CULTURE CLASSICS - Coming to America - Creators For The Culture

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Coming to America is one of the greatest comedies of all-time with no debate. So it’s only right we give it the #CultureClassic treatment.

Before Wakanda, the African country The Culture wanted to migrate to was Zamunda. A fictional land introduced to us in 1988 in the film Coming to America. Coming to America is the comedic film based on a story created by Eddie Murphy, who also starred in the lead role. The film also stars an all-star 80’s black cast including Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, and John Amos. Eddie Murphy plays Akeem Joffer, the crown prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda, who travels to America (Queens to be exact), in the hopes of finding a woman he can marry and make his queen.

Upon its release on June 29, 1988, the film became an instant comedic masterpiece. There is just so much going on here. From the fake McDonald’s run by John Amos (McDowell’s), to the fictional haircare product Soul-Glo (complete with it’s own classic jingle). To Murphy and Hall both playing multiple other characters, almost every new scene brought upon a joke or a character that is still referenced to this day.

Prince Akeem does finally meet his potential queen and romance blossoms. But as he’s hiding the fact that he is a prince to make sure she really likes him for him, rom com mishaps occur. But this ain’t no Sleepless in Seattle. The film begins and ends in Africa with beautiful and unique representations of Africa culture rarely captured by Hollywood. And the comedy represents for The Culture at every turn.

Not simply a classic and hilarious film, Coming to America was also a commercial box-office success. The film debuted at number one with $21.4 million it’s opening weekend. And the final worldwide total was $288.7 million. All-in-all, it was the third-highest-grossing film of 1988.

For it’s amazing black cast, it’s too many funny moments to name, plus it’s enduring contributions to The Culture, Coming to America is certified all-time #CultureClassic.