Eddie Murphy's 1988 vehicle Coming to America was probably the point at which his status as a mainstream big-screen comedian finally gelled, following the highly successful 48 Hours pairing with Nick Nolte. Never mind the hackneyed storyline: under John Landis's tight direction, he turns in a star performance (and several brilliant cameos) that is disciplined and extremely funny. Murphy plays an African prince who comes to New York officially to sow his wild oats. Privately, he is seeking a bride he can marry for love rather than one chosen by his parents. With his... companion (Arsenio Hall, who pushes Murphy all the way in the comedy stakes), he settles in the borough of Queens and takes a job in a hamburger joint. A succession of hilarious satire-barbed adventures ensue, plus the required romantic conclusion. The script is crammed with ripe one-liners , but "Freeze, you diseased rhinoceros pizzle" has to be the most devastating hold-up line of all time. Film buffs will appreciate a brief appearance by Don Ameche as a down-and-out, but this is Murphy's film and he generates warmth enough to convert the most ambivalent viewer. On the DVD: The only--rather pointless--extra on offer is the original theatrical trailer which adds nothing apart from a rapid recap of the story. But the 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation (the picture quality is diamond sharp) and Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack recreate the original authentic cinematic experience. The choreography of 1980s pop diva Paula Abdul in the lavish wedding scenes and Nile Rodgers' pounding musical score are the main beneficiaries. --Piers Ford [show more]
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Comedy starring Eddie Murphy. An African prince (Murphy) is dissatisfied with his luxurious life and unimpressed with the subservient bride his parents have chosen for him. So, along with his faithful manservant (Arsenio Hall), he travels to New York with hopes of finding the woman of his dreams. When he arrives he takes a job in a burger bar, hoping to meet someone who will love him for himself and not his money. But despite his eagerness to learn the customs of this strange new land, the comic culture shocks keep coming thick and fast.
Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. Eddie Murphy is a king of comedy and in John Landis' Coming To America, Murphy is also the Prince of Comedy - a very wealthy and pampered African prince who comes to America in search of a bride. Accompanied by his closest companion (Arsenio Hall), Murphy quickly finds a job, new friends, new digs, new enemies - and lots of trouble. Keep an eye out for both Murphy and Hall in some unforgettable cameo roles! Actors Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Paul Bates, Madge Sinclair, Sheila Johnson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Eriq La Salle, Cynthia Finkley, Shari Headley, Allison Dean & John Amos Director John Landis Certificate 15 years and over Year 1988 Screen Widescreen 1.78:1 Anamorphic Languages English - Dolby Digital (5.1) Additional Languages German Subtitles Arabic ; Bulgarian ; Czech ; Danish ; Dutch ; English ; English for the Hearing Impaired ; Finnish ; German ; Hungarian ; Icelandic ; Norwegian ; Polish ; Romanian ; Swedish ; Turkish Duration 1 hour and 52 minutes (approx) Region Region 2 - Will only play on European Region 2 or multi-region DVD players.
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