COMING 2 AMERICAN Hits Prime Streaming

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Amazon’s service Prime from director Craig Brewer is the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 COMING TO AMERICA film with COMING 2 AMERICA.

Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is about to become King of Zamunda all while celebrating his 30^th anniversary to Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley). Visiting his father King Jafee Joffer (James Earl Jones) he learns that he has a son when he visited America to find his bride.

Semmi (Arsenio Hall) recalls to Akeem what happened the night they went clubbing together. This news has a double-edged sword as Akeem is thrilled to have a son because in Zamunda, only a male heir sits on the throne and on the other edge is telling wife Lisa and daughter Meeka (Kiki Layne) who wants to sit on the throne.

Running to American once again, Akeem and Semmi find Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler) and his mother Mary (Leslie Jones) along with Uncle Reem (Tracy Morgan). Explaining the situation, Lavelle and Mary return to Zamunda and are blown away by what they see.

Someone who is not happy about it all is General Izzi (Wesley Snipes) who decides the only way to get his foot in the palace door is by offering his daughter Bopoto (Teyana Taylor) to the new Prince Lavelle. That is when Lavelle finds out that he must past a few tests before given the title and as much as Meeka is upset, she helps her new-found brother.

Lavelle finds a special friendship in Mirembe (Nomzamo Mbatha) and when he over hears Akeem and Izzi making plans, he grabs his friend, mother and uncle and heads home to America. The new king follows only to discover that plans for his son are about to change and comes to realize that the world has changed and perhaps its time for a King to change as well.

Murphy as Akeem seems to have lost a little but of his 1988 innocent swagger but definetly still love his wife and three daughters. When the time comes for him to be King, he seems to have forgotten his youthful beliefs and instead seems to be embracing tradition. Murphy has his amusing moments that will win fans over having not seen Murphy in a few years.

Fowler as Lavelle comes to Zamunda to see a life he could never have imagined for himself. Trying to bring a little “America” to the palace, he seems to annoy people more than endear them. One such person annoyed is Layne as Meeka who believes she should sit on the throne after her father and not a ‘brother’ who does not know one thing about the country or how to be a king.

Hall as Semmi is still up to his old tricks but now he has a little bit of competition when Uncle Reem shows up to put him in his royal place. Hall also has his moments of humor and still a bit of a hound. Morgan as Uncle Reem gets a chance to stand up for his nephew and take on a royal family as only he can. I think the scenes between Morgan and Hall are the best of these two in the film.

Snipes as Izzi gets a chance to flex his comedic muscles and even show his dance moves as the General who wants to be part of the royals by marriage either his son to the royal daughter or his daughter to a royal and future king. Jones as Mary is a Mom who is happy to embrace the life in Zamunda in her own unique way and seems to get on the nerves of Lisa (Shari Headley). Both women end up bringing some of the most hilarious scenes when they get past the realizations of Lavelle.

Mbatha as Nomzamo is charming, sweet, endearing and probably the only sane person in the film. She has no motive or desires to be part of royalty but instead, just wants to have a business of her own.

Shout out to James Earl Jones as King Jafee Joffer because I could not imagine anyone else wearing the crown of Zamunda and still be able to chew Akeem out. Well done sir, well done!

Other cast include John Amos as Cleo McDowell, Vanessa Calloway as Imani Izzi, Paul Bates as Oha, Bella Murphy as Omma, Akiley Love as Tinashe, Louie Anderson as Maurice, Trevor Noah as Totasi Bibinyana, Luenell as Livia and Morgan Freeman as Morgan Freeman.  

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

COMING 2 AMERICA has taken its time to come to the screen (even if it is smaller than we would have liked) and it is filled with flashbacks, familiar faces and stretched out comedy. I have to say that I do not think a real king would take someone’s word about the parentage of a child but then again it is Murphy’s way of storytelling I suppose.  

Happy to see the film take place in the backwards Zamunda, I mean seriously? No woman on the throne and no women owned businesses? What happened to you Akeem? You used to be so cool but I guess since you got Lisa that’s as far as your aspirations of royal went. Thank goodness for Meeka to be a constant reminder that a strong young woman can hold her ground.

Other than those few opinionated points, COMING 2 AMERICA did the smart thing by being released on Prime. It made it possible for a wider audience to see the film because we still live in a world where taking the whole family to the theatre is still kind of costly, streaming means the WHOLE family can enjoy in the comfort of home.

So, gather up your own royal family and take a trip to Zamunda without ever leaving the couch and prepare to giggle because we all need that!

In the end – a sequel is in the heir!

Prepare to Visit the Savannah Again with Disney's THE LION KING on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Jon Favreau and Disney is the 1994 iconic animated story now come to life with THE LION KING.

In case you come from another solar system I’ll give the story a run down. There is a young cub named Simba (Donald Glover) who is born a prince. Father King Mufasa (James Earl Jones) tries to teach his young son what it is to be a king. He is also learning side lessons from his jealous Uncle Scar (Chitwetel Ejiofor) that get him into a few scrapes.

Along with his best friend Nala, the two explore much to the fright of Mufasa, even if the royal bird Zazu (John Oliver) can’t keep up. Scar gets an idea enlisting the help of the hyenas and their leader Shenzi (Florence Kasumba) to take what he thinks is his.

Simba is caught up in a stampede that brings death and sadness to the pride and the young prince decides to run. He walks away and meets meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and faithful companion Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) who embrace Simba as one of their own.

In the meantime Scar is destroying the valley and Nala (Beyonce) knows it is time to get help. What she doesn’t plan on is running into Simba who is now fully grown. Explaining what has happened, Simba meets Rafiki (John Kani) who shows him why it is important to remember who he is and what it means to be a king.

Glover as Simba is the younger cub prince bringing a bit of playfulness making the little furry growler even cuter. Beyonce as Nala stayed in her lane so to speak meaning I had thought she would have song-wise taken over but instead they kept it easy and lovely.

Several characters that I enjoyed so much are Oliver as Zazu making me laugh several times with his antics, Kasumba as Shenzi with a tad less humor than her 1994 Goldberg counterpart but still very good and Ejiofor getting a chance to be the devious Uncle Scar.

Eichner and Rogen got all the silliness that made the animated version so much fun. I giggled so much as the antics of Simba’s smaller friends. It must be said that my four year old granddaughter couldn’t stop smiling when these two were on the screen.

Finally, James Earl Jones is the one and only Mufasa and having him once again accept the mantel of King was a wise choice. He is Mufasa and his presence at the beginning and at the most important point of the film’s emotion is something only his voice could capture. It also soothes the ruffled feathers of those who only see Jones as the powerful and loving father.

Other cast include Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, Eric Andre as Azizi, JD McCrary as Young Simba, Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began distributing under its own label in 1980 and continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

The Bluray Bonus Extras include with The Journey To THE LION KING Documentary - Behind the Scenes Magic with the Filmmakers and Cast, More to be Scene - Peel Back the Layers of Iconic Musical Moments, "Spirit" Beyonce Music Video, Song Selection - Sing Along with the Movie, Audio Commentary with Director Jon Favreau and so much more!

I can’t fault THE LION KING at all. From the moment the screen is lit up with a beautiful sunrise and music that continues to be recognized with The Circle of Life and I Just Can’t Wait to be King, this is absolutely how it’s done folks! Favreau should be applauded on several fronts – first of all he stayed ever faithful keeping to the original 1994 animated story that has become so iconic and also allowed the songs to once again bring joy.

The cinematography in the live-action is colorful and lively to the point that it was easy to forget that these lions, hyenas, birds, and the rest weren’t actually real. From the look of joy in Rafiki’s eyes to the sadness in Simba’s eyes, everything that needed to be related emotionally is there. The humor is wonderful in the film and there is a moment between Timon and Pumbaa that gives a nod to a beast of another kind so listen for it.

In the end – the King has returned!

THE LION KING Comes Alive

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jon Favreau and Disney is the 1994 iconic animated story now come to life with THE LION KING.

In case you come from another solar system I’ll give the story a run down. There is a young cub named Simba (Donald Glover) who is born a prince. Father King Mufasa (James Earl Jones) tries to teach his young son what it is to be a king. He is also learning side lessons from his jealous Uncle Scar (Chitwetel Ejiofor) that get him into a few scrapes.

Along with his best friend Nala, the two explore much to the fright of Mufasa, even if the royal bird Zazu (John Oliver) can’t keep up. Scar gets an idea enlisting the help of the hyenas and their leader Shenzi (Florence Kasumba) to take what he thinks is his.

Simba is caught up in a stampede that brings death and sadness to the pride and the young prince decides to run. He walks away and meets meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and faithful companion Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) who embrace Simba as one of their own.

In the meantime Scar is destroying the valley and Nala (Beyonce) knows it is time to get help. What she doesn’t plan on is running into Simba (Donald Glover) who is now fully grown. Explaining what has happened, Simba meets Rafiki (John Kani) who shows him why it is important to remember who he is and what it means to be a king.

Glover as Simba is a little less animated vocally than I would have expected. The younger cub prince was delightful and brought a bit of playfulness that made the little furry growler even cuter. Beyonce as Nala stayed in her lane so to speak meaning I had thought she would have song-wise taken over but instead they kept it easy and lovely.

Several characters that I enjoyed so much are Oliver as Zazu making me laugh several times with his antics, Kasumba as Shenzi with a tad less humor than her 1994 Goldberg counterpart but still very good and Ejiofor getting a chance to be the devious Uncle Scar.

Eichner and Rogen got all the silliness that made the animated version so much fun. I giggled so much as the antics of Simba’s smaller friends. It must be said that my four year old granddaughter couldn’t stop smiling when these two were on the screen.

Finally, James Earl Jones is the one and only Mufasa and having him once again accept the mantel of King was a wise choice. He is Mufasa and his presence at the beginning and at the most important point of the film’s emotion is something only his voice could capture. It also soothes the ruffled feathers of those not happy with Disney and its live action choices as of late.

Other cast include Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, Eric Andre as Azizi, JD McCrary as Young Simba, Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi.

Now, let me get this out of the way – do I think THE LION KING needed to have a live-action version? Nope. Am I a fan of live-action films? Not really. I just think it’s a huge waste of money when we could easily enjoy the animated versions of stories on the big screen and my family would love it. Plus, after seeing the trailer for MULAN and the latest LITTLE MERMAID ruckus – I’m still not a fan.

THAT being said, I can’t fault THE LION KING at all. From the moment the screen is lit up with a beautiful sunrise and music that continues to be recognized with The Circle of Life and I Just Can’t Wait to be King, this is absolutely how it’s done folks!

Favreau should be applauded on several fronts – first of all he stayed ever faithful keeping to the original 1994 story that has become so iconic and also allowed the songs to once again bring joy. I saw this on the faces of not just the children at the screening but the adults as well. Oh trust me when I say I caught a woman six seats down singing along to Hakuna Matata and thrilled to be doing it.

The cinematography in the live-action is colorful and lively to the point that it was easy to forget that these lions, hyenas, birds, and the rest weren’t actually real. From the look of joy in Rafiki’s eyes to the sadness in Simba’s eyes, everything that needed to be related emotionally is there. The humor is wonderful in the film and there is a moment between Timon and Pumbaa that gives a nod to a beast of another kind so listen for it.

In the end – the King has returned!

The Boys of Summer are back to Delight us with THE SANDLOT on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director and film narrator David Mickey Evans and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment comes one of the most amazing stories that has become iconic with THE SANDLOT.

It is 1962, a time of pretty much being outdoors from sun up till sundown in the San Fernando Valley. It is also time for America's favorite pastime - baseball! Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry) is new to the neighborhood and looking to find others his age to hang out with. His Mom (Karen Allen) hopes that he is able to get outside and make it happen.

At the town's sandlot, Smalls makes the 9th player on the team and is welcomed. The problem is that Smalls doesn't know how to play baseball. One bad play makes him feel horrible and it doesn't help that Benny "the jet" Rodriguez (Mike Vitar) breaks out into laughter. Really wanting to learn, Benny takes the time to teach him and it pays off as Smalls is back on the team. The roster also includes Ham Porter (Patrick Renna), Squints Palledorous (Chauncey Leopardi), Yeah-Yeah McClennan (Marty York), Timmy (Victor Di Mattia), Kenny Denunez (Brandon Adams) and Repeat Timmons (Shane Obedzinski).

The one thing the team has to watch out for is 'The Beast' and his owner Mr. Mertle (James Earl Jones). When a ball ends up in the Beasts yard, the gang stops Smalls from trying to get it back. Not understanding why they are afraid of the Beast, Smalls gets the down low on the man eating dog that has no problem downing a human being. They basically tell him that once a ball goes into the yard, it is never seen again.

The lazy sunny days brings the group to the local pool where Squints continues his crush on lifeguard Wendy Peffercorn (Marley Shelton). The boys know and tease him a little about it and Wendy isn't thrilled to be stared at by Squints. That's when he gets the brilliant idea to do the one thing the other guys can't - get Wendy to put her lips on his. The guys have a new found respect for their friend!

Back on the field, when Benny gets a little to hard on their ball, they have no choice but to find another. Smalls says he can get one from home belonging to step-dad Bill (Denis Leary) and it ends up with the Beast. What makes things even worse is that the ball is very special to his step-father and the gang has a week to get it back! The gang tries but nothing seems to work because the Beast is on to them.

It would take a dream and sage advice from Babe Ruth to find a way to get the ball back. PF Flyers, the most awesome shoes of the day, were suppose to bring speed to any kid wearing them. Thinking he has finally beat the blocks monster, the Beast snaps his chain sending Benny running for his life through pretty much every part of town only to end up back at the sandlot. That's where a piece of fence falls on the creature as Benny and Smalls start to see the Beast differently.

They also finally talk to Mr. Mertle and discover that what they thought was true about the Beast, was actually not. They explain to Mr. Mertle about the ball and a change takes place that helps them understand a little more about the world around them and learns what true friendship truly is.

That's what happens when friendship and baseball come together!

Guiry as Smalls is the outward feeling of the group. Wanting to make friends, he learns that he needs to relax and accept everything that comes his way. He can thank Vitar's Benny for everything he came to experience that summer and the obvious friendship that would follow him into adulthood. Vitar is the inward feeling of the group knowing that Smalls needed a teaching friend.

Leopardi as Squint is a hero beyond heroes! Watching his young self come up with the plan to get his lips on Wendy Peffercorn is nothing short of brilliant. He is the kid I'd probably have hung out with back in the day. Renna as Ham is the red headed kid who has the amazing ability to shut out the team who tries to take down the Sandlot and yet be horrified at the snort of the Beast. York, DiMattia, Adams and Obedzinski round out the boys of summer and without them, the chase between Benny and the Beast wouldn't have been as funny or the contraptions they came up with to get Smalls Babe Ruth ball back wouldn't have been as genius.

Leary as Bill is the uncomfortable step-dad who is still trying to find that relationship with Scotty and baseball would turn out to be the key. Allen as Mom just wants her son to be happy and Allen has the look of just that, a Mom of the times who just wants everyone to be happy.

James Earl Jones as Mr. Mertle is larger than life, but then so is Hercules. When the boys discover they were all wrong about the situation, it is a man who also loves the game of baseball that would show them that baseball has no age limits or boundaries. Then again, James Earl Jones is a iconic and timeless actor who I still adore.

Other cast include Karen Allen as Mrs. Smalls and Art LaFleur as The Babe.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

THE SANDLOT Bluray comes with some amazing Special Features including a Featurette, Theatrical Trailer and Television Spots. The best part is the 10 Exclusive Topps Baseball Cards featuring Smalls and the gang as well as an All-New Booklet and Poster that is so very cool to have. My son saw the Topps Baseball Cards and is thrilled that each of the characters he has come to remember fondly is on Topps cards!

THE SANDLOT Bluray: 25th Anniversary contains amazing treats and surprises for everyone. The Special Features include the Featurette, Theatrical Trailer and original television spots. What's even more amazing are the set of 10 Exclusive Topps Baseball Cards featuring Scotty, Benny and the rest of the ragtag roster. There is also an all-new booklet that contains behind-the-scenes photos from the film director's personal archives and a full-color poster.

With the opening day of baseball upon us, THE SANDLOT is a film filled with the reason baseball has become a game that excites millions and brings us all together for America's greatest pastime. Baseball film reach down deep to that place inside us that holds fond memories. For me it is the memory of being with my Grandfather at Wrigley field to watch his beloved Cubs team play. The sights and sounds of that magical place is so ingrained into me that when I close my eyes I can quite easily remember the warm peanuts, the amazing hotdogs and the cold pop.

THE SANDLOT is exactly like that - memories of a sweeter time and an amazing time where being outside with your buddies was the end all be all of our existence. Leaving first thing in the morning and being home by the time the street lights came on, there were no cell phones, computers, internet or anything else distracting. Instead it was talking with our friends, doing things we hoped our parents never found out about, climbing on things we shouldn't, getting dirty and running around with our mitts dangling from our pant belts, a ball is someone's pocket and if a bat wasn't handy then a strong stick would do just as well.

"You're killin’ me Smalls" is an iconic phrase that is used constantly and, of course, I use it myself - on almost anyone who has just pushed me to my limits. That it just the tip of the bat of reasons that THE SANDLOT has become a staple on the list of baseball films and also a film that has engrained itself on our hearts.

It is amazing that it has been 25 years since THE SANDLOT first hit the big screen and now that it is on Bluray and Digital - it will be the perfect addition to any baseball library. Seriously, who doesn't love these boys of summer!

In the end - a piece of paradise a half block wide and a whole summer long!