I thought it'd be a bit difficult to think of the movies I've seen that were based in New York City but while I was just about to think of them, a few of them came playing in my head... Says a lot how well NYC was portrayed in them. Deciding which one of them to submit as my entry for this week's prompt became the only challenge I had.
Just so you would have more options if you're looking for movies based in NYC, I was reminded of these other two "The Royal Treatment", "Your Place Or Mine" and then I decided to share my review on the one I think best portrayed NYC, "Coming To America 1988". I made sure to add the year it was released to tell the difference.
"Coming To America 1988" is an Eddy Murphy movie, if you're familiar with this actor, he is one of those actors who plays the role of many characters in one movie and this 1988 movie was one of them. He starred as "Prince Akeem", old men in a barber's shop and even as a pastor and a club artist. He was the whole package himself.
The movie takes us well back to NYC in the 80's which I must say, it's old but as I went through some clips of it today, brings memories to me. I can only imagine how the people actually living NYC now will see the movie, the movie kinda portrayed way too much about the city and I mean, some old not so beautiful part of the city.
"Queens, New York City" as in "Coming To America 1988" is a supposed beautiful place for Prince Akeem to disguise and find a bride for himself so he could marry an intelligent future Queen for his kingdom, Zamunda. Prince Akeem and his PA/friend leaves the kingdom and go to the city, the place didn't looked as they thought.
Well, for myself as a viewer, I was entertained with the streets and buildings filled with stickers and interesting adverts on their walls as the characters go around the city in search of a bride but in disguise. I'm wondering if "Mac Dowell's" place actually existed then and if it's still there in Queens. It's the place in Queens, New York City Akeem met and fell in love with his bride.
It's a 2 hour movie filled with good comedy, adventure into the city of New York and romance that gave viewers the happy ending expected even after all the "The Prince of Zamunda can't marry a commoner" lol. It's a given that viewers would love Eddy Murphy playing the Prince role but I also love the role of the king and his friend.
Overall, the movie was a 10/10 if I am to look back at the time it was made and released. It's rare to see old movies today and still feel the excitement like it was when we first saw it. The movie has a more sequel, when Eddy Murphy is older and had to go search for his son in NYC, but most of the 2021 movie was set in Zamunda.
I really do hope most of us have seen the movie but if not, don't mind the year it was made and released, it is still a good one to check out. Get to see how NYC looked in the 80's, know and love Eddy for his versatility in acting and also enjoy the comedy and romantic story the movie has to offer. If you've seen it, what do you think about it?
My entry to The Cinetv Contest and you are invited.