Spoiler-filled. Who marries who? And where? And do we finally get to hear Randy Watson singing “We are family, I got sexual chocolate with me?” [Answers: read on, read on, yes] (Or check out my 3-star review.)
All’s well that ends well in Coming 2 America, with Meeka being made Akeem’s heir, and Lavelle returning to Zamunda to marry his bride Mirembe, after running away to Queens when he learned Akeem has just been using him as a pawn in his power games.
But first… let us go back, if not to the beginning, to about half way. Lavelle finally completes the last test before he can become a prince – the test of courage, cutting off a lion’s whisker.
There is one more ceremony he must go through though, insists the witch doctor – ceremonial circumcision. Lavelle reluctantly agrees, yelling as the knife comes down, before he discover’s it’s a prank at his expense and only a potato was chopped. It turns out this was actually the test of courage: “for one to put his member in danger is also a test of courage, yes?” King Akeem tells him, impressed that he was willing to sacrifice his pride. Akeem goes to crown him Prince of Zamunda and Lavelle faints.
Later, Lavelle walks in the gardens with royal groomer Mirembe (Nomzamo Mbatha). They talk of palace life, and American movies, which she sees as far superior to Zamundan ones. Lavelle is unconvinced: “What do we have besides superhero shit, remakes and sequels to old movies nobody asked for?”, and they discuss why anyone would want to make a sequel. She also wants to open her own barber shop but can’t, as women aren’t allowed to own businesses in Zamunda. Lavelle says he will make changes but she’s not convinced. They kiss but she leaves, as she knows his wedding to General Izzi’s daughter Bopoto is approaching.
At the party to celebrate Lavelle’s elevation to prince, he meets Bopoto, resplendent in a gold hooped dress and magnificent headdress – their wedding is meant to take place the next day. He’s overwhelmed, but when he tries to get to know her she simply repeats to him that whatever he likes, she likes. He spies Mirembe and goes over.
Queen Lisa gives Mary a jewelled necklace and declares she’s family now, before they go off and get drunk together.
Lavelle tells Mirembe he wants to be with her and that his dad will understand, but then overhears the General saying to King Akeem that Lavelle had only been brought over over as a pawn to be used. Devastated, Lavelle leaves on the royal jet for Queens with Mary, Mirembe and his Uncle Reem, who has been helping him prepare for being a prince.
Lisa in furious at their leaving – she has grown fond of Mary and sees her as her only friend from Queens. She tells Akeem he was meant to change things, but instead he’s pushed aside Meeka as Zamunda’s next ruler – then she kicks him out of their bedroom for the night.
Akeem goes to Zamunda’s branch of McDowell’s fast food restaurant, the chain owned by Lisa’s dad Cleo, who tells Akeem he must take responsibility. He also remembers Akeem’s mother, Queen Aoleon: “the wisest of all the Joffers.” Akeem decides to fly to Queens; Semmi will stay behind and protect the family against General Izzi when there is no wedding.
In New York, Lavelle, Mirembe, Mary, and Uncle Reem go to a cheap wedding venue – “a crackhouse of God” as Mary describes it – where Reverend Brown is officiating.
General Izzi arrives at the palace asking for Lavelle. Meeka makes an excuse, and his guards seize her as a prisoner, but she fights back and takes them down, before her sisters Tinashe and Omma, and Semmi, appear armed with sticks. Once Izzi and his men are subdued, Meeka demands he pursue diplomatic channels from now on.
Akeem travels to Queens and finds his son in the wedding venue. He accepts what Lavelle says and recognises himself as a young man in him. He also regrets what he has put on Lavelle – “the burdens of my country are not yours to carry,” – and vows to become his own king. Mirembe actually wants to get married in Zamunda, so Akeem says they can take Queens to there.
The next morning Akeem tells Lisa he’ll always do what’s right for his country and his family.
Lavelle and Mirembe get married. King Akeem tells Meeka he is changing the laws of the land so Meeka will rule after him while Lavelle will be Zamunda’s ambassador to the US.
General Izzi has come to terms with his daughter not marrying Lavelle, and he and Akeem are both pleased the trade routes between the two countries have re-opened.
The wedding reception entertainment includes Randy Watson and his band Sexual Chocolate. Despite the terrible singing, everyone joins in, and everyone gets a centre-stage dance.
Mid and post credits scenes: The credits include blooper scenes and John Legend singing. There’s also a post-credits party scene involving Jewish barbershop customer Saul, and the witchdoctor.
By the way for more on the significance of John Legend, and Saul’s lines, in the credits scenes, check out this article on Decider.com
Coming 2 America is currently included in Prime membership in the UK and US, and is also available on other platforms: