Day 3 of Black Movie Month "Coming to America"

Oh I just had to spotlight this film!! This 1988 comedy is in a league of its own with a cast that truly makes it shine on its own. Coming to America is a movie that I can watch over and over and still laugh till it hurts!!For me this is one of Eddie Murphy's most hilarious films to date. And there are so many cameo appearances the list could go for days.

The writing and direction was fantastic along with it being perfectly paced, with constant sight gags and wittiness. The chemistry between Eddie Murphy (Akeem) and the rest of the cast is perfect. Arsenio Hall (Semmi) as well as Eddie Murphy show you that they are experts at playing different characters in the movie. And the barber shop scenes still holds the title as one of the funniest scenes in the movies, hands down!!

Although the movie is supposed to center on the Prince finding his Queen it is more about the comedic situations, and not a complex love story. And that is fine by me laughter is good for the soul. This is a good film to represent the 80s. And regardless of how young or old this movie will always be remembered!!

Now one of my all-time favorite scenes from the film..."She's your Queen-to-be. A Queen-to-be forever. A Queen who'll do whatever his highness desires. She's your Queen-to-be. A vision of perfection. An object of affection to quench your royal fire. Completely free from infection. To be used at your discretion. Waiting only for your direction. Your Queen-to-be."

And the dance routine that comes before it, I am still trying to get those moves down...lol


Coming to America is another classic that guarantees to keep you entertained from beginning to the absolute end.

Eddie Murphy Drops out of Richard Pryor Biopic

As many know, Eddie Murphy has always credited Richard Pryor as being his inspiration for getting into comedy. He pretty much did a perfect imitation of him in his concert film Raw, and even casted him in his directorial effort Harlem Nights. So it was just seem natural that he would star in the film about his idol's life.

So it was a big shock when Entertainment Weekly broke the story last week that Murphy was dropping out of the Pryor biopic. The movie, called "Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said," will be written and directed by Bill Condon. Condon was also behind Dreamgirls, the 2006 musical that earned Murphy his only Oscar nomination. According to the report, Murphy left over conflicts with the project's original studio, Paramount Pictures.

Even more surprising is the identity of the star who is stepping into the role of Pryor: Marlon Wayans. EW.com reports that Wayans filmed a 13-minute screen test where he "transforms into Pryor" that secured the role for him.

While the movie will obviously have its share of comedy -- its producers include Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, along with Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor -- it will also tell the dramatic story of the comic's battles with drug addiction. There is no word yet if it goes into Pryor's later years when he was confined to a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. The film is set to begin shooting in the spring.

*Reported by Entertainment Weekly

Rewind Wednesday: Harlem Nights

Well today is a special day and I wanted to give a personal shout-out to my Aunt Gloria who is celebrating her birthday today! This Rewind Wednesday is for you!!! Harlem Nights!!

Now she is probably wondering why I pick this one, but I think it fits! This 1989 comedy-drama starred Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, and other notables such as Danny Aiello, Redd Foxx, and Della Reese.

This is one of those movies that you either REALLY like or REALLY hate, there is really no in between. For the time period that it came out and the directing done by Eddie Murphy, it was a pretty decent job. Harlem Nights is a great that stars the funniest three black comics to ever grace a comdey stage. Eddie Murphy was pretty smart, and probably knew what he was doing when he decided to cast Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor and a host of other well-known comedians to fill the roles. Harlem Nights is one of those films that has great one-liners, plenty of action, and amusing fight scenes. Many have commented on the violence and profanities in this movie. But just think about the era that it took place in, it was only necessary. And the movie is still funny! And without a doubt the two most hilarious scenes are Eddie Murphy's fistfight with Della Reese, and his shootout with Arsenio Hall. (Still laughing to this day!!) Now the critics can say what they will about Eddie Murphy, but he still cracks you up!

Much to many surprise, Harlem Nights was a critical failure, but a financial success, grossing 3 1/2 times the amount it cost to make it (worldwide) and is well known for starring three generations of black comedians (Foxx, Pryor, and Murphy).

And for your entertainment....Priceless scenes...
This is probably one of the most funniest scenes...The Shootout!


Next...Quick vs. Vera