My first reaction after watching ‘Coming 2 America’ trailer was ‘wow’. Part one is a movie on my list that I would never get tired of watching. No matter how many times I watch it, the comic scenes are evergreen funny. The movie is beyond comic relief, it also passes deep learnings such as being resolute, finding your path, challenging the status quo, humility amongst others. I am glad that these morals were further amplified in the part two.
Though honestly, it took me like two days to watch the movie at a stretch because of other pressing engagements, it was worth every bit of my time anyway. Perhaps, if I had watched part two in a cinema in the company of a loved one, it would have taken just a moment.
Culled up in my own space, I watched ‘Coming 2 America’ with the same array of old casts and some new casts. I particularly liked how they infused some scenes from part one into part two like when Prince Akeem’s son, Lavelle’s exclaimed ‘Naa’, that was exactly what Lisa said at the end in part one.
In a nutshell, for me, coming 2 America shows that the ‘apple does not fall far from its apple tree’ because Lavelle, though a lovechild, was an exact replica of his father. He found himself in almost the same situation as his father that had to do with finding true love and leadership. He went with his heart forsaking all the wealth that the Zamunda kingdom had to offer.
I loved the stellar music guest appearance by our very own Davido and his beautiful rendition of a personal favourite-Assurance. I noticed some dance moves like the popular ‘shakur shakur‘.
While I was watching the movie, I was picking up the designs from aesthetics. I liked the way the women of Zamunda dressed, their jewelry, attires and all. I think the royal life is one life I would like to have a taste of surely. The pampering, bravery and leadership make royalty worth it.
In all, my major takeaway from Coming 2 America, is to allow people to be the best version of themselves. Of course, I can’t ignore that it was a strong advocate of women and girl empowerment. In a kingdom where girls were not given a chance at leadership, King Akeem’s daughter eventually became the heir to the throne at the end. Would there be a part 3? If we were to go by Nigerian standards, it can span to part 7, but that is by the way. However, I would be looking out for this while I wouldn’t mind having a rewatch of part 2 again!
By Patricia Uyeh