John Landis’s 1988 smash comedy “Coming to America” was a hilarious feather in the cap for both the filmmaker and Eddie Murphy, who had the starring role. It was original, and funny, and it relied on well-written and -performed characters. Murphy’s Prince Akeem was a charming fellow that the actor played to the hilt. Thirty-three years later, Eddie Murphy and cast have returned, guided by ... more >
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“COMING 2 AMERICA”: Prince Akeem, Lisa and the others–they’re back!

“Dolemite” is his name. Get used to it.
“Dolemite is My Name,” by the immensely-talented Craig Brewer, is a pleasant surprise and certainly one of the most entertaining and emotionally satisfying films I have seen this year. The wildly-vulgar character of Dolemite was the brainchild of struggling seventies comedian Rudy Ray Moore. Moore's material was too raw for the major record labels of those days, but the success of his ... more >

Eddie Murphy in new Paramount comedy
Was Eddie Murphy really ever gone from acting? And if so, can you call the recent string of underwhelming movies a comeback? Not sure. Meet Dave, Imagine That and Tower Heist all came and went without leaving much of an impression on anyone, critics or public. This Friday, Paramount’s A Thousand Words is coming out, starring Murphy and Kerry Washington. Here’s what Steve Zeitchik of 24 Frames ... more >

Eddie Murphy to host 2012 Academy Awards
Eddie Murphy will host the 2012 Oscar ceremony. Here’s hoping that he’ll fare better than recent presenters of the oh-so-long hoopla. His press release said, "I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others [. . .] creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the ... more >