The premise: An African prince, breaking with tradition, travels to America (Queens, NY to be exact) to find his wife.
Features: Eddie Murphy, James Earl Jones, and Arsenio Hall
The movie plays on the American perception of people from Africa. More entertaining, however, than the cultural wisecracks, are the characters themselves, (most which are played by either Eddie Murphy or Arsenio Hall). For example, after the prince Akeem (Murphy) and his travelling companion (Hall) buy American clothes, they go to the neighborhood barbershop so the Akeem can get a very American jerry curl. The owner and main barber is truthful, outspoken, and loud.
Made in 1988, the movie is true to its time. Big hair, acid wash jeans, and a hot tub all add to pulling the viewer in and making them laugh. The movie has many highlights that make it a comedic classic.
Even though the storyline is simple, it does not flatline or become predictable at any time given that Akeem's persuit of the perfect woman is under the false persona of an exchange student, working in a fast food restaurant. The challenges he faces are cleverly written and thoughtfully filmed.
For example, in the scene where Akeem is trying to meet a suitable wife in the bars and clubs of New York he encounters every psychotic, emotionally draining woman imaginable. He and his companion are sitting at a table in the club, and the women change, each saying something that is completely unconventional. (One woman admits to worshiping the devil.) The scene illustrates how awckward and scary dating can be in a large city, regardless of where you are from, without saying "all New York women are crazy" throughout the scene.
What I enjoy about this movie the most, is that it is more of a commentary about American life in New York in the 80's, than an ignorant display of stereotypes.
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