Movie Reviews: "Coming 2 America" And "The Mauritanian"

This weekend, fans of the "Coming to America" franchise are in for a treat, as the sequel "Coming 2 America" premieres in streaming services, starring Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem of Zamunda and Arsenio Hall as his traveling sidekick.

If you're in the mood for a true-to-life legal drama, you can check out "The Mauritanian," starring Tahar Rahim in the title role and Jodie Foster as his ever-gutsy lawyer.

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Here's what to see/stream and what to skip this weekend:

“Coming 2 America” — Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley; directed by Craig Brewer

Remember Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy), the crown prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda, and his sidekick Semmi (Arsenio Hall)? Well, the ever-adventurous duo is back for the sequel, nearly 33 years since they first traveled to the United States. Also returning for the fun ride are King Jaffe (James Earl Jones) and Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley). Directed by Craig Brewer, the nostalgia-inducing comedy sparks wistful affection for the 1980s and early 1990s pop culture, featuring appearances by Gladys Knight, Salt-N-Papa and many others.

“Coming 2 America” unfolds with a simple plot, and it revolves around a monarchy law mandating that heirs to the throne be all male. As it turns out, King Jaffe is now nearing death — and, unfortunately, Prince Akeem does not have a son, rendering the future of the monarchy at stake in the process. Plus, the kingdom is facing a looming threat from General Izzi (Wesley Snipes), leader of the neighboring state of Nextdoria.

Well, it won’t be long before Akeem learns that he has, in fact, a grown-up son out of wedlock, a New Yorker by the name of Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler). And so begins Akeem’s journey back to America in search of his long-lost child. Of course, he is accompanied by none other than — you guessed it right — Semmi.

Stream it. While “Coming 2 America” pales in comparison to its predecessor in terms of originality and comedy, the sequel is still delightful and exciting nevertheless.

Watch the trailer:

“The Mauritanian” — Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley, Tahar Rahim; directed by Kevin Macdonald

Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s best-selling memoir, “Guantánamo Diary,” comes to life in director Kevin Macdonald’s “The Mauritanian,” a true-to-life story of the author’s 14-year ordeal in Guantánamo Bay as a prisoner accused of allegedly hatching the entire 9/11 plot.

In the film, Tahar Rahim plays Slahi, who was never formally charged. For three consecutive years, the Mauritanian native was tortured, humiliated and interrogated for 18 hours a day. Meanwhile, Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster), a lawyer based in New Mexico, and her assistant, Terri Duncan (Shailene Woodley), hear his pleas, ultimately taking his case.

For years, it will be an arduous uphill battle for the defense team before Slahi finally reclaims his life and freedom.

Stream it. Rahim is on fire as he embodies a soul in despair — though the movie feels somewhat bland and too labored at times.

Watch the trailer: