COMING TO AMERICA Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The film's 'old Hollywood' editing style, especially in dialogue scenes, creates a slower, deliberate comedic rhythm.
- ❖Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall's extensive use of prosthetics and makeup for multiple characters is a standout feature.
- ❖The movie's humor often stems from Prince Akeem's naive observations of American culture contrasted with his privileged upbringing.
- ❖James Earl Jones's iconic voice and commanding presence, even in a supporting role, significantly impact the film.
- ❖The narrative explores the challenge of finding true love when immense wealth and royal status are involved.
Insights
1Old Hollywood Editing Style and Pacing
The hosts observe that 'Coming to America' employs an 'old Hollywood' editing style, particularly in dialogue scenes, where shots cut distinctly between speakers without much overlap. This contributes to a slower pacing compared to modern comedies.
Michael notes, "when Eddie Murphy was talking to what's Lisa on the train and it was cutting back and forth like here's Eddie Murphy's shot, he says his lines. Here's Lisa's shot, she says her lines. Here's Eddie Murphy's shot. I'm like there's no overlap whatsoever and I was just like I was I was confused by that. It just because it made it feel slower." Jabby agrees, "Though overall the pacing is slower than I expected it to be." Michael adds that certain scenes, like the phone call to the king, would likely be cut in modern films.
2Transformative Multi-Character Performances
A significant highlight of the film is the ability of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall to portray multiple distinct characters through extensive makeup and acting. The hosts express admiration for the transformative quality of these roles.
Jabby exclaims, "Oh my god, they're just everybody. They are literally everyone." Michael adds, "The makeup just gets better and better with every iteration of characters." They specifically mention the barber shop characters and Randy Watson, noting how difficult it was to recognize Eddie Murphy. Jabby states, "that was probably one of my favorite aspects of the film is just them playing a variety of characters."
3The Enduring Theme of Love Beyond Wealth
The central premise of Prince Akeem seeking a woman who loves him for himself, not his royal status or wealth, is a compelling and relatable theme, despite the comedic exaggeration of his circumstances.
Jabby states, "I really like the concept a lot of someone who is of such elite status, trying to find someone and like trying to find true love by disguising that and looking like a normie." Michael elaborates, "there is a certain degree of like having that kind of wealth comes with a certain perception of you and also comes with a certain degree of people like trying to get in your good graces purely because of the wealth... So there is a certain value in maybe keeping that under wraps and just seeing if a person likes you for you."
4James Earl Jones's Iconic Voice and Presence
The hosts emphasize the powerful and instantly recognizable voice of James Earl Jones, noting its cultural significance and how it defines his roles, including his portrayal of King Joffer and Darth Vader.
Jabby mentions, "His voice is so unique, right?" and later, "HIS VOICE IS INCREDIBLE." Michael discusses how Jones's voice is a 'strong component' of Star Wars and how he was the only actor carried over for the live-action 'Lion King.' Jabby concludes, "his voice is so iconic that when they did the live action version of Lion King, they didn't replace him. He was the only person they carried over."
Notable Moments
The hosts' reaction to Prince Akeem's opulent morning routine, complete with a personal orchestra and bathers, highlights the extreme privilege he seeks to escape.
This scene establishes the comedic premise and the stark contrast with the 'real life' Akeem desires to experience in America.
The hosts' amusement at the 'Soul Glo' commercial and Akeem's subsequent haircut, where his iconic braid is unceremoniously snipped for $8.
This marks a symbolic step in Akeem's transformation into an 'ordinary' American, underscoring the cultural differences and his commitment to his quest.
The reveal of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in multiple, heavily made-up roles, particularly in the barber shop and at the Black Awareness rally.
This showcases the film's innovative comedic approach and the actors' versatility, a key element of its enduring appeal.
The discussion of the movie's ending, where Lisa appears as the bride, and the hosts ponder how a modern film might handle such a resolution.
It prompts reflection on evolving narrative conventions and audience expectations in romantic comedies.
Quotes
"I was confused by that. It just because it made it feel slower."
"The makeup just gets better and better with every iteration of characters."
"I really like the concept a lot of someone who is of such elite status, trying to find someone and like trying to find true love by disguising that and looking like a normie."
"His voice is so iconic that when they did the live action version of Lion King, they didn't replace him. He was the only person they carried over."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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