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Coming to America (R, 1988)

common sense media says

Silly, curse-happy '80s Eddie Murphy vehicle.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's plenty of foul language and some negative female stereotypes to watch out for here.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Cartoonish scuffling in several scenes.
Sex: Bare breasts are lingered upon just minutes into the movie; contact between the movie's royals and their servants is discussed explicitly.
Language: More f-words and other epithets than you can shake a stick at.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters are shown drinking cocktails and beer at a bar and at home.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Coming to America

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the role of women in society -- what's your view? Do you think it's something to joke about like they do here? They could also discuss the pros and cons of arranged marriages, and the way other countries view Americans.

What's the story?

What's the story?
COMING TO AMERICA centers around pampered African Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy), heir to the throne and fabulous riches. He's reached marriageable age, and his parents have found him a suitable bride. But Akeem wants a woman who loves him for what he is, not what he has, and he travels to America with his valet Semmi (Arsenio Hall) to find his soul mate. He finds one in the person of Lisa (Shari Headley), the daughter of a Queens restaurateur whose jealous boyfriend is the scion of a chain of African-American hair products called Soul-Glo.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Despite some sexist and racist quirks, COMING TO AMERICA comes through as a funny trip back to the comedy stylings of 1988. Everything about the film is fairly predictable. Lisa and Akeem get together in the most standard boy-meets-girl/boy-loses-girl/boy-gets-girl-in-the-end way possible.

The movie has its moments -- Murphy and Hall play multiple roles in the movie, and certainly Murphy was in his prime. Some sexist and lurid overtones are cringe-worthy, but it's small potatoes compared to the fat-suited Murphy of today

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: John Landis
Cast: Arsenio Hall, Eddie Murphy, James Earl Jones
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 114 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1988
DVD release: March 9, 1999
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language and sex.
This review was written by Common Sense Media Editors
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

mcmovie123
teen, 16 years old
13
 
dont have to watch the R rated version
If ur kid wants to seethis movie than theres a pg version that has no f words and that sex seen is taken out.
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helped me decide (17) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (10)
Directedbyjpc
adult
 
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (10)
reed Carson
teen, 16 years old
14
 
Little ones, stay away.
This was a great movie. Funny. I always wondered why my mom always talked about it, now I know why. This was pretty much an non-seasonal, adult version of Elf. A man in a new world. This man happens to be prince searching for a bride in America. He meets Lisa. Oh-la-la-Lisa. You see bare boob's several times. Sammie is seen 'playing around'. Many F-words slip. At least 35-45. The role models are great and so is the plot. Learn to love even if they are a Sheep Header or a Prince or a Fast Food Worker. All in all, A great FILM!
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)
Jackscp
 
What do you mean "OFF"?!
This movie is one of my favorite movies, it's harmless to younger kids. I first saw it when I was 9 (I am now 12).
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (6)
colt45copman
adult
 
Funny stuff
Funny, little known gem!
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
soccerstarfish
teen, 15 years old
8
 
AH HA!
I saw this movie when I was 7 and to this day when there is an awkward moment my father and I will say: "One time, I went to a restaurant and asked the waiter if he would please come over. He kept asking me what was wrong so I said: Look. At the soup. Sir, this bowl is empty. AH HA!" To put it simply. But still I do remember the royal servents being naked and the guy saying stuff like: I haven't had s** in weeks! O_o Ummmm ok. Other than that, awesome! It is rated R though, so yeah.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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