Coming 2 America (2021)

In this sequel to the 1988 film with almost the same name, the story forwards thirty years where Eddie Murphy’s Prince Akeem has three daughters and is set to take over the throne from his dying father. Because they still live in a patriarchy, the daughters are useless, but luckily Eddie unknowingly fathered a son during his long ago visit to Queens. It’s the type of sequel that’s incredibly weak in plotting but strong in nods to the previous film. The original being the first R rated film I saw in the theater and still holds up for me in recent watchings, I enjoyed seeing all the old characters return and the new ones blend in relatively smoothly. The costumes are gorgeous and the makeup necessary for Eddie and Arsenio Hall to portray multiple characters is well done, but the film is missing the charm of its predecessor.

Oscar Nomination: Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling