Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall return in their roles back in their home country. What gets them to the States is their quest to find a bastard son. The film starts with rollicking exuberance and a lavish musical celebration. It’s also genuinely funny, esp. when Leslie Jones is on screen. Sadly, when they return to Africa the story toggles from the funnybone to the heart with a love story for the son (Jermaine Fowler). There are plenty of cameos, including Trevor Noah and Colin Jost, who’s less stiff than he was in Tom & Jerry. The comedy highpoint was the barber shop full of Murphy characters. Ruth E. Carter, who did equally exceptional work for Black Panther, has designed wonderful Afro-centric wardrobes (that BIG wedding dress). While there’s lots of comic energy and every actor is having a great time, the indulgence of dramatic interactions drags the movie down.
NOTE: Sit thru the credits for outtakes, John Legend’s lovely performance and one final gag at the end.
(3.5 / 5)