Changing Our Narrative
By: Cameron Bell
It wasn’t anywhere near the typical movie experience I must admit, it was the best movie experience of my entire life. Instead of concession stands, we went to 7-Eleven and bought affordable snacks. We didn’t do the typical previews as if we were in the cinema, yet we listened to the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack as our preview while drinking affordable cocktails.
Here’s what’s even more amazing: we were scheduled to start the movie at 8:30 p.m., unfortunately we didn’t start watching the movie until 10:30 p.m. All invited guests were fully aware that somebody would be late. However we all had one common goal which was to experience the comical genius of Eddie Murphy and his favorite sidekick, Arsenio Hall hit the big 50-inch Smart TV screen together.
In my opinion, saying that Coming To America 2 was genius is an understatement. It was exactly what our culture needed at this particular time. This film brought laughter in our homes and appreciation for black excellence, and respect for Black Legends. It gave our community an opportunity to witness on a wide scale how chosen we are as a people. A movie filmed in a successful black man’s home (Rick Ross), that spotlighted older actresses and actors, up-and-coming actors and actresses, singers and rappers, businessman and businesswoman sharing the stage, was extraordinarily breathtaking.
It was electrifying to see James Earl Jones again, and for writers to give the audience the opportunity to witness the transition of power between the King and his son Hakeem was necessary for the black father that may have been viewing . The anticipation to witness the beauty of Shari Headly and the brilliance of Morgan Freeman eulogizing a long time friend James Earl Jones, was absolutely spectacular.
The King’s wish before dying was to have a funeral that he could witness watching himself move to the tempo of En Vogue was extraordinary, and the great Gladys Knight was breathtaking.
Oh and I dare not forget to mention General Izzy, the great Wesley Snipes owned his role and brought another excellent thrill of humor alongside Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. This film deserves an Oscar.
To witness how the writers merged three different generational mindsets into one film without dismissing the importance of unity is what grasped me most from the film. The backstory complements the current story effortlessly.
Most viewers were curious on how Prince Hakeem was able to have a son, yet writers were able to perfectly merge one of the greatest scenes from the original film to the present film without damaging the relationship between Prince Hakeem & Lisa McDowell. WOW! I didn’t feel like I was watching a new movie. It was as if I was able to experience King Hakeem’s new life and family. Ironically I feel a part of and his transition in power and returning to the place that gave him his understanding of love to find his son.
There is no other place that I would have rather watched this film than in a home setting. The socialization dynamic that happened after watching this film brought out so many healthy viewpoints and perspectives that were needed for us all.
