Quebec comedian Erich Preach
Étienne has always loved the movie A prince in New York, and he even has a weakness for its version dubbed in French. It must be said that the intonations of the voice actor Med Hondo are striking and that his sharp lines are well known to initiated people.
If this movie is on TV, I’ll listen to it! exclaims Preach in an interview. I know the punches, I know what’s going on. I must have listened to it at least 50 times!
Comedian Preach is a huge fan of the cult movie starring Eddie Murphy.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Christian Côté
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In this new opus, Prince Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy, becomes king of Zamunda, a fictional African nation, but he has no heir to succeed him. The character then learns that he has an illegitimate son who lives in New York, which prompts him to return there to find him. Then follow new adventures, which will bring them back to their native country.
As in the first film, Eddie Murphy slips into the skin of several other characters, including Mr. Clarence, the barber of Queens with strong opinions. Arsenio Hall also takes on the role of Semmi, the faithful companion of Prince Akeem. Actors Tracy Morgan and Wesley Snipes, among others, also appear on screen.
A precursor film of Black Panther?
This new chapter is an opportunity to remember the impact of the first film in the world of cinema. Released in 1988, A prince in New York represented a UFO in the offering of the time, since it placed black actors in leading roles. Although stereotypical, the film also presented a vision of a rich and developed African nation.
This was in contrast to Hollywood’s habit of producing films about Africa driven by the experiences of Western people. For a long time, these productions also told miserable stories about the continent.
Without the allure and efforts of Eddie Murphy, who was then at the height of his fame, this comedy probably would not have seen the light of day. The actor, who had just completed the trilogy The Beverly Hills flick, has also surrounded himself with talent from the African-American community, despite the reluctance of his studio. Yet this film was a huge success, generating US $ 288 million in worldwide revenue.
Eddie Murphy on the “A Prince in New York” movie poster.
Photo : Paramount Pictures
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Several people believe that with its popularity and its positive portrayal of a strong and emancipated African nation, this comedy by Eddie Murphy had, at the time, an impact similar to that of Black Panther, released in 2018 and starring Chadwick Boseman. In the movie trailer A prince in New York 2, we also wink at Wakanda, the African nation at the heart of the Marvel film.
Three decades later, it’s a question of seeing whether the film’s humorous tone has stood the test of years. According to the critics of this sequel, the kingdom of Zamunda seems to have remained frozen in time and several gags are modeled on those of the first film. In hindsight, others have also noted the monolithic vision of Africa adopted by production in 1988.
I have emotions [partagées], firstly because I’m afraid of being disappointed, ”admits comedian Preach, who has yet to see the film. “There have to be gags for the new sauce with a nostalgia reminder. There are undoubtedly gags that would not pass [aujourd’hui], then you have to renew everything.
The film A prince in New York 2 is offered on the Amazon Prime streaming platform.
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