MovieChat Forums > Coming to America (1988) Discussion > Cleo McDowell

Cleo McDowell

posted 6 years ago by Diddy1111 (401)
6 replies | jump to latest

I love how he's all about $ and then when Jaffe Joffer offers him 2 million he shrugs it off like its nothing. That made me giggle.

I also love how Akeem and Lisa get married after dating for about a week.

[–] strntz (12259) 6 years ago

Cleo was definitely a bit of a dick when it came to social standing and money - surprising since he started out poor. But he got it all back when he vociferously defended his daughter over money.

[–] Hans-Wilhelm (1356) 6 years ago

Yes, but he was hilarious! I loved his character. I like John Amos in just about everything (Good Times, Beastmaster, Lock up, Die Hard II and I loved him in this.

[–] aavfreak (3322) 5 months ago

Cleo was definitely a bit of a dick when it came to social standing and money - surprising since he started out poor.

Many "self made" people are like this. They feel like they were able to improve themselves with hard work and have contempt for those that don't better themselves.

[–] Ace_Spade (9547) 4 years ago

It was a nice turnaround and showed that his character loved money but loved his daughter more.

My favourite bit with McDowell was when he's reading the McDonald's policy manual looking to steal their success and then hides it when he's interrupted.

Then again, he had so many brilliant gags: "If you want to keep working here, stay off the drugs," and the milkshake thing.

[–] NilesStandish (3) 4 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Ace_Spade (9547) 4 years ago

Maybe, but I think the character had a soft edge to him on that point. I think at his core he was going to do the right thing by his daughters.