Page 7 - MidWeek - Apr 7, 2021

As someone who was a child during the ’ 80s, ripe at the time for some of the simple, bone- headed comedy of that era, it felt almost like my duty to watch the sequel. I’ m not going to lie. It was hard for me to press play. But I finally managed to watch Coming 2 America on Amazon Prime.
comedies could just be ab- solutely silly while attempt- ing to ham-handedly convey some sort of moral theme. I think of films like Police Academy, Stripes, Ghost- busters and Trading Places, which also starred Murphy. I loved these movies as a child. Watching Coming 2 America is like hanging out with old friends who only want to talk about the good old days. I don’t begrudge them the de- sire to fondly look back. I oc- casionally fondly look back. But I like spending more time looking at the now and yet-to- be. I figure I’ll have time to look back when I can’t move forward anymore.
Is this a good movie? Not really. There’s no depth to
these characters. The plot is stunningly predicable. Does it have its amusing moments? Absolutely. Murphy and Hall are still masters at play- ing different characters, and Wesley Snipes, whose role as antagonist General Izzi, effec- tively adds an element of vio- lent-minded buffoonery. The costuming and pageantry are as impressive as it was in the first film, but overall, this is a forgettable movie.
edy blockbuster exist any- more? The last really good ones I remember seeing are What We Do in the Shadows and Spy, but those came out years ago (2014 and 2015).
actors would wilt under the legendary presence of Murphy, which they do.
Like its predecessor, Com- ing 2 America stars Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem and Arsenio Hall as the prince’s loyal companion, Semmi. The movie is a nostalgia ex- plosion, with cameos of stars from back in the day (En Vogue, Salt-N-Pepa, Gladys Knight, Morgan Freeman), and the entire spectacle is a reminder of a time when
I’ m not quite sure what a comedic feature film is sup- posed to look like in 2021 and beyond. Theaters that have survived are only re- cently beginning to open. The Marvel Cinematic Uni- verse has staked its claim to replace what was once the
I was reluctant to watch Coming 2 America because I was afraid it would almost en- tirely hinge on nostalgia, which it does. I was afraid that the comedic talents of the young
chrismckinney808@gmail.com
APRIL 7, 2021 MIDWEEK 7
Rotten
A Funny But Forgettable Sequel
BY CHRIS MCKINNEY
PAPAYAS
Coming 2 America stars Eddie Murphy (right) and is directed by Craig Brewer. PHOTO BY CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/ AP,FILE
mainstream comedy. Satur- day Night Live alums like Bill Murray and Adam Sandler have evolved into fine dra- matic actors. Does the com-
Is our country slowly losing its sense of humor?
If you loved the first film, you’ll probably like this one. For appreciators of the orig- inal, that is enough reason to see it. But the sequel just left me wondering: Is comedy not coming, but leaving America, and leaving us with our come- dic relics?
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH & CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
BEFORE AFTER
“Don’t let your yesterday dictate your tomorrow. I finally made the choice to invest in myself!”
– Rufus C.
Watch a FREE information session about weight loss options, including bariatric surgery.
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
www.queens.org/weightloss
TODAY or Call Today 808-691-7546
Donna Reed Lic. #67
*See store for details.
EASTER SpECIAL
Eye Brow, Eye Liner, Lip Liner
•Nationally known •Recommended by Plastic Surgeons •Specializes in corrective permanent make-up
COSMETIC ARTIST
Over 30 years Professional Experience
FREE CONSULTATION
(C) 375-1512 (B) 536-1512
ESTATE PLANNING AMERICA
Living Trust Plans Available
Call Attorney Steven Chang • 808-397-9968 Exp. 4/21/21 1888 Kalakaua Ave., Suite C312 • www.EstatePlanningAmerica.com
Single Couple
$1,299 $1,799 (reg $2,000) (reg $3,000) FREE In-Home Consultation
LAW OFFICES OF
NEIL T. NAKAMURA & ASSOC.
PACIFIC LEGAL
PLAN
47 Years Experience
Ala Moana
• Free Initial Consultation
• Reduced Fee - Living Trust • MEDICAIDPLANNING
PLP ParticipatingAttorney
PLP StandardsofExperience &Customer Service
Pearlridge
945-7645 488-1719