perform three co-bill concerts in Texas, including a show at The Continental Club in Midtown. Tuel and Harms have been touring through the Lone Star State – bringing "twilight twang and vintage vibes” – for a decade. As for Ladson, he’ll be bringing his "Blackgrass BrotherCana" sound and full band to The Continental Club. 9 pm.

    Saturday, June 27

    HMAAC Cinema Cafe presents Paris Is Burning
    For Pride Month and Black Music Month, the Houston Museum of African American Culture has a special screening lined up. Jennie Livingston’s landmark 1991 documentary Paris Is Burning provides a vibrant snapshot of the ‘80s, through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, the film offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Noon.

    Mid Main Houston presents Summer Series 2026: Art Car Showcase & Midtown Cultural Arts Mixer
    Mid Main Houston’s Summer Series wraps with a celebration of Houston’s iconic Art Car culture along Winbern Street, in partnership with the Midtown Cultural Arts Mixer. Explore Moon Papas Art curated and a striking film installation by Camilo Gonzalez at the Mid Main Art Gallery and Windows on Main. Meet Art Car artists and their wildly transformed vehicles, join a recycled art workshop, and enjoy a high-energy lineup featuring live music, plus entertainment throughout the night. Don’t miss a chance to meet Midtown’s first-ever Artist in Residence, DUAL. 3 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Little Sister
    Winner of the Queer Palm at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Hafsia Herzi’s coming-of-age drama follows Fatima (Nadia Melliti), the youngest of three daughters in a traditional Algerian family, as she moves from high school to college in Paris. Exploring a whole new world, she grapples with how to balance her attraction to women with respect for her caring Muslim family. She also confronts a timeless and heartrending dilemma: How can one stay true to oneself when reconciling different parts of one’s identity feels impossible? 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

    Voices of Arts Central presents Forever Nebrada
    Voices of Arts Central, in partnership with the Nebrada Foundation, will present a one-night-only performance of Forever Nebrada, a tribute to the enduring spirit of Vicente Nebrada, a visionary choreographer whose work reshaped the identity of Venezuelan and Latin American ballet. More than a remembrance, the performance affirms that Nebrada’s vision continues to move, inspire, and define generations of dancers and audiences around the world. 7:30 pm.

    Sunday, June 28

    Barcelona Wine Bar presents Uncorked: Thirty
    Barcelona Wine Bar is turning 30 this year, and they’re marking the occasion with something a little special. Uncorked: Thirty is a walk-around tasting built around 30 bottles pulled from the wine list, alongside chef pairings and passed bites. It's described as less of a tasting event and more of a fun celebration of the wines, the producers, and the relationships that helped shape the restaurant over three decades. Noon and 1 pm.

    Hilary Duff
    Photo by Aaron Idelson

    Hilary Duff performs in The Woodlands this weekend.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents "America 250: 1776-2026" opening day
    As America will soon reach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, art offers meaningful perspectives into moments in time. With "America 250," the MFAH highlights American artistic achievements in its permanent collection. Houstonians are invited to discover these works of art throughout galleries on the main campus and at both house museums: Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and Rienzi. Through Sunday, January 3. 12:30 pm.

    The Music Box Theater presents Feelin' Groovy
    The Music Box Theater continues its tradition of singing groovy tunes in an all-new exploration of the music from the 1960s and 1970s. Songs from the era will be interspersed with comedy sketches. The Feelin’ Groovy show will feature classics originally sung by Aretha Franklin (“A Natural Woman”), Doobie Brothers (“Takin’ It to the Streets”), Eagles (“Heartache Tonight”), Diana Ross (“Touch Me in the Morning”), Sam & Dave (“Soul Man”), Glenn Campbell (“Wichita Lineman”), and more. Through Saturday, August 15. 2 pm.

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