Coming 2 America

Coming 2 America 2021

Runtime

110 min

Language

English

English

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Plot Summary


As Prince Akeem of Zamunda reflects on a monumental 30 years of marriage with Lisa McDowell, he receives an unexpected call from his ailing father, King Jaffe Joffer. The king, alongside his trusted advisor Baba, reveals a shocking truth: during Akeem’s first visit to the vibrant streets of Queens, New York, years ago, he unknowingly fathered an illegitimate son. This revelation is attributed to a wild night, orchestrated by his loyal friend Semmi, who enticed two women to share Akeem’s company while he was still striving to find his true mate.

This bombshell sends ripples through the royal court, as Akeem’s inability to produce a male heir jeopardizes Zamunda’s stability against its aggressive neighbor, Nexdoria. The cunning dictator General Izzi has sinister plans to marry his son Idi off to Akeem’s firstborn daughter, Meeka.

After the passing of King Jaffe and Akeem’s subsequent ascension to the throne, he and Semmi embark on a quest to find this long-lost son. Armed with a sketch from Baba, they reconnect with the lively barbershop crew they befriended on their initial excursion to the United States. The insightful barber Mr. Clarence identifies the drawing as that of Lavelle Junson, a quick-witted ticket scalper outside Madison Square Garden.

As Akeem grapples with this unexpected family dynamic, he decides to bring Lavelle and his mother Mary back to Zamunda, which creates tension with Lisa. Upon discovering this twist, General Izzi aims to solidify his grip on power by introducing his daughter, Bopoto, to Lavelle in an attempt to strengthen his claim to the throne. However, for Lavelle to be recognized as a royal, he must first undergo a series of demanding tests.

While navigating this new and daunting royal world, Lavelle develops a close relationship with Mirembe, a talented royal groomer who shares stories of Akeem’s own challenging journey to finding love, inspiring Lavelle to carve out his own destiny. He invites his uncle Reem to Zamunda, who guides him on merging his urban background with royal expectations.

As Lavelle gradually adapts and earns acceptance within Akeem’s family through passing the challenges, he is ultimately acknowledged as a Prince of Zamunda. Yet, amidst the celebration of his elevation, Lavelle eavesdrops on a conversation between Akeem and Izzi, leading him to believe that his adoptive father has ulterior motives, inducing tension and causing Lavelle, Mirembe, Mary, and Reem to retreat to their lives in New York.

During this tumultuous period, Lisa confronts Akeem about his traditional views. Seeking counsel, Akeem turns to her wise father, Cleo, gaining fresh insights. With renewed determination, he takes to the skies, returning to Queens with intentions to reconcile with Lavelle. Meanwhile, Semmi must fend off General Izzi and his persistent attacks on Zamunda.

Upon returning to Queens, Akeem discovers the profound development that Lavelle and Mirembe are planning to marry. Cleo, having experienced a similar personal journey, joyfully blesses their union, alleviating Lavelle of his previous obligations to Bopoto. Noting Mirembe’s concerns about leaving Zamunda behind, Akeem proposes that Mary’s family be brought to Zamunda for a splendid wedding celebration.

As the joyous events unfold, Semmi and the courageous princesses launch into action, valiantly defending the palace from General Izzi’s invading forces, causing Izzi to rethink his aggressive tactics and consider diplomacy instead.

In a bold move, Akeem redefines the royal lineage to ensure that his daughter Meeka will inherit the throne. Lavelle is appointed as an ambassador to the U.S., while General Izzi makes strides toward establishing a peaceful rapport with Zamunda through Nexdoria.

As the story beautifully concludes, a magnificent festival erupts at the royal palace, honoring Lavelle and Mirembe’s union. The celebration is graced by familiar faces from Queens, including beloved barbers, not to mention a thrilling performance by the memorable group Sexual Chocolate, as they serenade the crowd with their iconic anthem, >“We Are Family.”

Timeline


Akeem Reflects on 30 Years of Marriage

Prince Akeem of Zamunda takes a moment to reflect on his significant journey of thirty years spent in marriage with Lisa McDowell. This period has been filled with love and challenges as they navigate their royal lives.

Zamunda

The Shocking Revelation

Akeem receives an unexpected call from his ailing father, King Jaffe Joffer, who reveals that during Akeem's first visit to Queens, he fathered an illegitimate son. This startling truth is unveiled amidst the backdrop of Akeem's royal duties.

Zamunda

The Threat from Nexdoria

The revelation about Akeem's son brings panic to the royal court, as the absence of a male heir puts Zamunda's stability at risk. General Izzi, the dictator of Nexdoria, plans to marry his son to Akeem's daughter, Meeka, to expand his influence.

Akeem's Quest for His Son

Following King Jaffe's death, Akeem ascends to the throne and begins his quest to find his long-lost son along with his companion Semmi. They use a sketch provided by Baba to navigate the streets of Queens.

Queens, New York

Meeting Lavelle

At a barbershop in Queens, Akeem and Semmi find out that the sketch leads them to Lavelle Junson, a quick-witted ticket scalper. This discovery marks the beginning of a new chapter in Akeem's life as he connects with his son.

Queens, New York

Conflict with Lisa

As Akeem brings Lavelle and his mother Mary to Zamunda, tensions rise between him and Lisa. The complexities of their family dynamics create strain, highlighting Akeem's struggle to balance duty and relationship.

Zamunda

General Izzi's Scheme

Seeing an opportunity, General Izzi attempts to solidify his power by introducing his daughter Bopoto to Lavelle. He hopes to manipulate this alliance to strengthen his claim to the Zamundan throne.

Lavelle's Trials

In order to be recognized as a royal in Zamunda, Lavelle must undergo various rigorous trials that will test his character and resolve. This journey not only shapes his identity but also brings him closer to his family.

Zamunda

Close Bonds

As Lavelle navigates the challenges of royal life, he forms a special bond with Mirembe, a talented royal groomer. Mirembe shares stories about Akeem's challenges in finding love, motivating Lavelle to embrace who he is.

Zamunda

Lavelle's Acceptance

Slowly but surely, Lavelle earns acceptance within Akeem's family as he impressively passes the trials. This recognition signifies not just his royal status but also his newfound connection to his heritage.

Zamunda

Eavesdropping on Secrets

As Lavelle begins to feel at home, he overhears a conversation between Akeem and General Izzi, leading him to suspect that there are ulterior motives at play. This revelation instigates internal conflict and confusion for Lavelle.

A Call for Advice

Akeem reaches out to his wise father-in-law, Cleo, for guidance in dealing with the traditional expectations he faces. Cleo’s advice inspires Akeem to mend his relationship with Lavelle and to embrace change.

Return to Queens

With newfound resolve, Akeem travels back to Queens, determined to reconcile with Lavelle. His journey represents not only a literal return but also a metaphorical journey towards understanding family bonds.

Queens, New York

Lavelle and Mirembe's Union

Upon Akeem's arrival in Queens, he discovers that Lavelle and Mirembe are planning to marry. Cleo, having related to their journey, blesses their union, allowing Lavelle to break free from his obligations to Bopoto.

Queens, New York

Festival of Celebration

The film culminates in a grand festival at the royal palace to celebrate Lavelle and Mirembe's marriage. This joyous occasion is marked by performances and familiar faces from their past, symbolizing unity and acceptance.

Zamunda

Characters


Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy)

Prince Akeem is the royal heir of Zamunda, who faces the challenges of balancing his duties with his desire for love and authenticity. With a charismatic yet principled nature, he is determined to redefine what it means to be a ruler in a modern age. His journey reflects personal growth as he embraces his role as both a father and a king.

👑 Royalty 🌍 Determination

Lavelle Junson

Lavelle is the unexpected son of Akeem, embodying a blend of urban charm and youthful ambition. Initially caught off guard by his royal heritage, he learns to navigate the complexities of royal expectations, ultimately carving out his own identity. His relationship with Mirembe highlights his evolution as he seeks both acceptance and love.

🌆 Urban 💪 Growth

Lisa McDowell

Lisa is Akeem's wife, serving as a grounding force in his life. She confronts her husband's adherence to tradition, advocating for progressive views and the significance of understanding in relationships. Her character represents modern womanhood and the challenges of balancing love and identity.

💕 Love 💪 Feminism

General Izzi

General Izzi is the cunning dictator of Nexdoria, embodying the aggressive pursuit of power. His ambition poses a threat to the stability of Zamunda, showcasing the darker aspects of governance and personal ambition. His character serves as a foil to Akeem’s more honorable leadership style.

⚔️ Vengeance 🏰 Authority

Mirembe

Mirembe is a talented royal groomer who becomes Lavelle’s love interest. With a nurturing spirit, she helps Lavelle navigate his newfound royal identity while providing insight into the royal family's history. Her encouragement inspires Lavelle to pursue his destiny and embrace love.

💖 Love 🌸 Supportive

Setting


Time period

Contemporary, 30 years after 1988

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, roughly 30 years after the events of the original film, reflecting cultural shifts and challenges in modern society. This time period explores themes of identity, familial duty, and the evolution of traditional values in an ever-changing world.

Location

Zamunda, Queens, New York

Zamunda is a fictional African kingdom known for its opulence and rich traditions, acting as the royal backdrop of the movie. Contrasting this regal locale is Queens, New York, a vibrant borough celebrated for its diverse culture and bustling urban life. The juxtaposition of these two places highlights the protagonist's journey between royal expectations and contemporary urban realities.

🏰 Royal Kingdom 🌆 Urban

Themes


👑

Tradition vs Modernity

The film navigates the tension between upholding royal traditions and adapting to modern societal norms. As Akeem grapples with his responsibilities as a king, he must reconcile his heritage with the realities faced by his children. This theme resonates through Lavelle's struggle for identity amid familial expectations.

🤝

Family and Legacy

At its core, the movie explores the notions of family and heritage, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s roots. Akeem's journey to find and accept Lavelle signifies the complexities of family bonds, especially in the face of traditional lineage and the dire need for a male heir.

💖

Love and Acceptance

The theme of love, both romantic and familial, is central to the narrative. Lavelle and Mirembe's budding relationship represents the merging of cultural worlds, while Akeem’s renewed commitment to his family signifies growth and acceptance. The romantic pursuits highlight the importance of understanding and support in relationships.

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