AfrikCinePedia

Movie Review: Mind Game

2011-01-10T07:32:00.001-06:00

Title: Mind Game

Starring: Van Vicker, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Reginald Lubin, Carlin Kenol

Story: Darlene Cobham

Producer: Samuel Ameyaw, John Uche

Executive Producer: Samuel Ameyaw and John Uche

Director: John Uche

Year of production: 2010
Country: Nigeria, Ghana, Haiti
Language: English
Genre: Religious Drama

Prologue:

This movie was initially hyped here as a Nolly-Golly-Belly combo that I was really looking forward to. It’s been out for a while, but I never found the time to watch it until over the Christmas break. Even though I was hesitant because all reviews that I had seen were pretty lukewarm, I felt that I owed it to my readers to review it after hyping it, so I tried it out over the Christmas break. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Story:

Betty (Omotola) is a very pretty Christian girl who attracts a lot of male attention, particularly from Patrick, one of her male coworkers (Reginald Lubin). She falls in love with and marries Richie (Van Vicker), a successful Christian man. They are the perfect couple, very good looking. She starts to live her worst nightmare when after their wedding Richie refuses to touch his wife. For three months, they play cat and mouse with each other, with Richie coming up with every excuse in the book to avoid intimacy. One day, Betty comes home early and accidentally discovers the reason for Richie’s refusal to perform his marital duties. What does she see, and what does she do about it?

Click here for trailer and Review

Trailer:

Review: Reading all past reviews, I thought this would be very bad, but to be honest, it was better than I thought. Omotola – my girl!! OmoT killed it again. One of the most expressive faces in Nollywood. I love her. I am a HUGE fan. She was excellent as the heartbroken Christian wife trying to save her man from himself. She was pretty and demure and yet classy and sophisticated. She is really coming into her own.

I have never, ever been a Van Vicker fan, because I have been disappointed so many times by so many of his movies (Friday Night anyone? Urgh!!). However, I have to admit that he has improved tremendously. He is not on the Ramsey Nouah level at all o, but he has grown. He was not bad as the dude who was struggling with being on the down low. I also enjoyed Reginald Lubin as the love starved coworker and and Carlin Kenol as Linda, Betty’s best friend. They were the Haitian additions to the movie. Omotola was the obvious star acting wise, but everyone else performed their roles adequately. I was not falling off my chair in amazement, but they did good. Also, it was in just one part – yaaay!

After watching it, I understood why this movie got so many negative reviews. You are either pleasantly surprised by the twist at the end, or you roll your eyes and say whatever!! And the twist at the end is surprising, unexpected but overused!! Waaay overused! Its time to retire it. LOL. The movie is also preachy and does a lot of moralizing about a pertinent societal issue. Depending on your viewpoint, that may or may not work for you. There were some scenes that stood out though – like when Betty made her life altering discovery about what her man was up to – the confrontation on the stairs: I was loving it! Great scene- emotional without being overly dramatic.

What did I not like? While I don’t know much about the technical aspect of making movies, there was just something about the look and feel of the movie that did not feel very movie-like. Although the picture and sound quality were excellent, but there was a missing movie ambiance so to speak. Some of the camera work also just felt weird. They had cameras all up in people’s faces and it just did not look good. In addition,some of the scenes were pretty cheesy. Not too many people have learned the art of adding scripture to a movie without laying on the cheese. After the twist is revealed, the rest of the movie is cheese, cheese, cheese and more cheese. I just kept rolling my eyes, like really? Urgh!! I liked the final scene though, it was pretty cute.

Bottomline: Its not my favorite movie of 2010, but I liked it. It’s hard to review it without revealing the twist at the end, which was pretty unexpected, so I won’t talk about it too much. I have learned my lesson again from this movie though – watch a movie and judge it for yourself. It may not be as bad as others say. I certainly liked it.

Worldview/Philosophy/Important lessons: Particularly with regards to this movie – nothing is ever as it seems. Take nothing and no one at face value. Always dig deeper into the relationships and circumstances in which you find yourself. And like one of the movie characters says “Guard your heart with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of life”(source).

Rating: 6.5/10. Like I said, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it did it for me.

Availability: Big three

Movie Review: I sing of a well.

2010-12-24T23:39:00.001-06:00

Title: I sing of a well
Starring: John Agyeman, Akofa Asiedu, Godwin Kotey, Kofi Mends, Doris Sakitey, Prince David Osei, Luckie Lawson
Director: Leila Djansi
Executive producers: Akofa Asiedu, Leila Djansi, Ross Lamanna, Ambrose Augustt
Story: Leila Djansi
Year of production: 2010
Country: Ghana
Language: English/Ewe
Genre: Historical Drama

Prologue: There was a lot of drama before, during and after the making of this movie. You can read about some of it here and here, or you can just google Akofa and Leila and get an eyeful. They really did not get along during the making of this movie. Given that background, I was expecting something really horrible. But honestly, I liked the story. I really did. I hyped it here last year if there is any interest in going back to look at that.

What is the story about? Soraya is engaged to Dume a common hunter in the village. They want to get married, but the bride price set by her uncles (her father is dead) is way too high, so he continues to work to raise the money. In the meantime, Soraya catches the eye of the crown prince and he demands her hand in marriage. How does this work out for Soraya, Dume and the kingdom itself?

Click here to continue on to trailer and review

Trailer below:

Review: The only way to think about this movie is as some sort of cross between Lion King and the story of King David and Bethsheba in the bible. You know - the horrible things people are willing to do to get what they want. I really liked it. First I liked the story, even though it started slow, I really got into it eventually. I loved the cinematography. I really liked the music - very creative. I liked most of the acting - I think the casting was mostly spot on. This movie was very technically proficient, the sound was pristine, the pictures just sparkling. Veery nice. Somebody worked very hard.

What did I not like? Weeeeelll, some of it was very clinical, very antiseptic. Too "clean"? I think the complaint from Leila was that it was artsy in one of the articles I read. I certainly agree. It never really grabbed me emotionally. I admired it, I enjoyed it, but I did not get emotionally involved in it because I did not really believe Akofa. Actually, this very astute lady says it better than I ever could:

I actually had mixed feelings while watching this. I'd heard about Akofa Spike Lee'ing her way into this movie ( shout out to Atlakos who coined the phrase), and it was pissing me off throughout the movie. Now, I'm supposed to believe that Akofa's character Soraya is wanted by not only her bethrothed Dume the hunter, but also Prince Wenambe. She's suppposed to be so captivating that both men are willing to fight for her. I admit that this maybe coming from a shallow place (and I own it), BUT if you are in the twilight of your 40's, and you LOOK LIKE you are in the twilight of your 40's, you choose to overrule the director, and insist you must play the part of a "maiden" because you will never play anyone's mother, PUT IN THE DAMN WORK!!!..(you have to look the part)...I was sooooooooo irritated. Angela Basset put in the work for her role in "How Stella got her Groove Back", and you could see why Taye Diggs was checkin' for her.. the cast of the Color Purple was on Oprah, and Margaret Avery who played Shug Avery is 66, the movie was shot 25 years ago, and she still was selling it today as the sexy Shug Avery. ...My point is, these women did the necessary things they needed to do, to sell the story....Akofa simply did not..It seemed like she thought that being Akofa the actress was enough.... I did not believe that these two men were honestly fighting over her, and I can see why Leila was pissed, and washed her hands off the movie.
I truly want Leila to shoot this movie again, because even with my gripes, her talent as a storyteller and director are undeniable...I want to watch HER story.

I think people were too scared to tell Akofa that she was ill-suited for the role, because of who she is/was..this is really sad....as an artist, you can truly begin to believe, or construct your own hype if left unchecked, and this is what I think happened in this case

Do not get me wrong. Akofa was good, but it could have been soooo much better with a less clinical actress. There was something missing in all the scenes. A certain oomph was just not there. Omotola or Genevieve would have torn that role to shreds!! I have to give kudos to Akofa for one scene though, the one where the prince went in to her for the first time. Hmmm! It was a very artfully shot scene. Or perhaps I should give kudos to Leila for that scene. It conveyed her distaste for the king and her unwilling submission to his body. It was just different. Very well done.

And of course, since it was designed to be trilogy, we were left desiring more. Hmmm! Now that director and producer are fighting, are we going to see the conclusion of this movie? Me I enjoyed the story o. I can guess what happened of course, but I still want to see it. So will the rest of the story get made? The answer my friends, is blowing in the wind! LOL!

Worldview/Philosophy/Important lessons: He who sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Leila wrote this story and it is supposed to be historical Ghana, and yet I saw so many biblical elements in it. The scene where the king goes to consult the lady seer reminded me so much of Saul in desperation turning to a diviner as the battle turned against him. And then we also have the element of David and Bathsheba, where David was desiring what does not belong to him. Pretty deep movie, I liked it.

Rating: 7.5/10 - good acting, technically proficient, but too little chemistry. I do recommend it. It was well done.

Availability: All three online retailers have it at the moment.

Movie Review: A private Storm

2010-12-23T21:02:00.004-06:00

Title: A private storm
Starring: Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ramsey Nouah, John Dumelo, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ufuoma Ejebonor
Producer: Vivian Ejike
Story: Vivian Ejike
Executive producer: O Atoki
Directors: Ikechukwu Onyeka, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen
Year of production: 2010
Country: Nigeria.
Genre: Drama
Language: English
Prologue: This is Vivian Ejike's third movie. The first one, "When the heart lies" was pretty bad. However, I was very impressed by Silent Scandals, her second movie. For this movie, there is only one thing I want to say:

AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHHHH! That is what I am talking about. Yeah!! Nigerian movies are stepping up BIG time and Vivian is right in the midst of the revolution. What? What!!! I know I am gushing like a schoolgirl, but I cannot help my self. I loved it. Loooooooved it. LOVED IT!! Please do not watch this on youtube, get your own original copy. At the moment, all the online stores have it, so get a copy u hear me? It does not cost that much and you will get excellent entertainment during this holiday season.

Click to continue to Trailer and review

Synopsis:
So what is the movie about? Domestic violence. Omotola is Gina the beautiful, super sexy very talented fiancé to Alex, played by the suave Ramsey Adetokunbo Nouah. I tell you, Ramsey is like old wine, he has only gotten better with age. He is so suave, so cool, I tell you, dude is in his prime and he knows it. It shows in his acting, as he has real swagger - confidence in leaps and bounds. Excellent. Sorry, I was telling the story right? Alex and Gina have the ultimate relationship – they are beautiful, they are rich, they are in love, what could possibly go wrong? Hmmm! How about the fact that Alex has a horrible, horrible, horrible temper. A hair trigger temper. Very touchy guy. He abuses her relentlessly – physically, emotionally and psychologically, and then apologizes most profusely when his anger abates. How does Gina handle this abuse?

Trailer below:

Review:
First of all, I must say that the casting for this movie was almost perfect. Almost. I will talk about the exceptions later but for now, let me just say that Omotola and Ramsey are Nollywood elite for a reason, and it’s a good reason. I keep saying this in any movie I review with Omosexy in it – there is something that she does with her face that is just , real. I think the word I want is “real”. You feel Gina’s fear. You feel her pain. You feel her melting when Alex would apologize. And while you may not approve of her weakness for Alex and his gifts, you understand it. She sucks you into her situation. That is not good acting, it is EXCELLENT acting. And Ramsey. What can I say? Ramsey! This dude is on fire. Wow! I fell in and out of love with him so many times I felt schizophrenic. When he was seductive, it was irresistible. When he was vulnerable, you just want to cuddle him. And his anger, his rage was unreasonable and fierce and terrifying!! Ramsey’s Alex was nothing short of brilliant. To OmoT and Ramsey, I give a standing ovation. Excellent!!

John Dumelo plays Jason, a guy in a “complicated” relationship with Lisa played by Ufuoma Ejebonor. The movie has two parallel stories going with Jason on one hand and Alex and Gina on the other. Eventually, the two stories collide in very interesting ways. I won’t go into that because explaining it would give the story away. All will say is that Jason has commitment issues in addition to being a serial philanderer. And Lisa deals with him. There were some laugh out loud moments with those two I tell you. Ngozi Ezeonu plays Jason’s mom, and mostly did a good job, although it got too cheesy at times.

There were two obvious weak links in the movie: Jason’s best friend and partner in womanizing, Obi, played by Vincent Opurum, as well as Jason’s sister Katie, played by Tessy Oragwa. Tessy was inconsistent. There were scenes where she could have been so much better especially acting opposite John Dumelo who is a pretty good actor. Hopefully she improves with time. Jason’s friend Obi did not come across as sexy and sophisticated if that was the intention.Those two could have been so much better.

There were other issues – there were some useless scenes that did not lead anywhere, like the scene where Ramsey was talking on the phone in his car saying he was ashamed. That scene made no sense and should have been cut, as should some of the other phone conversation scenes. Many of them were just useless fillers that stretched the movie to 3 parts. In addition, while parts one and two were excellent, part 3 started to drag and become predictable and cheesy, particularly as related to Jason. And there were so many questions I had about plot twists that just made no sense to me. For instance, the article in the magazine that caused all the brouhaha, in whose name was it written? And why was that name not recognized when the time came? And why was Jason looking to meet with Alex earlier in the movie? I just did not get that. Also, there was some allusion to a family business arrangement with Jason and Lisa which was not well developed or resolved. The online chatting thing- what was that about? And why was it so badly done? Why was Jason chatting with someone and the chat screen was so lopsided? How hard is it to put on a chat screen properly on a computer? That was just sloppy!

I also continue to have issues with all this Lisa, Gina and Alex of a phenomenon. What is wrong with Funke or Titi or Chichi? It’s a Nigerian movie – use our names, wear our clothes. Speaking of clothes, Omot looked spectacular in this movie, particularly in the blue night scene dress – she is a beautiful woman o. Chei!! Generally speaking though, the settings were right on point, although it did seem that they used the same house as in Silent scandals for Alex and Gina’s house? I may be wrong, but the red wall did seem familiar. And one more thing that struck me – Gina’s best friend Uju, played by Christian Ajisaje reminded me so much of a young Joke Silva. The complexion, the mannerisms, even the accent -everything. I wonder if they are related. Does anyone know? The music by Paul Play Dairo was also mostly appropriate. Nigerian movies now have sound tracks that do not tell the whole story. Yaaay!!

In summary, the movie was not perfect by any means, but it was gooooood! Finger licking good. If you like to watch Nigerian movies for the drama, you will enjoy this one. Vivian did good. Standing O for this one.

Worldview/ Philosophy/ Important lessons: All that glitters is not gold. Gina was much envied by her friends for her hot, hunky, rich, super attractive man. Hmm. There is a scene where her friend tells her “ my dear this is husband o. Alex is a big fish!” And yet none of that gave her any peace or joy. Only pain. Bottomline is this: what you have will never be as important as who you are. Anyone looking for a relationship, take note!!

There was also a lot of premarital sex – between Gina and Alex, and also between Jason and whoever the flavor of the month was. This is not one of those nasty movies that is basically soft porn – nope this was waaay classier than those, but it is important to note that sex does not a relationship make, and young people need to think about the lessons they subliminally imbibe even from good movies like this one.

Rating: 8.5/10. Yes, despite all the flaws, Ramsey and OmoT sold it to me. I am now a Vivian Ejike fan.

Availability: All the three major online retailers have it in stock. Get your copy nooowww!!

Nollywood art exhibition on CNN

2010-12-23T09:17:00.001-06:00

So, it appears that CNN has this fascination with Nollywood. The industry is now on their radar and it appears there is a new story every 5 minutes. However, I am not sure that I am feeling this exhibition at all. It all seems so artsy without much substance that I can relate to. I am an avid Nollywood fan and I do not really know what Ms. Saro Wiwa is going on about. Who are these people? And there is more to Nollywood than the aspirational English movies. We have the yoruba movies as well as the traditional village based movies. Talking about plastic and aspirational!! Suffice to say I am not really excited about view of the industry. But here it is anyways:

Full story here

Ciao!!

The Hype: Tango with me

2010-12-11T14:45:00.003-06:00

Hi peeps!
I have decided to be a little more selective about the movies I hype nowadays, but this one, I could not resist! What a gorgeous, gorgeous trailer! Very attractive!! The story line appears to be really similar to Perfect picture, (another movie I need to review soon), but hopefully there are plot differences. Its a star studded movie, featuring the lovely Genevieve Nnaji, newcomer Benjamin Joseph (hawt!!), Joke Silva, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola and Ahmed Yerima. It was produced and directed by Mahmood Ali-Balogun, while the screenplay was written by Femi Kayode.
Click for Trailer and more.....
What is the movie about? From the website:

In the beginning...
Lola and Uzo are the perfect couple, their newly married life in front of them. All is well until the happiest day of their lives became the worst.
This event leads the couple on a journey of self discovery.
"Tango With Me" is a contemporary story about forgiveness about some of our core values as a people and our faith.
A story that proves that above all, Love does indeed, conquer all.

That is not the most explanatory synopsis I have ever seen, so here is a great feature piece on the movie, that tells you a little more.

See the gorgeous trailer below:

Hmmm! And the new guy Joseph Benjamin look tres yummmy!!

As with these better quality movies that are going the cinema route first, I think it will take a while before we get it on dvd, as we are still waiting on The Figurine and Ije.

But it will be reviewed whenever I lay my hands on it.

Ciao!

The Hype: The Child

2010-11-25T23:42:00.001-06:00

The delectable Wole Ojo won the fourth AMBO competition and so he gets to star in their latest movie - The Child. Apparently its a Benin based epic starring Joke Silva, Bukky Ajayi, Alex Osifo and as always directed by the fabulous Izu Ojukwu.

The Story:

Directed by Izu Ojukwu, ‘The Child’ revolves around a Benin town’s expectation of a ‘child’ promised the community by the gods. The advent of the child will see to the end of the town’s problems which include drought and recurrent war defeats, especially against the strong army of Ijogun.

Two children, at least as far as we can tell, are born on the said night; one is by the widowed queen Ifueko, played by Joke Silva, whose uncle the Iyase (Alex Usifo) is the regent. Another woman gives birth to a son. The rains return, wars are won and a basket mysteriously retains water after the boys are born. As long as the basket holds water, the community knows their special one is still alive. As both boys grow up, so does the competition between them as both are intent to prove their ‘childship,’ despite the fact that all have accepted the crown prince Nosa (or Omo as his mother calls him) as the special one (Edaeke).

Read more:

Trailer:

The movie has already hit trailers in Nigeria, and so you can read a very comprehensive review here .

The major grouse seems to be that its formulaic and predictable. I cannot judge that until I see it. However, I hope this movie is not like Sitanda which was just -- strange? But no matter what, I am an Izu Ojukwu fan, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Will review it once I get my hands on it.

Ciao.

Cindy's Notes

2010-11-25T22:42:00.001-06:00

Title : Cindy's Notes

Starring: Bhaira Mcwizu (ambo 3 winner), Nonso Diobi, Clems Ohameze, kasimu Yero, Jennifer Ayomo

Story: Amaka Ezeala

Screenplay: Felix Odion

Producer: Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO)

Director: Izu Ojukwu

Year: 2008

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Inspirational drama

Language: English

As anybody who reads this blog knows, I am a big fan of Izu Ojukwu - Amstel Malta collaboration. I have previously reviewed the first two movies in the partnership, namely Sitanda and White Waters. For those unfamiliar with the Amstel Malta movie franchise, here is a quick overview - The amstel malta company sponsors a reality show every year to find new talent for the Nigerian movie industry. The winner gets to star in a movie directed by the tremendous Izu Ojukwu. Azizat Sadiq won the first edition and starred in the aforementioned Sitanda, while O.C Ukeje won the second edition and was the star of white Waters. The third edition was won by Bhaira Mcwizu and she is consequently the leading lady in Cindy's Notes. By Nigerian standards, Cindy's Notes is a tremendous movie!

Read more

I started off by hating on Sitanda, the first movie in the series and now, I am head over heels in love. The movies just keep getting better and better. I cannot wait for the next movie, which I hear is already in theaters in Nigeria. I will be hyping that next.

So what is Cindy's notes about? From the website:

Cindy's Notes is a movie about self discovery and the treasures that lie within the reach when one is pushed to unfamiliar territory.

Cindy, a young lady from an upper class home who is posted to a remote rural area in the mid north for her National Youth Service year. As hard as her influential mother tries to ensure that she doesn't get sent there, the system is strong and Cindy must report to camp after which she may be redeployed.

After the three week long orientation camp, Cindy is posted to a dilapidated secondary school for her primary assignment and this is where Cindy's story of self discovery begins.

Amidst trials, discomfort,unfamiliar territory and forces of people who have influence, Cindy must look past her background and her usual expectations and take pride in serving her country and contribute her own quota to the development of this community.

Trailer:

Review:

Where do I begin? First of all, a huge round of applause for Izu, AMBO and the crew once again. They made a tremendous movie - one that is inspirational, timely, relevant, entertaining all at the same time. No overt sexuality, very few star actors and yet fantastic!! I loved it.

The acting: The lead actors Bhaira and Nonso were perfect for their roles. Prior to watching this movie, Nonso had never impressed me as an actor. But as a fellow corper and Bhaira's love interest, I had to give it to him in this movie. Very impressive. Bhaira was just lovely as the ajebutter Lagos babe who could not bear to be in the village school. You believed every single word out of her mouth - whether she was bellowing at students, fighting with her fellow teachers, or making eyes at Nonso's character. She is a natural - I hope Nollywood makes good use of her.
The kid actors - particularly the girl who played Wande. Very convincing, very touching. Loved it. And the principal played by Kasimu Yaro was very good. Excellent actually. You could believe that he was always in that dingy office drinking his kunu and doing his best for the school.

I loved the rural environment - Izu has a way of making rural areas in Nigeria look attractive. It was lovely, though very realistic. The movie did not gloss over the realities of rural life - electricity and water scarcity, bad roads, myopic thinking were all very much on display. Very nicely done!

I know that I keep speaking in superlatives, but I really love the movie, what can I say?

Is there anything that I did not like?
Clem Ohaneze played the village teacher with the chip on his shoulders guarding his territory from the invasive youth corpers. Clem is a good actor no doubt, but I did not really dig him in this role. They tried to cast him as an english teacher who speaks bad english. Problem was, he was not consistent. He would speak good english for a while and then throw in a few grammatical errors. That did not really work well for me. Aside from that small glitch though, I thought the casting was perfect.

I also did not like the AMBO and Izu practice of not using African names. Who is Cindy Haastrup? Is she British? Ah! Its an African movie, please be authentic. I will keep beating that drum until somebody listens to me. Izu and Ambo, we have nice names na. Use them!!

Bottomline:
Anyone who has watched a "teacher makes a difference story" like "Lean on me" or "To Sir with love", or "facing the giants" (all of which made me cry by the way!) knows how this story would be resolved. It is obvious that there is great triumph at the end of a long hard journey. But as Miley Cyrus sang, what makes the journey interesting is not the destination, its The Climb. That is what makes this movie so fantastic. The climb was hard, hazardous, frustrating, but ultimately successful.

Themes and Worldviews:
Everybody can make a difference. You can bloom where you are planted even on rocky ground. You just have to become tough enough - like a cactus. Nothing good comes easy. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the common good. In addition, in this time when there is a mass exodus out of Africa in search of a better life in the West, it pays to remind us that even on a micro level, we can do amazing things within our circle of influence just like Cindy did during her service year. Are the economic refugees listening?

Rating: 9.5/10.

More reviews here .

As for availability, I am going to say the same thing I said about their first movie Sitanda. The more things change, the more they stay the same unfortunately!!

Availability: Unfortunately, I get the impression that AMBO does not really care about making money from their movies, because they don’t seem to do any hard work with marketing and distribution. They seem to use the movies just for brand recognition, which is pretty sad because they make great movies. I have no idea where to find this one o. Sorry.

Genevieve Nnaji : Connecting the world on CNN (video and transcript)

2010-11-23T22:43:00.005-06:00

Nigeria's foremost Nollywood Superstar, Genevieve Nnaji was recently interviewed on connect the world on CNN. She was extremely well spoken, looking beautiful and classy. Wonderful representative of Nollywood! Excellent job! She was in London for the premier of Bursting out, and CNN took the opportunity to interview her.

Continue........

Transcript: CNN Connect the World – Genevieve Nnaji
(14:22:29) MF: tell us about ‘Bursting Out’ for people who don’t the movie and are thinking about going to see it – what is it about?(14:22:34) GN: Bursting Out is a romantic comedy. It’s a story about a very upp-ity, uptight, elitist woman who falls in love with the wrong guy in the wrong class of life and then her discovery about – and then she falls in love hard so…it’s pretty funny. I found it funny.
(14:22:56) MF: Fun to film? Or was it hard work?
(14:23:00) GN: It was fun. It’s always fun. Cast were amazing and they were also funny and everyone had their own little contributions, which made it all was fun. I don’t feel like I work when I’m on set to be honest.
(14:23:12) MF: What was your favourite moment from the filming? There’s always a favourite moment.
(14:23:16) GN: Oooooo….I think the scenes with the other two girls, because I had two friends.
(14:23:25) MF: And you’re here in London because it’s being premiered in London. It’s already had a premiere in Lagos. Why London? Is there a big market here?
(14:23:33) GN: There is a big market here. Everyone is a descendent of Nigeria or Ghana or where ever and movies are really, really big here. Just walking down the streets, the amount of people who stop me on the road, and really appreciate what we’ve done. So…it’s amazing and you know they ask for it. They’ve been asking for it for a very long time. So, yeah. It’s not the first time I’ve been here to premiere.
(14:23:56) MF: It seems that Nigerian film is becoming more and more popular abroad, but who’s watching those films? Is it people of Nigerian descent or is it people who have nothing to do with Nigeria?
(14: 24:06) GN: All sorts of people. All sorts of people. Umm… I have been recognised by Indians, I think a Chinese woman once and that’s so funny. I think all sorts of people, but that’s because Africans are all over the country – all over the world – and you know, all it takes is you having a friend and telling a friend “you need to see this this”. It’s all by association, so it’s all really getting its awareness somehow.
(14:24:28) MF: It’s called ‘Nollywood’ which is a term I don’t think all actors like in Nigeria, but it’s sort of been coined. How would you say Nigerian cinema differs from Hollywood cinema?
(14:24:41) GN: Do we really have cinema? [laugh] Cinema is pretty new in Nigeria – I mean it used to be back in the day, but that sort of faded off. But it’s new, it’s coming back and hopefully it comes to stay. But for now all we do are home videos, movies for your tv. But there we’ve had success stories like EJ and a few other movies that have been shot on film and had to be premiered and shown in the cinemas and it’s amazing how people have received this so….
(14:25:13) MF: As you say, the growth is explosive. Why are people so fascinated by film now when film has been around for so long?
(14:25:21) GN: Umm… are you talking about Nollywood being interested or people being interested in films
(14: 25:24) MF: I guess it’s Nigerians watching films as much as Nigerian films doing well.
(14:25:30) GN: Movies have been there for not long, but say relatively, for about 20 years – pretty recent. But you see we started out making films for the people by the people. We are only allowed to tell our stories and it’s amazing how people can relate to these stories – you know what I mean? And obviously because of the awareness we create in terms of what happens in every individual’s life at some point – we all have story in common and I think that’s really why people have taken an interest in our films to be honest, because they can relate to our stories.
(14:26:10) MF: But they want the fun films don’t they? They want the romantic comedies. It’s not necessarily the really gritty, traumatic movies that sometimes come out of Hollywood.
(14:26:17) GN: We have a healthy mix. We do. If you look hard, you would find it. I do quite a number of romantic comedies.
(14:26:24) MF: We’ve got lots viewer questions of course – from all over the world actually. Robin from Cameroon asks, “What’s your biggest challenge as an actress in Africa?”
(14:26:35) GN: Well, in the beginning it was pretty challenging because first of all you had to – it’s not a culture that Africans have, well back in the day, took to very readily so it was hard having to go through that and at the same time convince people that you know what you’re doing and they should give you a chance to prove yourself. And it’s possible, you know, to do something – to actually be in the public eye, and be an actor and still be normal. You know so it was challenging.
(14:27:03) MF: But you’re not normal. You can’t go down the streets of Lagos can you?
(14:27:06) GN: Chhee….eee….. no.
(14:27:10) MF: What’s it like living that life? It’s crazy, isn’t it? You know, you get mobbed?
(14:27:15) GN: I know – I don’t walk! I drive! So, I’m safe.
(14:27:18) MF: You’ve made your name obviously in Nigeria and but also abroad. I think it was Oprah who called you the ‘Julia Roberts of Africa’. What do you think about that label? I mean it’s great – this is from Oprah!
(14:27:30) GN: Yes, it is from Oprah. So it’s fine.
(14: 27:32) MF: Are you an actress in your right?
(14:27:34) GN: Yes, I am an actress in my own right. I don’t think I have anything in common with Julia Roberts to be honest. But it’s really complementary. It’s for me it’s a honour either way. It’s just recognition – that’s good.
(14: 27:45) MF: Nancy Samara from America says, “Who is the one actor from Hollywood that you would want to work with, and why?”
(14:27:51) GN: Angelina Jolie. I’m a hug fan. Love her, love her, love her. Um… Johnny Depp, amazing actor. I think he’s so intriguing. I think there is something so mysterious about him. These two people, I don’t know I think I would definitely get along with.
(14: 28:06) MF: And Stachelle from Trinidad says, “Are there any times that you regret being famous, especially in a country like Nigeria where everyone knows you, and they really do.
(14:28:16) GN: Um…nnoo
(14: 28:18) MF: Do you just want to break away from it sometimes and be yourself?
(14:28:21) GN: When I want to do that I basically just stay in. I just stay in and hang around with people who know me for me and appreciate me whether or not I’m an actor. You have to just get up and go and just you know grab that privacy that you want so much.
(14: 28:36) MF: When you can get it. Pat from our Facebook page asks, “How do you discover other talented Nigerian actors and what do you do to give back to your country?”
(14:28:47) GN: We have quite a number of young ones back home who are trying to be actors and actresses and they are really working hard. But all you have to do is audition and prove yourself and believe in yourself and hope [MF – UP SOT: hope you break through] you break through at some point and what do I do to give back? I basically look out for talents in the industry. I basically look out for talents and encourage a lot of producers to try out new people and for the society the little I can do to be honest.
(14: 29:17) MF: But you support orphanages, don’t you?
(14:29:20) GN: Yes, I do.
(14:29:22) MF: And that’s because – I presume – you feel for these young kids that don’t have families and you can give something that can help.
(14:29:28) GN: Definitely. I’m very passionate about you know, orphans because – for me – there are so many other diseases out there but you see a lot of people don’t even have the experience of what love is about and these kids don’t even have that. So for me, times like Christmas, you know you just want to do something and actually buy them presents and I just think they are too young and too innocent and we need to actually show them that people out there do love them. So I do my bit.
(14:29:55) MF: Assan Cyril wonders where you get your motivation when so much of the country is in poverty, which you’ve just referred to I guess – lots of orphanages aren’t there?
(14:30:04) GN: Yes. Well, country being in poverty. Well then our job is to put a smile on people’s faces. You know, we do the bits we can and we’re pretty generous when we come across people as well. And then we do a lot of talking to people that we feel can help. You know like,..
(14:30:23) MF: Lobbying governments to try to do things.
(14:30:28) GN: Yes, exactly. Encouraging them to do more.
(14:30:27) MF: Ok, and Catyatoo asks what advice would you give to young Nigerian girls that may want to follow in your footsteps?
(14:30:35) GN: I would tell them to definitely be sure, first of all [MF UP SOT: Would you advise them to go into the industry?]. Yes, of course, it’s a wonderful place to be, especially if you love, what you, if you’re sure you can do it. It’s a wonderful place to be. I would definitely advise them to believe in themselves, be true to themselves and be sure that it’s something they are willing to do and they’re ready for the consequences because every good thing comes with consequences.
(14:31:00) MF: What are they? Lack of privacy
(14:31:00) GN: Ohh… you lose your privacy for starters.
(14:31:05) MF: Philip Peter from Lagos asks, “What has been your biggest regret in Nigerian film?”
(14:31:13) GN: Umm…. Biggest regrets? Oh boy, regrets – I don’t know – I hardly regret anything. I just learn from mistakes. I don’t regret anything. It’s too hard. I mean you do the best you can at that point in time and you know everything is about growth and progress and I’ve gotten older so obviously you learn more. You learn on the job. I love my job – don’t worry about anything at all.
(14:31:36) MF: And finally Joped from our Facebook page asks, “When do you think that African movies will be able to compete with big budget Hollywood films?” Or do think they already are?
(14:31:46) GN: I think a few people have given them a run for their money [laugh]. We have to claim that, but we are getting there. Maybe not the Nollywood you know, but definitely we have a few people out there – a few Nigerian students who have schooled abroad and have gone to film school and are coming back home now to put to practice what they’ve learnt. So we do have a few people who are coming into the country right now and doing big things.
(14:32:11) MF: And the reality is it’s a very expensive business, so you need the finance as well. Is that coming more and more to Lagos now, do you think? You’re getting the funding that you want on your movies?
(14:32:20) GN: We have gotten support every – we do get support every now and then. But not as much as we would love to – not as much as we should. Because the movie industry is like the biggest export right now in Nigeria and we have in some way re-invented the country, you know. And we would appreciate some more encouragement from the banking sector.
(14:32:42) MF: Because people would be surprised by how much a Nollywood film actually costs. How much is it in dollars?
(14:32:46) GN: [laugh] My god! [MF UP SOT: Roughly] Roughly? Let’s see…
(14:32:49) MF: A Hollywood movie would be a 100 million dollars, say. And a particularly big one.
(14:32:53) GN: Oh well, I have no idea. I think it depends. But the truth is – the unique about Nollywood is we make the best use out of the little resources we have. You know, some how we get by. I don’t know. Sorry. [laugh]
Transcript Credit: CNN International

The Hype: Bursting out

2010-11-23T22:28:00.006-06:00

Hi peeps!
This movie was just recently premiered in London, and you can read some unbiased reports of that event here. After reading that, I am hyping this, though with some trepidation because the cinema goers did not appear to be that impressed with it. Nevertheless, it is a star studded affair - produced by Emem Isong, directed by Daniel Ademinokan and Desmond Elliot; and starring a list of who is who in Nollywood including Desmond Elliot, Genevieve Nnaji, Nse Ikpe Etim, Omoni Oboli, Susan Peters, Majid Michel and recent Big Brother Africa winner Uti Nwachukwu. With all those names, it better live up to the hype!

Synopsis and trailer when you continue.......

What is it about? Apparently its a romantic comedy. Genny is an uptight workaholic who cannot find a man. Then she falls in love with Majid who is not in her social class and falls hard. Sound familiar? It should. Its a role that Genny has played a thousand times, most recently in Silent Scandals. Somebody needs to challenge the lady stat!!

Anyways, here is the trailer.

As usual, I shall review it whenever I get to see it.

Enjoy!

Short film: Grass between my lips

2010-11-22T09:48:00.004-06:00

There was a whole period a couple of years ago when female genital mutilation was a hot topic so we had some attention in the media on the topic. Movies like Lost Maiden were made , a very good movie actually. Check it out if you have not. Around that time, this short film by Ghanaian filmaker Leila Djansi was released. While I had heard of Leila for reasons I will not go into here, I had never seen her work. Let me just say that I was blown away. She is making longer movies now, which I will definitely be talking about on this blog for sure - assuming she keeps up with this standard of filmmaking.

Just a little bit about the short:
Cast: Angela Sarfo Ababio, Ernest Adjey Doateng, Abi Adatsi, Nathaniel Banini and Emanual Armah.

Producer: Leila Djansi

You can check out the synopsis of the film on the website here. Apparently you can buy a dvd there too. Great stuff!
Alright, check out the movie itself:

Grass between My lips from filmmaker on Vimeo.

Excellent filmmaking no? Leila is also made "I sing of a well", which I hyped here but have not seen. I hope to see and review it before the end of the year.

I know that I will be featuring a lot of Leila's work here. I can smell high standards all over her output. Enjoy the short film.

The Hype: Black Gold

2010-11-19T23:21:00.005-06:00

Apart from the fabulous Letters to a Stranger, I have not been too excited about movies produced or directed by any of the Amata brothers. Okay let me be specific - I hunted down Amazing Grace after all the hype, and one year later, I still have not gotten through it!! But it seems like they have been busy of late, so hopefully their story telling has improved.

I am hyping this because it tells a different story from the normal "marry love" Nollywood story, and the trailer is promising. I have my reservations about the storyline as it appears on the trailer, but I will hold my tongue until I can see it. The movie is entitled Black Gold, and actually stars some Hollywood heavyweights, including Billy Zane (Titanic), Hakeem Kae Kazim (Hotel Rwanda) as well as Sarah Wayne Callies(Prison break). Note that this is a different movie from Liquid Black Gold, a slightly above average movie starring Sam Dede on a very similar theme that was released in 2009 or late 2008 (its hard to tell, the jackets of Nigerian movies do not have dates for some reason!).

What is it about?

From award winning director, Jeta Amata, comes Black Gold, a powerful story of greed, murder and corruption in the murky waters of the volatile oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Black Gold is an epic film about environmental justice and the fight over the control of the scarce oil resources that the world runs on. The line between good and evil is blurred as corrupt government officials, greedy oil companies and violent rebels go on a war path over oil spills and degradation of the land caused by oil exploration. Starring Billy Zane, Mbong Amata, Hakeem Kae Kazim and Sarah Wayne Callies. Produced by Jeta Amata, Wilson Ebiye, Dede Mabiaku and Hakeem Kae Kazim. Original score and trailer by Joel Goffin.

Trailer below:

You can find a half finished website with some pics but no working links here. I hope there is a better website soon. I will update this link if I find one.

Looking forward to it.

Ciao.

Okay, now I am back to stay

2010-11-19T11:39:00.003-06:00

I have not written much on this blog of recent for many reasons, mostly personal. Also as important, however is the fact that the quality of movies this year has been absolutely, unbelievably, atrociously bad. Incredible!! I have had no incentive to waste precious time or money on any of the crappy products that Nollywood has been churning out. While the crappy movies have been going straight to dvd, some of the better movies have been going to cinema. Majority of my postings in the foreseeable future will be focused on these better movies. I will also be going back to identify movies from the past that have not been covered here.

So folks, we will cover the past, and mostly the future, but not much of the present. Its too depressing!!

But I'm back y'all!

Movie Review: Baba JayeJaye

2010-05-30T23:40:00.005-05:00

Title: Baba JayeJaye

Starring: Funke Akindele, Babatunde Omidina, Femi Adebayo, Kayode Odumosu, Ranti Adebayo, Iyabo Odukanmi.

Producer: Babatunde Omidina

Screenplay: Babatunde Omidina, Monsuru Obadina, Kehinde Adeyemi, Gabade Oguntoyosi, Yomi King

Story: Babatunde Omidina

Director: Monsuru Obadina

Year of production: 2009

Country: Nigeria.

Genre: Comedy

Language: Yoruba (with subtitles)

Preamble: I have been out of the loop with Yoruba movies for quite a while, and honestly, I have not heard good things about the genre. I had tried to come back by watching the much hyped Jenifa, hated it and thus continued my hiatus. I am glad I came back because honestly, this was pretty good!

Trailer:

Summary: Baba Suwe (called Asumo by his mother) is a stereotypical Lagos Landlord with wife (Iyabo Odukanmi) and kids in Lagos. He meets Kikelomo (played by Funke Akindele) at an eatery and loses his mind, kicks out his wife and starts to spend money on her in a profligate manner. Kike is so expensive; he ends up neglecting his kids and his aged mother who depend on him financially. Baba Suwe and Kike’s relationship is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Baba Suwe is a bush, illiterate, uneducated man with no table manners, while Funke is the more sophisticated, worldly wise Lagos babe, playing him like a fiddle!! Hilarious!! You could call this the Nigerian version of a midlife (or perhaps end of life) crisis movie. How does it work out for Baba Suwe and his May-December romance?

REVIEW
Positives: First of all it is in only one part which is great, considering Nigerian movies nowadays have so many parts, they could be considered soap operas. It’s unfortunate that Yoruba movies do not get enough credit, because some of them are pretty good. Also, the subtitling was adequate. Could have been better in parts, but even if you don’t speak Yoruba, I am pretty sure that you can follow it quite well. In terms of content, Baba Suwe and Funke Akindele are nothing short of hilarious for the most part. The restaurant kissing scene just left me in stitches! And the landlord and tenant scene, where Funke speaks English and the landlord does not understand a word of it, Oh my word!! The rest of the cast was very good as well – the mother, the scorned wife, the tenants, the extended family. Mostly perfect casting. I also loved the fact that the settings were not over sanitized, as in many of the English language movies, creating an overly sophisticated, but very atypical setting. It was all very conventional, normal and very relatable. You could just see this whole scene playing out in inner city Lagos, with Baba Suwe as your crazy landlord, fighting with his feisty wife. Technically, it was not perfect, picture could have been better, but it was pretty adequate. I could only get it on vcd, so that may have affected the picture quality. The metamorphosis of Baba Suwe from an agbada (native attire) wearing old man to a jeans sagging with underwear showing, earrings sporting, tennis rocking, scarf and leather glove displaying dude just to keep up with his young lady love was just classic! Good heavens! I also liked the display of culture in the engagement scene. That scene was actually pretty representative of the real thing. Some effort was made in putting this one together – good job!

Negatives: However, it was not quite perfect. First there was the issue of progression : first we saw, Kikelomo was totally disgusted by the old man. And next thing, they were all over each other. Also, and I guess this is begging for a separate article, the violence in Nigerian movies is very bad. Even for comedy purposes, the fact that the lesson teacher (Kayode Odumosu) felt comfortable bringing out a belt to attack Baba Suwe for being a bad student was unfortunate. It was not funny and is actually an indictment of our violence prone culture. In addition, several scenes could have done with some editing, for instance, the birthday scene, which was waay too long. And most disappointing for me, towards the end they screwed it up with a juju (medicine man) scene. I was so happy that this one was juju free, but alas, towards the end, they had to have one. But I suppose it is realistic. A lot of people do believe in and rely on that, as we all know. Although I guess one positive lesson we had from the scene in this particular movie is that it does not work and only makes you look ridiculous.I suppose that was a good way to do it if it had to be done at all. However, I still don’t like it. I would love our movies to elevate our mode of thinking. Finally, towards the end, the movie started to drag, although I think it was all wrapped up very nicely.

Lesson/Worldview: In the west, when a man gets to be middle-aged and feels that he is getting old, he may get a sports car, or divorce his wife and find a young hot blond in order to feel better about himself. More often than not though, the young ladies who hang out with men old enough to be their fathers are usually gold diggers. Nothing good ever comes out of kicking out the woman who stuck with you through hard times and bore you your children. It never, ever ends well, as Baba Suwe found out at great cost. In the African context though, the movie also all too clearly reflects the relative powerlessness of too many women in our society – the fact that the old man could just throw his wife and kids out with no consequence says a lot about gender rights and how much still has to be done to protect women in such situations.

Rating: 7/10. It was really funny in many parts. I highly recommend it.

Availability: I was really excited to find that there is a place where you can get Yoruba movies in America finally. They are all on vcd and I suspect, they are all genuine. I am 90percent certain that their movies are the real thing and not pirated copies. If I learn otherwise I will come correct myself. You can check them out here.

Enjoy!

The hype: Nollywood hustlers

2010-05-17T00:19:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned in my last entry, the movies this year have been soooo bad that I have no incentive to review them. Its horrible. My reviews, when they return, will be of the older movies. Nothing good has come out of Nollywood this year, and it seems that with the exception of Shirley's movies, everything Ghana produces now seems to be soft porn! Na wah!

Luckily though, it appears that we have some decent movies to look forward to - one can only hope that they live up to the promise.

Today, we start with the satire/comedy Nollywood hustlers.
Uche Jombo ex mathematician (impressive huh?) executive produced this one, while Emem Isong produced it. Here is the synopsis of the movie:

"Elvis (Charles Inojie) and Lucky (Bishop) are two no-good-out-of-work hustlers who want to shoot a film. They enlist the help of Prince Adolphus Akabogwu (Ejike Asiegbu) to sponsor it and the pepper soup joint assistant Scholarstica (Uche Jombo) to feature. But how do they get the A-List actors, Monalisa Chinda and Ramsey Nouah (acting as themselves) to act without paying their exorbitant fee? They then come up with a brilliant plan that leads to severe consequences for the pair. 'Nollywood Hustler' is a satire on the film making process in Nigerian film industry that will leave you laughing from start to finish. Produced by Emem Isong and written by Bola Aduwo & Uduak Isong Oguamanam, it has Uche Jombo as the Executive Producer and features several stars in cameo appearances." Source

Interesting plot no? That is what I thought too, until I discovered that it is some kind of copy of the the Hollywood movie Bowfinger. Hmmmmmm! For the record, there is nothing wrong with remaking a movie if you acknowledge that it is a remake. So nollywood, take note!

Anyways, here is the trailer:

I will admit that it does look funny, so I am looking forward to it. There are some pics from the movie here and premiere pics here and here.

The movie is apparently making the theater rounds in Naija. Hopefully its available on dvd soon.

Enjoy!

Sorry! and AMAA on CNN

2010-04-30T09:13:00.003-05:00

Hello people!

A thousand apologies. I have not lived up to the promise I made in starting this blog. I am so sorry, life just got busy. Also, movies this year so far have been awful. I have a whole bunch of movies to watch and review, but I have no time, and yes, no motivation. The few I have seen are not reviewable. Its been so far, so bad!! **Sigh**

But there are quite a few movies coming up that I am excited about, so I guess my return will be all about the hype feature for now and perhaps reviews of some of the older movies. For some reason, Nollywood is back in the doldrums. Hopefully things improve!

Anyways, I was doing my news rounds this morning, and saw this feature on CNN. It's a feature on the recently held African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The gist is that AMAA had a lot of issues this year (as always) from organization, to sponsorship, to the fact that most stars did not show up
. Also weird was the fact that three people won best actress for the movie Perfect Picture. Yeah, strange huh?

But it does seem that the rest of the world has begun to recognize the AMAAs as Africa's oscars. That means that they need to get their acts together ASAP. Hopefully they will. Kunle Afolayan's Figurine, already hyped here, stole the show at the awards. Enjoy the feature, and I will be back!!

Movie Review: Deepest of Dreams

2010-01-31T23:27:00.006-06:00

Title: Deepest of Dreams

Starring:Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Majid Michel, Tonto Dike Geredine Ekeocha, Prince Eke

Producer: Azuka Odgngkwe

Director: Tchidi Chikere

Story/screenplay: Tchidi Chikere

Year of production: 2009

Genre: Drama

Language: English

Country: Nigeria.

Preamble: Tchidi is a very inconsistent writer and director. Sometimes he slams it out of the park and sometimes, he screws things up. Let me by saying that in my opinion, this was a slam dunk, a grand slam, a home run! What I wonder though, is why he had to give such a good movie such a ridiculous name. Who names these things? I almost did not watch it. And yet, what a good movie it turned out to be!

Story: Catherine (Omotola Jalade Ekehinde) is a young girl who lives with her mother (Geredine Ekeocha) and her sister Debbie (Tonto Dike). Problem is, Catherine has been badly disfigured in a car accident that killed her father and left her with facial scars and a bad limp. Now she considers herself ugly and suffers from very low self esteem. Her situation is not helped by her beautiful sister Debbie who misses no opportunity to put her down. Into this dysfunctional setting walks the very handsome and rich Omar (Majid Michel) who for some inexplicable reason seems to be very attracted to the ugly duckling Catherine, much to Debbie’s chagrin. How does it work out for the three of them?

Trailer (although this trailer is pretty bad - a cut and join job if you ask me. Makes no sense!!)

Review
Positives: Omotola is one of Africa’s top actresses for a reason – she can act. SHE CAN ACT! Dang!! I loved her in this movie – loved her. Her vulnerability, her self loathing - there were times she almost moved me to tears. She was clearly the star of this flick. I cannot lie – she pulled it off big time. I have never been a big fan of Tonto Dike’s but with performances like this, she is starting to win me over. She was excellent as the beautiful spoilt brat of a sister with clear feelings of entitlement. And Majid – sauve, handsome, compassionate and yet, conflicted – veeeery nice! I loved the casting of this movie. Honestly, I have no complaints about any single cast member. Even the doctor (Prince Okah), I think did really well. Most delightful!
I loved the story. While it was kinda cheesy, it was also very sweet, and yet not totally predictable. I did not really expect some of the events that took place, so I really liked that. I loved the fact that Tchidi was able to take a very simple story, requiring such few cast members, and yet make something so engaging out of it. Good job.

Negatives: First, Omotola’s make up. Yeah it made her look funny, but why was the supposed burn green? Abi was it just my eyes? It was green!! They needed to do a better job with the burn victim story and associated make up. Haba!! Secondly, Tchidi needs a better camera. Yes, the pink spot is gone, but his camera is definitely not the same standard as the one Vivian Ejike used in Silent Scandals. That was a pretty film visually. In this one, the picture quality not as crisp. Tchidi, you need a new camera!!
Thirdly, while I have heard frequent complaints about Tchidi singing in all his movies, I have not really seen his stuff of recent. Well, in this one, we were subjected to the dude singing some really corny tune, while basically telling the story of the movie. Too cheap to pay someone to write and sing a decent sound track? Na wah o.
And then, as I earlier mentioned, there is the stupid name of this movie. Eventually, I figured out why they gave it that name, but its still stupid – honestly. If you take the time to make such a good movie, then take the time to name it properly!

There were also some scenes that were too long - of Catherine walking all over the place for instance - normal Naija movie problems.

In general though – darned good movie. Very nice. I highly recommend it.

Themes and Worldview: This is what I loved most about this movie – its realistic depiction of the role of physical attractiveness in getting people through even the more mundane activities in life. There is a powerful scene where Omotola’s character weeps as she wonders why nobody sees past her ugliness and sees the person inside, why noone believes that any good thing can happen to her. “I am a good person; I am still here” she wept. It was touching, and it hit me on a visceral level, because we are all guilty of this: judging people by what we see – beauty and race being the most obvious characteristics. The film so artfully captured the pain suffered by people who are rejected for attributes they have no control over. Very touching. And even beyond art, the themes in this movie have some powerful real world applications: For instance, study after study have shown that better looking people get better jobs, and are likely to be treated better in general

As one character in the movie said “Yes, beauty is only skin deep, but no one told me how deep that skin is.” In other words, we are all potentially very shallow people, ignoring the person inside because of the outer packaging. Even in the bible, GOD had to teach the same lesson to one of his prophets saying “man looks at the outward appearance, but GOD looks at the heart”.

Great story, powerful lesson, much food for thought.

Rating: 8/10.

More reviews available here and here.

Availability: Big three.

The Hype: IJE

2010-01-28T22:00:00.006-06:00

So everybody has been talking about this movie for a while now, but I decided to wait on the trailer before hyping it. The buzz is really positive. I am so excited about all the good things that are suddenly happening in Nigerian cinema. This appears to be another movie that is once again going to take the industry to the next level. It is the filmmaking debut of Chineze Anyaene who directed and co-produced it with Paula Moreno. The movie has already been screened for some Hollywood high-flyers late last year, and there have been a few private screenings as well. The few available reviews have been effusive - Omotola and Genevieve were said to have knocked it out of the park!! I just cannot wait to see this one.

IJE tells a tale of Chioma, a child growing up in the Nigerian countryside, who warned her restless sister, Anya, about the trappings of the American Dream. Now ten years later, Anya is accused of killing three men in a Hollywood Hills mansion—one of them her record producer-husband. Chioma travels from Nigeria to Los Angeles, and with the help of a young, unproven attorney, discovers that the dark secret her sister wants to keep hidden might be the only thing that can win her freedom." It stars Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. It will be released in March 2010...

Trailer:

Just even look at the production quality of that trailer!! And check out the music - she used Asa!! Honestly, I am so excited!!

You can learn more about the movie here and also keep up with new developments on this thread. There is also a website, but it is still undeveloped. Will update this post if any action turns up on that site.

Alright folks, the movie is supposed to hit theatres sometime in March. And then I guess DVD later in the year? Looking forward to it. As usual, we will review when we see it.

Enjoy!

Movie Review: Silent Scandals.

2010-01-15T23:49:00.005-06:00

Title: Silent Scandal

Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jumbo, Ebele Okaro, Chelsea Eze

Producer(s): Vivian Ejike

Screen play: Vivian Ejike

Director: TK Falope

Year of production: 2009

Country: Nigeria.

Genre: Drama/Romance

Language: English

Preamble: I watched this movie fully expecting to hate it. See I had seen Vivian Ejike’s “When the heart lies” her first movie I think, and I was totally, completely shocked by how bad it was. So I was not expecting anything good from her. In fact, although I had been aware of it for months before it come out, I refused to hype it because I was very skeptical of anything good coming out from her stable.
I have to very happily eat humble pie. She has exceeded my expectations quite honestly. I am happily surprised! This movie has its faults, but it is a million times better than when the Heart lies. A marked improvement on her first effort I must say. Very good job.

Trailer: (I must note that the trailer strongly undersells the movie!)

Summary: Genevieve Nnaji is Jessica, an uptight, though very successful single mother. Her daughter Ella (played by Chelsea Eze) is driving her crazy. The girl is totally out of control and Jessica does not know what to do. Eventually, when Ella is arrested for theft, Jessica surmises that she cannot cope with her daughter, and she banishes her to live with her father and his wife in England. Around the time that Ella leaves, Jessica’s driver also quits, and so Ella is forced to hire the very handsome Naeto (Majid Michel) who used to date Ella (unknown to her) and desperately needs a job because he is facing tough financial times at home. When Jessica has political ambitions, she makes Naeto an offer he cannot refuse, and it leads to serious consequences for them all.

Review :
Positives: I was actually very, very, very surprised by how much I liked this. Although, I have to start by saying that this was a convoluted rip off of Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s little girls”. The night club scene, the drunken bedroom scene , the mouthy chauffeur, those scenes were copied almost verbatim from that movie. We have to acknowledge the abuse of intellectual property inherent in some scenes in this movie. However, after that, the movie moves on to the love triangle plot, which was interesting and I hope original, so it was not a total copy.

The acting from the main acts was very impressive. Genevieve! Genny! I love that girl, honestly. She can play the cold chick in her sleep meeen. The first time Naeto walks into her office, she gave him a look – it was perfect. And Majid, dude is just sexy jo, abi what can we say? Ebele Okaro played the overly permissive grandmother so beautifully. And Chelsea (who played Ella) was a revelation. She was not perfect, but she was good. She was really good as the spoilt brat, turned good supermodel. And Ms. Uche Jombo – the crazy over enthusiastic best friend, larger than life, yet ever loyal! I salute!! She was just perfect for the role. I also enjoyed the way the story flowed – particularly in part 1 – gripped my attention almost from the beginning. And the modeling and party scenes were so tastefully done. Ms. Ejike went above and beyond in putting together the crowd scenes. I was impressed. Bravo – good job!!

Negatives:Much as I applaud Ms. Ejike for all the hard work she put into this movie, it was obvious that she went cheap for some of the extras and waka pass actors. For instance, the dude who played Jessica’s cheating boyfriend was just bad. No other way to describe it – baaaad. When they said I love you to each other, I rolled my eyes. No chemistry what so ever. None, nada, zip. And Genny was magnificent in every scene, while the dude was just – cold toast!! Not as bad, but still underwhelming was Naeto’s best friend – played by Paul Frank. He has improved since Guilty pleasures actually, but he still has some ways to go. I wasn’t impressed with him either.

There were also some important scenes where you could not hear what was being said because the background music was too loud. Why we are having those kinds of problems in 2009 is beyond me.

I had two major substantive issues with this movies : unresolved plots and that totally unsatisfactory ending. First the plots – why bring up Alhaji if you won’t tell us what happened to him? How did Majid’s character resolve his relationship with his parents? What happened to his father in the midst of the illness? There were quite a few unresolved subplots and cheap plot creations to get to a desired end – having the driver quit so that she could hire Majid for instance. And how come Jessica, as a proud mother, did not have a single picture of Ella in the house? NOT ONE?

But nothing they did during the movie was as outrageous as the ending of that movie. Nothing. Made absolutely no sense. Unless they are planning a part 3. I was like – worraheck was that?

Bottomline: Despite all the faults and the copying, I still liked it. A pretty good movie by Naija standards

Worldview: Life is complicated; things are not always black and white, plenty of shades of gray. And love can find you in the most unexpected of times and places. Always be ready to recognize it. You need somebody in your life who believes in you and will stand by you no matter what you have done. And never settle when it comes to love. When eventually you find what you really want, things can get messy!

Rating: 8/10

More reviews: here and here

Availability: Its available here and here

Movie Review: Love My Way

2010-01-09T22:38:00.004-06:00

Title: Love my way

Starring: Jim Iyke, Genevieve Nnaji, Tonto Dike, Kalu Ikeagwu.

Producer(s): Anthony Nwatu

Director: Ikechukwu Onyeka

Year of production: 2008

Country: Nigeria.

Genre: Drama/Romance

Language: English

Summary: Genevieve Nnaji is Keyla, Tekena (Jim Iyke)’s fiancé. She has just lost her her mother, and her grief appears to have pushed her off the deep end as she buries herself in smoking, drinking and partying. She is also not in the least bit domesticated. She refuses to cook and clean house, and refuses all entreaties by Tekena to get her to face her grief and get help. Tekena loves her, but really struggles with who she is, and they both wonder separately if they should marry each other or not. Tekena’s best friends are Doctor Richard (Kalu Ikeagwu) and coworker Oge (Tonto Dike), who coincidentally has a huge crush on him(Tekena). Keyla decides to travel to Abuja and take some time off to go clear her head and make some decisions (against Tekena’s wishes). Tekena, as he suffers with missing her and worrying about her, flirts with the idea of an affair with his best friend Oge. They are interrupted with the news that Keyla has been in an accident. Keyla has no memory of her life before the accident, and in particular, no memory of Tekena. She also appears to be a totally changed women – domesticated, sweet, caring, in total contrast to the old Keyla. Tekena finds himself falling in love with this sweeter version of his woman. What is really going on with Keyla? Will this love last? And how does Oge deal with Tekena’s newfound devotion to Keyla?

Trailer:

Review
Positives: It’s a sweet love story, if rather predictable. Once Nollywood discovered the technology to put a person on the same scene twice, aka the twin genre – they have felt the need to beat it to death. You couple that with the way they have overused the amnesia story, and this story is not new, at all! However, some of them are better than others, and this I think, is one of the better ones. You always think of Jim Iyke as this rough neck bad boy, with his brash, rude, loud and obnoxious ways, both on and off screen. To my surprise though, he was really sweet in this one. He is tender and sensitive - every woman’s dream- and he pulled it off really competently. Genevieve played two roles in this movie – the bad girl, and the sweet girl, and she was believable in both roles, which have become her bread and butter in Nollywood. Kalu played the doctor and the best friend, and fourth member of the complicated love quadrangle. As usual, he was very eloquent, and somewhat nerdy and yet so sexy. You gotta love him!! And Tonto, she was really beautiful in this one. Played the role of friend and rejected lover very nicely. Like I said, sweet love story.

Negatives: Keyla has no physical injuries, yet she is in a coma, and she conveniently wakes up with Amnesia? And then, she passes out and conveniently remembers everything? Grrrrr!! Nollywood has yet to figure out this illness and hospital thing without bungling it. Obviously no research was done as usual.
As for Tonto Dike – “innit”? “Deja voir”? Worraheck is all that? If you cannot speak a different language, don’t try. Some of the supporting actors were also not up to the level of the main actors. For instance, Oge’s friend and confidant, you could see her struggling to hide her laughter. And the Doyin guy – obviously they just picked some waka pass guy. Lowered the quality of the production in my opinion.

And the whole idea that Nigerian men just jump on a woman and wham, bam, wham bam!! That was Jim Iyke with Oge – 5 seconds flat and he is on top of her, unbuckling his belt. And the same with Keyla – 2 minutes flat and he is on top of her! Ever hear the word foreplay? And yet they had Oge crying to her friend, mourning about how fantastic and unforgettable the experience was! I was like, na wah o!!

And the names : Keyla and Keyline? When will Nigerian movies start really rocking Nigerian names ehn?
The explanation for the whole mixup at the end was kinda trite, not really imaginative. The dreams and sleep talking – another cheap plot cop out. And the way everything just happened to get resolved at Richard’s hospital – cheap, cheesy, easy!!

The problem is the need to wrap everything up in a bright red bow, with a nice, complete emotionally satisfying ending. The ending was cute, generous, sweet, but cheap. But it’s just a movie I suppose, a guilty pleasure, not meant to capture any of life’s ambiguities. Although when you really think about the way it ended, it kinda makes you go ewwww!!

Lessons/worldview/philosophy: Everything happens for a reason and could perhaps work out of good – even horrible things like accidents. And for the hopeless romantics out there, true love will always find you. The lesson we learn from Oge’s relationship? If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with!!

Rating: 7/10

More reviews : here and here

Availability: Big three.

The Hype: A Sting in a Tale

2009-12-15T22:22:00.006-06:00

This is the latest movie from the stable of my favorite Ghanaian producer Shirley Frimpong-Manso's sparrow productions, the lady who gave us such hits as life and living it and the perfect picture. She also made scorned, which was not as good as the other two in my opinion. A sting in a tale stars Lydia Forson, Majid Michel, Adjatey Anang, Doris Sackitey, Abeiku Acquah, Joselyn C. Dumas and others.

About the movie:

A Sting In A Tale is "a twisted tale of two unemployed graduates who embark on a journey to make it in a world where you need more than what you have to get what you want. Kuuku is overwhelmed with the urgency to succeed and frantically searches for a reward to his severa...l years of school. Frustrated and constantly reminded of his failure by the presence of his girlfriend, (Frema) ; Kuuku will do anything to make the odds work in his favor.

Nii Aryee, Kuuku’s abstemious looking friend is more positive about the future until the rejection letters begin to mount and his landlord comes to town. Driven by the fear of poverty, these two friends go in search of a destiny that takes them to the most obscure places. In a tale where the unexpected is always lurking in the shadows, from the natural to the supernatural, among all ploys, grief and struggles, nothing prepares you for the sting, in a rather bizarre ending."The Grand Premiere is on Friday, Nov 6 @ The Conference Center, Accra, Ghana
source

Trailer:

I hear its out in Ghana and from preliminary reports, is pretty good.

Hope it lives up to the promise.

Ciao

The Hype: Laviva

2009-12-14T03:31:00.004-06:00

I have been hearing rumors about this movie for a while now, but for some reason, it has never been released. Much as War movies are not my thing, this was supposed to be another ground breaking cinematic achievement by the fabulous Izu Ojukwu, which is why I am featuring it here.

The film features the late JT Tom West, who died last year, as the chief of the ECOMOG detachment; Francis Duru as a garrulous ECOMOG soldier; and Hank Anuku as a rebel. Joy Egbunu stars as Laviva. She loses her father to the war and openly demonstrates hostility towards the ECOMOG soldiers, in spite of admonition from her mother and other members of the community who feel it is dangerous to do so.

Laviva is also obsessed with the desire to bring peace to her country and along the line falls in love with the ECOMOG chief, JT Tom West. She is the rallying point for peace and stability among her peers and people at a time when many had lost their nerves to the weariness of war.

Produced by AMAA 2007 Best Director, Izu Ojukwu, the movie showcases the abundant talent in Nollywood, given the richness of its shooting, directing, costumes, editing and coordination. Shot three years ago, Laviva captures the tortuous experiences, intrigues and romance that played itself out when Nigerian troops led ECOMOG to salvage a country torn by civil war. It is a story of how Nigerian soldiers, in the midst of hate and fire, planted peace and hope.

source

Short excerpt/long trailer:

There are very few Nollywood movies out there that would appeal to the male demographic. This looks like something the dudes will enjoy LOL! I hope it lives up the the promise. Oga Izu, abeg, release am o!!

Movie Review: ONLY LOVE

2009-12-11T23:06:00.005-06:00

Title: ONLY LOVE
Starring: Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Pat Attah, Olu Jacobs, Alex Usifo, Adaora Ukoh
Producer: Oj productions
Director: Andy Amenechi
Year: 2005
Country: Nigeria
Genre: Drama/Romance
Language: English

Synopsis: Ini Edo is Udoka, a young village orphan, being raised by her stepmother. In true Cinderella fashion, her stepmother hates her and only chooses to educate her own two daughters, while she uses Udoka as a glorifed, much abused househelp. Turns out that Udoka is a childhood friend of the village princess (played by Rita D), who has just returned from studies in America. Udoka was also a childhood love of Uzor, who studied medicine abroad and has just returned to start the village hospital.
Udoka’s stepmother is very jealous of her stepdaugher’s ambitious friendships, and punishes her for her camaraderie with the princess, as well as for her renewed relationship with the very eligible and good looking doctor (Uzor) played by Pat Attah. To further complicate matters, the princess also finds the doctor very attractive, creating a knotty love triangle. In addition, Uzor’s family believes that their American educated doctor son can do better than the poor, unattractive village belle, and would rather prefer to see their son with the princess than with Udoka. When the princess has her graduation party, she invites Udoka and Uzor, who come together, much to her chagrin (as well as that of Udoka’s stepmother). Udoka returns home, and is thrown out by stepmother. She eventually has to take refuge in the palace with her friend the princess, with some very dramatic consequences for her and her relationship with Uzor.
How does the princess resolve her jealousy of her friend’s relationship? How is the love triangle resolved? Who ends up with Uzor?

Trailer:

Review:
Positives:This movie was produced during the “big ban” year in Nollywood, so marketers had to utilize new talent outside of the big 3 (Genevieve, Omotola and SDA). It gave us the unexpected pleasure of witnessing an outstanding performance by Ini Edo. I am not a fan of her “Look at me, I am sexy” roles, but she can play a village girl, that is for sure. She was FIERCE!!

Rita Dominic looked very classy and did good acting as a princess. The stepmother was so mean, she was great. The limp was well pronounced, and made her seem even more wicked. The ladies who played Udoka’s stepsisters were also very convincing as the spoiled stepsister, as well as the more sympathetic but helpless one.

In general, it was a nice love story, competent, good acting, good casting, mostly good costuming, although Udoka’s outfit in the last scene was kinda busy. The party scenes were filled with appropriately dressed extras, unlike many Naija movies where it looks like they dragged people off the streets.

Negatives: It was not by any means perfect.
Pat Attah plays the lovelorn doctor, and does a competent job, although a little more emotion would have been nice. After he had not seen his childhood love for 7 years, he just walks in casually and says hi, with very little emotion. And while she was mad, it was like a small tiff, not anger for seven years worth of abandonment. And the love singing! Please! Save us from the singing. If you are curious as to what the Udo, Uzor sunset song means, someone actually translated it for anyone who is interested:

udoka I love you
me and you will leave
let the world say whatever ... I like you

Uzo .. I love you
me and you will leave
let the world say whatever.... your thing is sweeting me
your thing is sweeting me (2x) let the world keep talking .. it's you i like

(Please don't ask about the "thing" and its "sweeting" effect! LOLLLL!! Actually I suspect its a literal translation that may not come across that well in English).

In addition to the singing, there were some really, really, really, realllllly bad special effects. They had to have someone hit by lightening. O boy. It was bad. In addition, there are medical problems that had no scientific explanations, which could only by resolved by a juju man. I no longer have patience for movies that leave logic and resort to passive juju solutions for everything. I think the story could have been told just as well without all the chanting, feathers and eye paint. And it is sad that so many of our people in real life will see the juju man for an ailment before talking to a doctor. So I did not like that. As much as possible, I think our movies should elevate our thinking to a higher level. And then there were scenes that dragged on and one and on and… you get the idea! You learn to watch our movies with the ff button. So I used it where it was needed.

Worldview: This was choke full of strong moral lessons - Strong themes of betrayal, forgiveness and mercy, not looking down on people when they are down because you don’t know the future, giving people the benefit of the doubt. It’s a great movie you can watch with the whole family, and everyone will learn something. Just ignore the singing and the juju!!

You can find more reviews for this movie here

Rating: 7/10

Availability: Big three

The Hype: Nnenda

2009-12-06T07:50:00.009-06:00

So I came upon this star studded movie by accident. I was researching "Through the glass" and digging through Stephanie Okereke's website, when I came upon the most intriguing poster. I did some digging and found nothing everywhere I looked, so I forgot all about it.

However, it looks like now a trailer and a theme song have been released. Not only that, also sounds like it was recently premiered in Lagos. What I cannot understand is why there isn't any more noise about this movie, considering the caliber of stars involved.

It stars Stephanie Okereke, the scrumptious Ramsey Nouah, Francis Duru and also Van Vicker . And it is directed by my fav. Nolly director - Izu Ojukwu!! I am hyping it for the first two stars and the director obviously. I am still yet to get on the Van V. love train!! LOL.

Anyways, here is the trailer:

And the theme song:

While I can't seem to find a summary anywhere, the movie seems to be about orphans and their plight in Naija.

The force behind this Event Prince Tonye Princewill, the Rivers State AC and FOOPP Leader will be in attendance at the Premiere aimed at creating awareness of the plight of orphans in Nigeria.

The movie, according to the Rivers State born Producer, Adonijah Owiriwa is inspired by the plight of orphans in Africa hence the Orphan Child Awareness Campaign spearheaded by the Prince of Niger Delta Politics, Prince Tonye Princewill.

By his involvement in this project Prince Tonye Princewill intends to use his veritable network of contacts to throw light on the unfortunate plight of orphans with the hope of assuaging their suffering.

Source

Sounds like good stuff. While I am not particularly crazy about the theme song, the trailer looks really good. I hope that we can get to see it soon. Will review it when I get my hands on it.

Ciao.

Movie Review: The Darkest Link 1, 2 & 3.

2009-12-05T07:52:00.006-06:00

Title: The Darkest link 1, 2 & 3.

Starring: Francis Duru, Mercy Johnson, Remmy Ohajianya, Mary Uranta, Barry Luke, Biola Ige

Screenplay: Chisom Juliet Okereke

Director: Ikechukwu Onyeka

Producer: Kingsley Okereke, Ikechukwu Onyeka, Emeka Igwemba

Year: 2009

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Drama/ Supernatural thriller

Language: English

Preview: I bought this in a state of boredom and then promptly suffered from buyer’s remorse. I was so sure that I was going to hate it. Let’s just say that it eventually started to grow on me.

Trailer:

Synopsis: Francis Duru plays Ray, a guy who has just gotten engaged to Lisa (Mercy Johnson). They are celebrating the engagement when he collapses with a heart attack, and is rushed to the hospital. After mouthing some medical mumbo jumbo (that did not sound that accurate to me actually), the doctor finally tells his fiancée Lisa that his heart is damaged and he needs a heart transplant if he is to survive. Lisa cries a lot and does all she can, but all hope seems lost. Out of the blue however, a heart is found, donated by anonymous sources, and Ray survives. When he gets home from the hospital however, Ray seems to be very different, and Lisa soon starts to worry. What exactly is going on with him?

Review
Positives: I was pretty sure I was gonna hate this movie, so even though I have had it for several weeks, I only just popped it into dvd player last night because I needed some background noise for some work I was doing. And it seemed like the first 30 minutes proved me right – excruciatingly bad. However, 3 things save this movie from being a total waste of time, and make it worthy of being reviewed on this site:

a) An unusual and very intriguing storyline – I am going to start off by congratulating the writer of the screenplay (Chisom Juliet Okereke) for this story, if it is original. I apologize for having to add that caveat, but there is a lot of copying in Nollywood unfortunately. However, that is another story for another day. I really liked this story – creative, interesting, taking the road less traveled. Nice!
b) Mercy Johnson: First of all, when she was not over displaying her ample cleavage, Ms. Johnson looked really good in this movie. Not only was she looking lovely, she was fierce as an actress. FIERCE! I really enjoyed her performance.
c) Barry Luck Uche (It says Barry Luke on the dvd sleeve), so I am not sure which is right. He played the role of Sam, the heart donor. Of all the miscasting done in the this movie, this guy was a gem – perfect peg in a perfect hole. I found his performance extremely intriguing. He has the gift that the greatest actors have – the ability to do things with his face while not saying much. First time seeing him, and I am intrigued. His role was central to the movie and he played the heck out of it. Very impressive.

I will give Francis Duru an honorable mention here – he was adequate for the role, although to be honest, I would not have cast him. Something about Francis as loverboy just does not sit well with me, although as the role expanded, he seemed to get more comfortable with all he was asked to do and be.

Technically, it was fine – picture, sound quality, all okay. Things really seem to be improving in that regard with Naija film.

Negatives: Hmmm, where do I start? In the first 30 minutes, I nearly shut off the movie because it looked like rotten cheese. There were two major problems
a)Biola Ige – who played Lisa’s best friend, Emma and b) Remmy Ohajianya who played Lisa’s father. Daaaang! They were bad. In fact, the scenes where Lisa was crying and wailing about Ray and Emma had to either comfort her or talk sense into her , made up a large proportion of those first painful 30 minutes and were so baaad, I was sure that I was not going to survive the movie. If I had not been doing something else, I would have turned off the TV. Luckily I did not, because it gets so much better. Those two either need to invest in some heavy acting lessons, or they need to find another profession. Good heavens! Pure torture.

And why oh why, did they cast Francis Duru for this role? Like I said, he was adequate, but someone else could have been fantastic – I would have gone with Yemi Blaq, or Ramsey Nouah. There was very little chemistry between Francis and Mercy. When it comes to romantic scenes, when Mercy is feeling the dude acting opposite her, she does not hold back at all – but she was obviously not feeling Francis. It wasn’t horrible, but it could have been soooo much better (sigh).

In addition, like I earlier mentioned, some of the hospital terminology was not really working for me. And neither were the hospital scenes. The life support machinery looked kinda scanty. And some of the hospital protocol observed, like giving medical diagnoses in front of some unknown best friend – blah!

Towards the end, some of it started to get irrational, illogical. We need to learn how to wrap up movies properly. Once again, as is my constant complaint, the gradual movement towards the resolution was kinda cheap. Towards the end, I begun to roll my eyes – like really? REALLY? That is your reaction? How does that make any sense???

Underlying theme/lessons/worldview/philosophy: Deciding to solve a problem by taking a selfish short cut might seem good in the short run, but leads to all kinds of complications in the long run. As the bible puts it in Prov 16:25: There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. I liked that moral and message. However, it also crossed my mind that some superstitious people (a group we have in abundance in our society) may take the events in this movie waaay too seriously and build a case against organ transplants based on that – which I doubt was the point of the movie.

Bottomline: While it seems like I am hating on it, there were parts of it that I really enjoyed. Honestly. So give it a try. You just need to get through the horrible beginning. And don’t be traumatized by the three parts. Each part is roughly an hour, so its not that bad.

Rating: 6.5/10

Availability: Big three

Movie Review: Lost Maiden 1, 2 &3

2009-11-30T22:08:00.007-06:00

Title: Lost Maiden

Starring: Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, Bimbo Akintola, Kalu Ikeagwu, Chisom Oz-Lee, Halima Abubaker, Ngozi Ezeonu

Screenplay: Chisom Oz-Lee, Abigail Anaba, Emem Isong

Director: Moses Inwang

Producer: Chisom Oz-Lee

Year: 2009

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Drama

Language: English

Synopsis: After an opening scene of a little girl wandering around in what appears to be some kind of dreamland (no worries, all is explained by the end of the movie), the movie moves on to a scene with a panel of experts arguing over the merits or demerits of female circumcision. This movie tells two stories – one is kind of a short film detailing the experience of two sisters in a village – Maria (acted by Blessing Kalu ) and her sister Eno (Halimat Abubaker) being forced to undergo female circumcision as part of the coming of age and preparation for marriage rites. This story is narrated by one of the experts on the panel. The larger story of the movie involves the return of Dr. April Jodi (Chisom Oz-Lee) to Nigeria. Dr. Jodi graduated from a medical school in America and has decided to do her residency in Nigeria. Initially planning to work in a more elitist hospital, she happens to catch the panel on female circumcision on TV and decides to work in Calsy hospital in Umari village. There she meets Dr. Phil (Kalu Ik) and his girlfriend (Omotola). In addition, she makes friends with a reporter (Bimbo Akintola) assigned to investigate the story of an anti-circumcision priest who suddenly met with some adverse circumstances. When Dr. Jodi decides to join in the fight against “tradition”, things get really interesting.

Trailer:

Review:
Positives: It took me a while to dig out the movie and watch it after buying it. I expected it to be preachy, boring, linear, predictable. How wrong I was. I loooved it. LOOOOVED IT. Outstanding effort to deal with a pertinent social issue without being overly preachy.

What did I like?

First of all the village scenes, especially at the beginning - excellent. I don't think even oyinbos could have done it any better. Very realistic, very welldone.

The dialogue: Was logical, flowing, actually intelligent in places! Very nicely done. Somebody gave the screenplay some thought, instead of just throwing crap together on screen.

The casting: Mostly spot on. Kalu and Omot? So cute together. Kalu is just so suave. That is the word – suave. Played the doctor role beautifully. And the scenes with Omot – I liked their chemistry.. Omot, girlfriend delivered as always. The delectable Bimbo A. played a reporter in this movie. She played it with panache. In fact, somebody really worked hard to fill in al the roles here – round peg in round holes -from king to mother to uncle to chiefs to everybody. Excellent casting!

The acting: Mostly top notch. Kalu, Omot, Madam Hannah (Cassandra Odita), Chief Amadi (Ken Odurukwe), Halima Abubakar – fabulous acting. Completely real.

Even the hospital scenes! I hate hospital scenes in Naija movies. HATE THEM. But in this one, the hospital scenes were sooooo good. Believable. The terminology was mostly spot on. The setting was realistic. I was like woohooooo! Das warram talking about. Okay, fine: actual doctors may complain about some of the hospital scenes, but compared to what we usually see in Naija movies, this is on another level completely. What!! They actually tried to get the terminology right? Round of applause!

And the ending - predictable until the end. Then wosai!!! I did not see that coming at all At first, I was like, this ending sef, how could they make the ending of such a good film so boring? Boy, did they surprise me! I actually applauded at the end. That is how impressed I was.

And technically, a very high quality production. Sound was very good, picture quality, camera work, Nice!

Negatives:
The weak link was Dr April (Ms. Chisom herself). Here is the thing - She was the producer for this movie, and it felt like a vanity project to me. She cast herself in the lead, and was front and center in the movie. And she wasn't horrible. There were times when she was actually watchable, particularly when she had to give medical related lectures. She is a medical person (a nurse in real life), and it was clear that she know her stuff in that regard. Problem was, everybody else was sooo much better than her. Everybody! And she had this big hair that I found it very, very distracting. The other weak link, though he was not there for too long, was the museum curator. Daang! The dude was baaddd (and not in a good way, LOL)!!
I also wish they could have done without some of the falling in love. There was no chemistry for one particular couple (one half of that couple being Dr. April). That was not necessary. At all. It ended up trivializing some of the story to me.

And yes the three part thing, that was annoying too, considering that each part was just about an hour each. I think they do that primarily for the Nigerian market, where they sell each vcd disk separately. For me though, it did not make much difference. All three parts are on one dvd.

Underlying theme/lessons/worldview/philosophy: While our history and culture are very important aspects of our lives, some practices have outlived their usefulness and need to be changed. However, getting people who are committed to a certain way of life to change is a difficult and complicated process. And as we see from this movie, some people will never change their minds, no matter how much evidence they are presented with. I believe this movie did an excellent job of presenting both the opportunities and difficulties associated with this process of change.

Bottomline:
The story was actually quite creative - educational and entertaining, which is quite a feat because in many Naija films, those concepts tend to be mutually exclusive.I really enjoyed it. It was able to catch and keep my attention from start to finish. I found it well thought out, well planned, well casted, well acted (in general). Highly recommended! Just for that ending alone - For surprising me!

Rating: 8.5/10

More reviews here and here.

Availability: Bought my copy here, but check all three.

ps: If you are curious about the producer Chisom Oz-Lee and her other projects, you can check her website and this interview for more information about her. I do hope that she listens to the voice of the people and stays behind the camera though. She has good film instincts, she is just not a good actress.

The Hype: Mind Game

2009-11-24T20:29:00.009-06:00

Edit: This movie has now been reviewed here

So, although Van Vicker from Ghana is the hottest thing in Nollywood at the moment, no movie of his has ever made it to this blog, mostly because I am not enamored of his acting, producing or directing (yes, he does the last two!!) And I doubt that any movie of his that I have ever seen will - well there is one exception (Reloaded) but that contained a stellar cast. However, I have chosen to "tentatively" plug this movie, mostly because I am totally in love with the leading lady - the queen herself Omotola! In addition, I am curious as to what a Ghanaian, Nigerian, Haitian combo will look like.

The movie is Mind Game, directed by Nigerian director, John Uche.

Story:

In this heart racing, conflict stricken, suspense cut drama, Betty (Omotola Jalade Ekeinde) gets entangled in her worst nightmare and all hell breaks loose one holy afternoon when she returns home from work unexpectedly to find her husband Richard (Van Vicker) in a compromising position with a friend of his in their study only four months after their wedding, during which he deliberately avoids consummating their marriage...
Shocked beyond comprehension, she is torn between divorcing him, and staying in the marriage...

Trailer:

The movie stars Nigeria's sweetheart Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ghanaian heartthrob VanVicker, and Haitian movie stars Reginald Lubin and Carlin Kenol.

Fun trivia: The Haitian movie industry is called Bellywood!

Hope its as good as it looks.

Will review it once it comes out.

Ciao.

Movie Review: White Waters

2009-11-22T21:12:00.004-06:00

Title: White Waters
Starring: Joke Silva, Rita Dominic, O.C. Ukeje
Producer(s): Ify Dozie, Ngozi Nkwoli, Tokunbo Adodo
Screenplay: Felix Odion
Director: Izu Ojukwu
Year of production: 2007
Country: Nigeria.
Genre: Sports drama/Romance
Language: English

Preamble: This was the second Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) movies. The first AMBO movie, Sitanda, starred Azizat Sadiq, the first winner of the show. O.C Ukeje, the star of White Waters won the second edition. Looks like Izu Ojukwu had learned a lot from the first edition by then. This movie is MUCH, MUCH better than Sitanda by a mile! Izu has matured into one of the foremost directors in Nigeria. In my opinion, White Waters is a breakout movie that has most definitely raised the standard of Nigerian movies. It was not perfect by any means, but in the comity of Nigerian movies, it is exceptional. Oh yes! Very exceptional - A feast for the eyes, a work of art.

Trailer:

Summary: This movie reminds me very much of the movie Forrest Gump. O.C. Ukeje is Melvin, a mentally retarded, socially inept, though athletically gifted boy. He was abandoned by his parents at age eleven in the village with his grandmother (Joke Silva). Melvin often whizzes past the athletic training ground of the local government while he runs errands for his grandmother. Eventually everybody notices how fast he is, and he gets invited to run for the team by the head coach (Kaptin Tony Ofili Akpon) He invites the wrath of Banji (played by Hooomsuk?) the fastest guy on the team who feels threatened by him. In addition, he is also very attracted to the beautiful Nolah (Rita D), whose parents have just retired to the village and is also using the local government’s athletic facilities. Banji is also Melvin's rival for Nolah’s affections. How does it work out for Melvin on the team and with Nolah?

REVIEW
Positives:
Nigeria’s first athletic movie and a very credible attempt too. Not shabby at all. It is very formulaic – the underdog, the cocky antagonist, the predictable ending. If you have ever watched a sports movie, or an underdog movie like pride, or remember the titans, – it is obvious where this movie will end – it’s the same formula, but I mostly enjoyed the ride to the very obvious conclusion. Yes, the ending was apparent, but the journey was traveled through rough terrain. The writer did not make the trip easy for Melvin, and I really liked the emphasis on the difficulties associated with making a champion out of a struggler. It was also mostly very logical. Most of the dots were appropriately connected by the end of the movie.

In fact, let me stop fronting. I totally loved it. Loved the music , loved the look, loved the sound, loved the visuals on the movie sooo much. Izu Ojukwu is one of Nigeria’s best cinematographers for sure. Very nice. Very colorful movie. I loved the cast too. The coach was soooo coachy dang – perfect. Rita D played her non-athletic roles to perfection. Banji was so full of swagger, so cocky; you could just see him as a showoff athlete, and he was so annoying! I totally believed him. As Banji would say “Maaaasive!”. He did his job so well. In fact ehn, in general, the casting was spot on. Even the local govt chairman played the part to a tee. I loved Joke Silva as grandma, although she seemed overeducated for the role. A little back story to tell us why grandma was speaking so much grammar in the village would have been nice. I still loved her in the role though. Her asthma attacks were, as I was told by someone who has asthma, completely realistic.

O.C. Ukeje, in his first starring role, was in my opinion, outstanding. I loved him. LOOOVED HIM. The blank stare, the quick flashes of temper, the inability to learn quickly, loved him! If you have ever been around anyone who has a learning disability, is borderline retarded, or just generally slow, you will be impressed with Ukeje’s interpretation of his role.

And while the waterfall may not have had much to do with the story, it was completely stunning. Dang, we have beautiful scenery in Nigeria! If only our stupid govt would….! Ah, I refuse to get sidetracked. I hear the movie was shot in the mountains surrounding the waterfall Farin Ruwa, in Nassarawa State of Nigeria. Boy, it was lovely!
The stadium scenes, looked good too. Oga Izu worked hard on this one abeg!

Musical Score: Very very beautiful. Dang the soundtrack was good. Bravo.

A completely different story from the normal naija “I will marry or not marry” story. A different feel, a different ambiance. Far as I am concerned, an outstanding attempt. And its only in one part. Bravo! Excellent job to the cast and crew.

Negatives:
There were some issues of course - like how you can all of a sudden add someone to a team 2 weeks to a major event, and how Melvin was even eligible to compete (moving from state to state just days to competition time), and even some of the timelines which did not seem to jive too well together. It just was sometimes plain unrealistic and made Nigerian sports authorities look irresponsible if some of the things done in the movie are actually reality. I think they trivialized some of the important lessons of the movie (like perseverance) by using such implausible timelines. And as for the running in the rain scene, while it made for beautiful filmmaking, it was not responsible athletism.

Loved the attention to detail with the atheletes, although it was a major sore spot for most people that Rita D. did not look like an athelete. Her jumping looked fake.

In addition, I was very disappointed in the woman who played Melvin’s mother. The scene in which she was confronted by Ms. Silva’s character had the potential to be outstanding, but it was like watching a cat standing beside a magnificent lion. I felt let down by that scene. Ms Silva was killing it, overflowing with passion, rage, while the woman who played the mother was struggling to remember her lines (at least that was the way it seemed to me). It was a mismatched scene, as they placed an amateur beside a master!! In short ehn, that scene was a total mismatch. Even if her scene was short, it was central to the plot. They should have cast a more competent actress. Thankfully, the woman did not appear for very long, so she did not have the opportunity to detract too long from the movie.

Time: At least 10 years had passed since Melvin was a dropped off and Nolah showed up at the village. How come things did not look different? Those details are important too.

Emotional connection: This is where it started to get dicey for me. Nigerian movies, despite their bad quality are loved because of their realness, their relateability, their rawness. As movie makers start to improve the quality of their movies, they have to be careful not to lose the formula that lead to success in the first place. I may be crucified for this, but for most of this movie, I did not feel an emotional connection. It felt very artsy, very aloof. That is the word – aloof. I feel the same way when I watch European movies – they are nice to look at, but there is no real emotional connection for me. I think this happened because in a bid to avoid all the shouting and overacting that are associated with Nigerian movies, the director sanitized out all the emotion. It felt too western, not authentic. There has to be a balance I think. This was not true through out of course. There were moments when I felt a lot – Melvin looking at Rita D’s character with unspoken longing – outstanding. The pain of disappointment, the joys of winning – there were moments. But for me they were inconsistent moments.

Dvd Jacket: I have to complain about this one: The picture was great, but the synopsis written on the jacket was baaaad! Wrong tenses, bad sentence construction. C’mon people. You win or lose on the details meen! I would expect that for a movie of this magnitude, attention will be paid to these kinds of things!

Names: Melvin? Noona (abi wetin be Rita D’s character’s name?). Why now? Ehn? What is wrong with Naija names? Abeg moviemakers, use our names!!

Final note: One major critique of the movie that I saw all over the place was that Melvin did not look consistently retarded. That one minute he looked withdrawn, and the next, he looked normal. Hmmm, from my personal experience with someone who is borderline retarded, I say the characterization is completely accurate. Totally. The flashes of anger, the moodiness, the need for structure and guidance, the inconsistency in ability levels, the inability to focus on and cope with school work, and the slow learning - all par for the course. And there was no need to name what was wrong with him – he was slow- which could have been due to any number of factors. It was exactly like I was watching my friend on TV. Excellent characterization in my opinion.

Themes and worldviews: This is a story about the inherent value of human beings – about how everybody is worthy of love and respect, even if their talents and abilities are not immediately apparent. This is important in our Naija society where we don’t have much love or respect for damaged people. Where we hide them instead of celebrating them and helping them achieve their full potential, limited though it may be.
This is also a story about believing the best of people, about not jumping to conclusions, about keeping the ego in check, because no matter how good you think you are, there is always somebody better than you.

Rating: 11/15 (because its in a different league to the rest of all those cheap “I love you” movies).

More reviews here and here.

Availability : Availability: Check the big three.

Happy viewing!

Movie Review: Sitanda

2009-11-21T23:43:00.011-06:00

Title: Sitanda.

Starring: Bimbo Manuel, Azizat Sadiq, Stephanie Okereke, Justus Esiri, Ali Nuhu, Ireti Doyle

Story: Emma Ayaluogu, Richard Mofe Damijo, Fidelis Akpan

Producer: AMBO

Director: Izu Ojukwu.

Year: 2006

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Epic drama

Language: English

Preamble: This is the first of the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) movies. The AMBO competition, as I understand it, is like the American idol of movies in Nigeria. The winner, in addition to winning some cash and other prizes, also wins a starring role in a movie directed by Izu Ojukwu and funded by the makers of Amstel Malta. I love this AMBO/Izu collaboration and I hope it continues for many years. Izu’s movies always deal with a pertinent social issue, but in a very entertaining manner, and this one is no exception. Sitanda deals with the OSU/caste system in Igboland, providing some kind of explanation for how people began to be tagged with that appellation. The movie won a whole bunch of awards at the 2007 African movie awards (AMAA), including best director, best screenplay, and best picture.

Trailer:

Summary: The movie begins in modern times with Amanzee (Bimbo Manuel) leaving his wife Ann (Stephanie O.) in the car on a rainy day, utilizing the only umbrella and leaving her to get soaked. It is clear that all is not well with the marriage . We then discover that Amanzee blames Ann for all the misfortunes that have befallen him since they got married, because she is an outcast and her family is cursed. Finding it hard to deal with her abusive husband, she runs home to her father with whom she also has deep issues. After a rocky start, she and her father make up, and he tells her a little bit of her history and how the whole outcast thing came about – enter the story of Sitanda, one of her ancestors. Kidnapped as a child and made a slave, Sitanda (Ali Nuhu)’s story is a tale of love, fear, betrayal, lust, desire, abuse of power, etc. As the movie unfolds, we see both stories – the evolution of Amanzee and Ann’s marriage, and Sitanda’s story unfolding side by side. At the end, you have to put the entire jigsaw puzzle together.

REVIEW:
Positives:
The puzzle comes together eventually - kinda.
First the actors: Stephanie , Justus and Bimbo and Ireti Doyle were just spectacular in their roles. Ireti looked so commanding, so very royal as the princess with her beautiful shaved head.

The scenery was just beautiful. Izu’s movies always show the very best of the Nigerian landscape.

I loved the cultural elements as displayed in the movie – the dance sequences were pretty creative. Very nicely done. While someone complained that the costuming was not exactly reminiscent of the period (the fabrics were not authentic) it still looked pretty good to me. And the soundtrack , there was a scene where it built up slowly and reached this beautiful crescendo. Ahhh! Lovely!!And technically the movie was wow!! Very nice, in picture quality, costuming and music.

Some particulars that I loved: That shot of Azizat (who played Sermu, Sitanda’s love interest) walking towards Ali towards the end - gorgeous shot. Beautiful!!
And the ending. What a beautiful scene. Another director would have made Bimbo Manuel talk plenty, but instead, we had just one beautiful, symbolic scene that ties it all back to the very first scene. Just lovely!!

Negatives:
The two stars of the epic part of the movie were not as strong as those for the modern half, I am afraid. Ali Nuhu and Azizat Sadiq showed their inexperience. Much as he did his best, I was not convinced that Ali Nuhu was the best actor to play Sitanda. Especially since the princess (the magnificent Ireti Doyle) was supposed to be all over him. It was like a lioness chasing after a mouse – no contest at all. Sitanda needed to be strong, tall, imposing, hawt, sexy, and all round manly to evoke such passion from the princess. As it was, I was just like “ I don’t get it at all! What does she see in him?” Also, while the movie was supposed to be a showcase for Azizat, (As AMBO winner), she did not really feature that much.
Many of the supporting acts in the historical parts of the movie were really bad too. The Queen mother was very unconvincing, as were the servant girls that had speaking parts.And while there were very many beautiful scenes in this movie, there was one really bad scene : the fighting with horses’ scene. It was pretty ambitious, and pretty unconvincing!
It is so unfortunate that the acting, particularly from the two main characters did not match up to the amazing packaging on this movie. So sad.

In addition to all that, the major problem for me was the disconnect between the modern half of the story and the epic part. Why did the story have that effect on Ann? It just seemed that in trying to cram both parts of the story into the movie, the filmmakers ended up not really fully developing either part. I think both could have been fleshed out a little more. Amanzee’s metamorphosis seemed kind of miraculous. It was nice, but there was no convincing reason for it.

Bottomline:
I still recommend this movie. It is great to watch Izu’s development as a filmmaker. This is not my favorite movie by Izu, but its still better than the average “don’t marry that boy story”. In addition, the scenery is breathtaking, the costuming is on point, not a bad shot in the whole movie. Musical score is great too. And despite all the flaws, by the end, you are very emotionally invested in it. I know I was. I just grabs you by the heart. Nice job!

Themes and worldviews: I am not sure what the lesson is here: You have to understand your past to properly chart your future? And while it did not fully deal with the Osu issue as it promised at the beginning, it does provide some insight into the ridiculousness of labeling without context.. It also shows the importance of communication – between husband and wife, between parent and child.

Rating: 7/10

Availability: Unfortunately, I get the impression that AMBO does not really care about making money from their movies, because they don’t seem to do any hard work with marketing and distribution. They seem to use the movies just for brand recognition, which is pretty sad because they make great movies. I have no idea where to find this one o. Sorry.

The Hype: I sing of a well

2009-11-17T20:52:00.003-06:00

African film is undergoing a renaissance indeed. Really good things are happening. Last time we were talking about a new South African movie. This time, we are travelling to Ghana.

New director Leila Djansi is creating an ambitious trilogy named Legion of Slaves. The first part of the series, titled I sing of a well was premiered in Ghana late in October. Hopefully, we will see a dvd soon.

Summary
the story is set in the ancient Ghana empire in the days of Mansa Musa, it tells of Soraya and Dume, two young lovers threatened by the arrogant Prince Wenambe who is basking in his new found throne and alliance with Mansa Musa, but is Mansa Musa really his friend or a slave raider himself in disguise and what happened to Dume? and why did Soraya marry Prince Wenambe?

Trailer:

Even more exciting? Jimmy Jean Louis of "Heroes" fame is going to narrate the first installment of the movie.

More info on the website and facebook page.

Early reviews are pretty encouraging.

It looks really good. I hope it delivers.

Will happily review it when I get my hands on it.

Ciao.

Movie Review: Tsotsi

2009-11-16T22:35:00.004-06:00

Title: Tsotsi

Starring: Presley Chweneyagae, Terry Pheto, 'Zola' Bonginkosi Dlamini

Director: Gavin Hood

Producer: Peter Fudakowski

Year: 2005

Genre: Crime drama

Language: Tsotsitaal, or a "thug lingo," is a patois language common to certain South African provinces. It is also the language predominately spoken in this film, although English subtitles are available
source

Country: South Africa

Website: http://www.tsotsi.com/english/index.php

Trailer:

Preamble: South African Academy award winning movie 2005.

Story: Tsotsi (played by Presley) is a thug . He and his band of merry men go around wreaking havoc and fear. He lives in one of SA’s townships, a life , that is in the words of Hobbs “short, nasty and brutish”. After killing a man and getting into a fight with one of his henchman, he steals a car from a woman and shoots her when she tries to stop him. He is long gone before he realizes that her baby is in the car. How does this hardened criminal respond to a baby? Does he give him back, feed him or kill him?

REVIEW
Positives: Of course it won an academy award. What a beautiful movie – picture quality, acting, story, everything. Dang!! It tells a difficult story of the path to degeneracy – explores his past and his present in gritty detail. It’s a powerful story of crime and humanity all rolled up in one package. I could talk about the acting, the attention to detail the beautiful music, the fantastic picture quality! I could talk a lot, but I won’t. It’s a beautiful movie. It’s a thought provoking movie. Highly recommended.

Negatives: Unlike many of the movies I review here, I don’t have that much to complain about. In terms of taking care of business, the filmmakers did an exceptional job. However, the story – particularly the ending, was a little too cute for me. Once Tsotsi became involved with the baby, the story appeared to lose its authenticity for me. The story is based on the book with the same name by Athol Fugard. It was published in 1980. So perhaps Tsotsi’s journey made more sense in the book. In the film, it just seemed a little too fantastic, too hopeful so to speak, considering his antecedents. My other complaint was the police pair. They just appeared to be very mismatched, and what police officer raids a shanty house and asks an informant barkeeper to watch his car? That just seemed weird to me.
And of course, there is the stereotypical idea of the black criminal.

Aside from that though, spectacular production. Brought the grittiness of the shanties to life. So beautifully done. Makes you think, as the director said in the “Making part of the dvd” , there but for the grace of GOD goes I.

Clearly of international standard.

Worldview: Nobody is beyond redemption. Everyone has a story and somewhere deep down, a heart. It just takes the right circumstances to bring it out.

Other Reviews: The movie was widely reviewed. Just google it and knock yourself out. Here are a few here and here.

Availability: I borrowed mine from my public library. It was released in the US, so I bet you can find it anywhere you find American movies.

Enjoy.

Movie Review : Yesterday.

2009-11-16T21:47:00.005-06:00

Title: Yesterday

Starring: Leleti Khumalo, Lihle Mvelase, Kenneth Kambule, Harriet Lehabe, Camilla Walker, Nandi Nyembe

Producer(s): Anant Singh, Helena Spring

Director/Writer: Darrell James Roodt

Year of production: 2004

Country: South Africa

Genre: Drama

Language: isiZulu

Website: http://www.yesterdaythemovie.co.za
Trailer:

I could review this powerful movie the way I do all the others, but it has been thoroughly reviewed by professionals, so I am just going to borrow my favorite:

Yesterday is a film of perseverance and constant struggle. Set in a remote village in South Africa’s Zululand, the film’s title and main character is a heroine in every sense of the word. The cinematography is apparent upon the film’s first scene, set against a shot of scorched grass, billowing in the wind, with some faintly distant, shadowy mountains lurking on the horizon. This sight, in conglomeration with the idiosyncratic hum of Madala Kunane’s music, proves that Darrel Roodt has keen sense of photography and how to entrap his viewers at first sight, and hold them ransom for his film’s duration; Furthermore showing his aesthetic eye for film-making.
The film’s first scene is of Yesterday, the film’s protagonist, and her daughter aimlessly walking down a beaten path, cast against the shadowy mountains in the distance. The destination of said walk is unknown upon first sight but becomes lucid upon dialogue between Yesterday and Beauty, her young daughter. It is on this walk that we are given beautiful, endearingly innocent poetry from Yesterday’s daughter in the form of her simple question; “why am I not a bird? Then I could fly where we’re going.” It is from this point that the film’s subtle tone is set. Yesterday deals with one of the most pressing and vitally important issues in Africa today; the issue of AIDS and the lack of knowledge therein amongst African peoples. This walk is the beginning of a terrible descent into one’s personal hell; Yesterday’s diagnosis with AIDS. As the film carries on, numerous accounts of her dealing with this illness are shown and we witness how she copes with her condition of physical and health damnation. The society in which Yesterday and her daughter Beauty reside in are largely ignorant of the AIDS epidemic and its causes, thus making it nearly impossible to treat given their country’s lack of moral and material help for this disease.
Yesterday is predominantly an introspective portrayal of life under the tyrannical damnation of the incurable. However, the film surprisingly gives no allegiance to any political side or stance, though the viewer is left to draw their own conclusions upon the movie’s end. Nevertheless, the film portrays one woman’s struggle against the invincible ailment of AIDS. Given Yesterday’s lack of knowledge, she knows nothing of the horror of her diagnosed condition. This does not distract her from seeking to provide her daughter with the things she never had, primarily, an education. However, her natural perspicacity affords her the opportunity to see things in a lucid manner. Regardless of her poverty and lack of all commodities in life, this allows her clear sight into the “life” of things even though death is imminent, given her diagnosis. She finds inner strength in the midst of this terrible disease and this keeps her fighting for her daughter – her reason to live. As the film moves forward, events conspire against her, yet she remains stagnant in her position to give her daughter the life she never had and protect Beauty from the epidemic that will soon end her life. Ironically, as these conspiring events build against Yesterday, they also embolden her for the future at the same time. For example, she is aggressively confronted by her husband, the man who gave her AIDS; then soon thereafter, they are reconciled. She is ostracized by the villagers she lives near by virtue of their belief that her disease is the direct result of a moral shortcoming – thus rendering her alone to fight AIDS. Yet this abandonment from her fellow villagers leads her to the local schoolteacher whom is heartfelt for her condition. This encounter ignites a friendship that sustains Yesterday throughout the rest of the film’s duration. These events of despair and hope allow her to remain strong for her daughter and live to help her and see that she is educated.
An interesting dichotomy surfaces as her death sentence inspires her to live. For a moment it seems that every time something bad or derogatory occurs, it engenders something positive. Throughout the film’s duration we see the effects AIDS has on our protagonist and these effects are vividly clear physically and in terms of her personality. She is physically sick yet remains strong in heart. We see the awful toll the AIDS virus takes on a person by witness of the frighteningly explicit portrayal of her husband’s condition. Yet through it all, we can see the “nadir and zenith” of the human spirit and condition in Yesterday. Her courage in the face of irreversible adversity is heart-wrenching and moving. Given a death sentence with AIDS, she is not repressed in spirit and her actions epitomize heroine, time and time again. Characters such as Yesterday evoke a certain emotion out of an audience. One that can render strength from illness, courage from fear, love from death, and hope from despair, is the ultimate protagonist and true victor in heart over any antagonist. When the darkest of times come, Yesterday’s spirit rises and soars. This is particularly interesting because Roodt allows his film to center around Yesterday and her condition yet the film never descends into self-loathing territory. On the contrary, it clearly shows that AIDS is a part of life in Africa. Like cancer in the United States, if one lives long enough, they will have to deal with it on one level or another.
The most interesting relationship and arguably the most important facet of the film is the friendship Yesterday has with the schoolteacher. This is due to her knowledge of Yesterday’s condition and the seriousness of what AIDS is, thus allowing her to evince a kindred spirit of compassion. Most importantly, it is here that the film’s philosophical crux is manifested: A subtle plea/hint at the revelation of education to the masses in Africa in regards to the AIDS virus. This is so important because it is only through this education that understanding can engender humanity and reasonably preventative action for the AIDS epidemic. This is a point that Roodt clearly does not want to push or throw into the viewer’s face. He has no need to do this as his message speaks so humbly and eloquently itself. The descent of Yesterday’s health becomes the ascent of her mental and spiritual being. She garners strength from illness and gives credence to the thought that humans can rise above a physical condition in times of dire need. Though this film was shot on a budget, Roodt makes up for it with his picturesque cinematography and photography. He has an unerring aesthetic eye for detail and this is procured throughout the film’s duration.

Source

Ebert's review

What can I add? Simple, almost slow, but powerful movie. Very, very moving.

Please watch it if you can. I got mine from the public library, so I know it is widely available in the US.

Highly recommended, very touching!!

Ciao.

The Hype: White Wedding

2009-11-16T00:09:00.002-06:00

So I just came across this new South African movie, which has also been submitted for oscar consideration. There is no guarantee that it will be one of the top five movies considered for the foreign language Oscar. However, if it makes it, there may be hope for an American release, like there were for Tsotsi and Yesterday. After having searched high and low for for South African movies in the US, I think somebody has to create an outlet to start selling those films outside of SA. There is a burgeoning market for African film, and it they don't meet it, they may start to get the Nigerian treatment. Anyways, on to the hype before I get sidetracked:

White wedding is a dramatic comedy that explores South Africa's favorite issue - racial relations, while also dealing with love, infidelity, romance among other themes.

Here's a trailer for your viewing pleasure:

The blurb on the website reads:

The loyal, committed and very decent Elvis (Kenneth Nkosi) leaves Johannesburg on Tuesday en route to pick up his best friend and best man Tumi (Rapulana Seiphemo) in Durban. The two will then journey on to Cape Town to begin rehearsals for Elvis’s wedding to the beautiful Ayanda (Zandile Msutwana) at an upmarket hotel in glamorous palm-fringed Camps Bay under the cloak of Table Mountain.

But things don’t go according to plan. Tumi, a serial flirt, has a spat with his girlfriend that leads to his car being rendered unusable; eventually the duo get on their way but Tumi’s short-cuts don’t end up making up for lost time.

As Tumi and Elvis struggle to find their way through the Eastern Cape they are picked up by Rose (Jodie Whittaker), a young English doctor who fled the altar after discovering her fiancée was serially unfaithful to her. Now there’s an unlikely trio on the road, with romantic sparks igniting between the flirtatious Tumi and their spirited British companion. Who knows if they’ll make it on time, whether the wedding will be delayed or cancelled or come perilously close to not even happening if Ayanda ditches dependable Elvis for dashing Tony, the township boy turned flashy entrepreneur.

“White Wedding” is an appealing, feel-good movie about love, commitment, intimacy and friendship and the host of maddening obstacles that can get in the way of a happy ending. Uplifting and at times uproarious this is a movie that affirms the dream that romance can overcome any obstacle.

If you have watched Tsotsi, you will notice that the two male lead actors also played high profile roles in Tsotsi - and did it pretty well I think. So I am looking forward to this one, even if race is a subtext here.

You can see just a little bit of the race issue in this video:

For those who don't understand the issue with the song De La Ray, here is the song and the controversy is explained here. You can read all about the original De La Ray dude as well.

This movie has already been released in SA: in theaters and on dvd, so I guess I have to get someone to get it for me from there. On the other hand, if anyone knows where to get SA movies in the Western hemisphere, please let me know.

I will also be cheering for them as the Oscar nominations come in. If Nollywood is not ready, we might as well show some love to an industry that is doing well.

Enjoy, and let me know if you find a copy anywhere.

Movie Review: Letters to a stranger

2009-11-10T22:42:00.014-06:00

Title: Letters to a Stranger (LTAS)

Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Fred Amata, Yemi Blaq, Elvina Ibru, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Joke Silva, Eucharia Anunobi

Producer: Fred Amata

Director: Fred Amata

Year: 2007

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Romance

Language: English

Availability: Check the big three. That is where I got mine. You may want to call them first. It’s an older movie so they may not keep it in stock. If you find it, it’s most definitely a keeper

Preamble: Nollywood could conveniently be called lovewood, because most of the movies produced therein are sappy, cheesy, drippy love stories - which is why guys hate the movies, and women love them (in general). However, there are love stories, and there are LOVE stories and this one can actually be categorized as a LOVE story. It’s that good.

Trailer:

Summary: Ms Nnaji is Jemima, a management consultant. She lives in Abuja, and she is having relationship problems. You see, Jemima is kind of engaged to be married to Frederick (Fred Amata), who is a workaholic and a momma’s boy. His momma is played by the elegant Joke Silva. After Frederick (Never Fred!!) bungles the wedding proposal, and she misses a work deadline, she is forced by her boss (Eucharia Anunobi) to take her annual leave to go sort herself and her feelings out. She heads to Lagos with her insanely lively friend Tare (Elvina Ibru) who hates Frederick and thinks she should dump him. In Lagos, where her newly wed sister Kemi (played by Ibinabo Fiberesima) also lives, the plan is for her to get some rest and sort out whether or not she can live with Frederick’s work and Momma absorption. But when she tries to call her sister and instead dials a wrong number, the plans for a peaceful leave are turned upside down. The number she called by mistake turns out to belong to the unbelievably charming Sadiq (played by Yemi Blaq). He calls her back on a whim (I believe it was writer’s block), and a love triangle promptly ensues. Who does Jemima choose: Frederick or Sadiq?

REVIEW
Positives: One of my favorite love stories out of Nollywood ever. It’s charming, it’s romantic, and even very funny in places. I had seen Yemi Blaq in several movies before this, and I was never really impressed. He was outstanding in this one. Definitely a breakout movie for him. After LTAS, his place as a leading man in Nollywood was definitely sealed. The chemistry between him and Genevieve was absolutely off the charts. And while most of the “toasting” lines in naija movies are very corny, cheap, poorly thought out and just flat out puke inducing, Yemi Blaq got every woman to fall in love with him along with Genevieve with some very, very, veeeeery smooth lines. Oooooooh baby!! There was a particular scene where he was unloading his feelings, where Genevieve just looked overwhelmed. Quite honestly, I don’t know if she was acting or just responding. The guy was WORKING IT!! Genny has had a lot of practice playing the love interest, and she does a great job in this one as always. Elvina Ibru’s debut as the crazy friend was interesting – you either love her or find her infinitely annoying. I loved her. I thought the crazy worked well, though others might think that she was a little over the top. I loved the background music – perfect fit, created the right mood, most delightful! And the picture quality was fabulous – I loved the colors, particularly in Tare’s house. The colors were just so vibrant and rich and warm and delightful. And the outfits – the ladies were rocking some very chic outfits – a feast for the eyes most definitely. Some of the colors and styles that Ibinabo was wearing were totally fabulous. I was most pleased!

Negatives: Fred Amata and Ibinabo. They were not bad, they were competent, they just were just relatively weak links in an outstanding cast. To keep up with Yemi and Genevieve, they had to bring their A game, and they kinda brought their B+ game. They were not as vibrant as the rest of the cast. It is time for Mr Amata, who directed a most delightful movie to get behind the camera and stay there. The days of “Mortal Inheritance” are long over. Time to move on to more promising activities. He is obviously a great director and we hope for many more delightful pieces from his stable.
There were other issues – the number of days of her leave did not seem to add up to 31, and then there is the little issue of Jemima getting gifts when Fred did not know where she lived (unless of course we assume that the office sent them, which could have been made a little more explicit). Also the underlying assumption is that Fred did not know Tare (her friend) was a little odd. And when the family emergency occurred, all he had to do was call her sister to pass the news on to Jemima since he was obviously talking to the sister. So there were a few logical inconsistencies in there. In addition, who invites a man you have never met to your house in LAGOS? U craze? There are aspects of this movie you have to suspend unbelief to be able to accept. The good news is that its so well made, you find yourself so wrapped up in the characters that you are willing to suspend reason – until the movie is over then you start asking questions.

Underlying theme/lessons/worldview/philosophy: This movie one most single girls can connect with. There comes a time in your life when you wonder – is a bird in hand really worth two in the bush? I can do better than my present life can’t I? You know, get a better man, a more interesting life. Like Jemima said, “I want romance, I want love, I want affection, I want MORE!!” This is a movie about wanting more out of life and love, when the grass on the other side looks greener, when you long with Dorothy for that magical land somewhere over the rainbow. When you are so tempted to abandon the boring but familiar, for the intriguing unknown. That is why I love this movie so much – it connected with me on a gut level. And of course, Yemi Blaq’s little love speech did not hurt either. I have watched the movie several times with several young ladies, and the response to that scene is always “Awwwwwwww!” Just warms your heart!

Most definitely recommended. Did I say it was one of my favorite romantic Nigerian movies?

p.s Note to Yemi Blaq : I dunno if you will ever read this, but if you do, I beg of you, stop accepting all these hamburger roles, ehn? Abeg, biko? After LTAS, I started to buy everything with you in it, and let’s just say that I WILL NOT be reviewing any of them on this site. LTAS was a gourmet meal in a five star restaurant, while almost everything I have seen you in after that has been a cold, unevenly cooked, tasteless hamburger. “My Idol” left a particularly bitter taste in my mouth!

I will admit though that you started to climb back into my good graces with "Distance Between". Please do more of that and less of that other stuff.
Thanks boo. Still love you though.

Rating: 8.5/10

More reviews here.

Enjoy!!

A piece of flesh (1 and 2)

2009-11-03T22:57:00.005-06:00

Title: A piece of flesh (1 and 2)

Producer(s): Emem Isong/ Rob Emeka Eze

Director: Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen

Starring: Desmond Elliot, Genevieve Nnaji, Dakore Egbuson,

Year of production: 2007

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Christian, Drama/Romance

Language: English

Trailer: Sorry, could not find one.

Summary: Genevieve is Ifeoma, a very staunch Christian. Her brother Kelechi (Osakwe Chidi) has kidney issues, and they are finally told by the doctor that they need a very large sum of money to take care of him. Prayer does not seem to be working, so Ifeoma and her parents (played by Fibian Adibe and Chinyere Wilfred) must find the money somehow. Ifeoma works as a househelp for the very rich Stanley (Desmond Elliot) and his very bitchy sister Cindy (Dakore). Stanley has been hitting on Ifeoma for a while, but she is having none of it because of her faith. She also cannot quit because she needs the money. When Kelechi’s condition worsens drastically and his life depends on it, they need to raise 300,000 for the bill. Ifeoma goes to her boss Stanley and he promises her the money for a price. What is the price, and is Ifeoma willing to pay it?

Reviews:
Positives: The story was mostly pretty cute and entertaining particularly in part 1, though its not new at all. And it’s ultimately a love story, so I don’t think the guys will be so enthused with it. This movie was made at a time when the prevailing romantic pairing in Nollywood was Desmond and Genevieve. It was a good pairing, because their chemistry was really off the charts. Casting for this movie was very good, particularly for the lead parts. Genevieve, Dakore, Desmond, the parents, almost everyone – superb! There is a reason Genny is regarded as Nollywood’s number one actress. She killed the role. You felt her grief when she cried, you felt her discomfort. Totally! And Dakore was excellent as Ms snotty high class. Even brother Segun, Ifeoma’s Christian brother suitor (played by Ralph Ogbaje) was totally right for the role. I have very few complaints about the casting and acting in part 1.There were scenes that were overdrawn of course, but it was mostly well made.

Negatives: The story began to fall apart in part2. After a very intriguing part 1, the writers could not really keep the quality of the writing up. The plot thingy with Cindy and Stanley’s friend Bassey (Ikem Chude) was veeery silly. And the movie gets really preachy. Not that I have anything against Christian themed movies, but the storyline was too clichéd, generic, and eventually predictable.
Specific complaints:
Some supporting actors were pretty bad
– Nkechi the fiancé fighting for her man (she had pronunciation problems-a maid it’s a maid it’s a maid!!) and the confrontation between Nkechi and Ifeoma was pretty wimpy. It could have been really good, but Nkechi kept mispronouncing words and barely remembering her lines. Blah!
-Stanley’s best friend (Bassey) was pretty bad too. Putting him beside Dakore was a mismatch.
-And the chief who miraculously met Ifeoma (cheap plot move) and offered her a job, was not too exciting as well.

Some looooong and useless scenes – eating , lovey dovy and church scenes. For those, you will need to use the fastforward button. That is how to watch naija movies o.
And why do Nollywood movies have to have someone say the title of the movie in a sentence? It’s so lacking in creativity honestly!

Cindy and her drug dealers? LOL.

Hospital scenes – teheheheh! One drip solves every problem in Nollywood hospitals.

And all the slapping going on in this movie – was not kosher at all. We need to start sending a message that its not okay to hit a woman, even if she deserves it.

The soundtrack: was not bad, but it told the whole story.

Tears won’t help me now
I must do something right now
I just won’t sit and cry
And keep on asking why
Because tears won’t help me now

LOL!

And the ending – Cliched, unimaginative, annoying, overly dramatic, blah!! Wrapped up in shiny paper with a big bow around it. Was very annoying to say the least.

And it’s a long movie. Over 3 hours long.

Themes and worldviews: Seems to be based on Romans 8:28 – GOD works all things together for the good of those who love HIM and are called according to HIS purpose. The whole idea is that even really bad things can lead to good things if you maintain character, and trust GOD. There is also the “don’t look down on anyone because you don’t know when you will need them” aka “every dog has its day” lesson ”. And then there is the “follow your heart “ lesson, as the theme song so eloquently tells us.
This one is full of morality all over the place.

Bottomline: Okay, it was not perfect by any means, seemed to lose the plot in the second part, had a lot of flaws, some of the overly dramatic acting may get on your nerves particularly from Nkechi. But please look at the big picture. Overall, Genevieve and Desmond made this movie a watchable and entertaining one. For every “rolleye” scene, there is a scene with either Genny, or Desmond or Dakore wowing me. I enjoyed it generally. So I recommend it, as long as your expectations are properly managed.

Rating: 6.5/10

You can find more reviews here:

Availability: I bought my copy here
You may want to call them and find a copy. But check all possible sources.

Movie Review: Distance between

2009-10-30T16:26:00.008-05:00

Title: Distance between

Starring: Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson, Yemi Blaq, Kalu Ikeagwu

Producers: Remi Ibinola and Memry Savannu Ayotunde

Director: Izu Ojukwu

Year of production: 2008

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Drama/Romance

Language: English

Trailer: Could not find one. If anyone knows where I can find a trailer online, please let me know and I will update the post.

Summary/synopsis: Rita Dominic is Preye, while Mercy Johnson plays her best friend (Mosun). Right from the onset, it is clear that Preye has many issues – she is extremely promiscuous, and we soon learn that she is acting out due to sexual abuse she suffered as a child. Akin (played by Yemi Blaq) is her long suffering boyfriend. While Mosun appears to be extremely responsible, hardworking, and faithful to her friend, she is wrestling with demons too. She was also abused as a child, and in contrast to her friend, is turned off men. Kalu Ikeagwu plays an advert executive (Ike). Preye runs into him while she is hawking a show she wants to put on the air and they promptly hook up. It all gets very complicated and very emotional very fast.

REVIEW
Positives: I love Izu Ojukwu. He is officially one of my favorite Nollywood directors. What a movie. WHAT A MOVIE!! This movie is sexy, complex, deep, accessible, nuanced. It is not simplistic, its not linear, but its very logical. Gets you right in the gut! The main cast outdid themselves on this one. I have always loved all the four of the main actors, but this is by far the best work for all of them. Fantastic acting. Tremendous! Rita, as Preye was just sterling. She was promiscuous and vulnerable all at the same time. And Mercy Johnsohn, what an actress. This role has finally begun to live up to her talent. She was tremendous as the frigid, yet loyal friend. Kalu was sexy as always, and Yemi Blaq – his character was so complicated, so conflicted, so human, so frail - just beautiful to watch!

The flashbacks were so beautiful, dripping with meaning, even if much was not said. The girls who played the young Preye and Mosun were very good actresses. And even if the dressing did not fit the period, it was shot in such a way that it looked and felt like the distant past. You were afraid with them as they faced their molesters. You felt their pain. Most of the supporting cast was excellent as well. I just loved it. And it was totally unpredictable. Totally. Some things happened and I was like - what? Really? Wow! What is gonna happen next?

One more thing though: There is a slowness and deliberateness about Izu's movies that may not play well with many Naija movie lovers. I think many people watch the movie for the drama, the confrontation, the theatrical nature of our productions. This is more restrained. It’s a whole different feel, but I was loving it all the way. It’s funny that I have just watched a mini soap by Izu Ojukwu, and I feel like I have watched something really deep and important. You can feel the intelligence in the crafting of this one.

Negatives: There were some problems with the sound editing, at least in my copy, but it did not ruin it. The weak link among the actors was Kalu's fiancé in the movie. She was trying too hard to be the high society girlfriend and it did not flow naturally.

The major flaw, I think, is that they wimped out at the end. The ending was too anticlimactic, too easy. I was actually disappointed by it. I wanted a little more meat and bones on that ending. You don't build that kind of suspense and then end it like that now! Ah!!

And then there were too many questions unanswered - and a few subplots that were not followed through. Of all of them though, the one that bothered me the most was that the core issue of sexual abuse was never really dealt with. I don't want to reveal the story, but there was no real confrontation or resolution there. That could have been fleshed out a little more. Or perhaps another movie? I cannot think of too many Nigerian movies that left me wanting more, but this one did. Also it’s not a movie for kids. There is a lot of bed hopping – premarital, extra marital, casual sex, one night stands. However, the whole idea is not to glorify any of those things – at least not deliberately. The movie shows that difficult situations ensue when human beings indulge in complicated sexual activities.

Lessons/worldview/philosophy: This movie brings some very complicated issues to light – the limits of friendship, marital fidelity, the role of family in crisis, etc. The most important issue raised though, is the complex nature of child abuse and its consequences. Anybody conversant with abuse will tell you that the effects go way beyond the immediate act itself. If care is not taken, a child abuser can take not just the child’s present, but their future as well. We don’t like to talk about these things in our society. We like to pretend that they don’t happen. We ignore the broken people in our midst and pretend that their pain does not exist. Well you know what happens with broken people? They tend to cut – and it hurts.

Rating: 9.5/10. Just outstanding stuff.

More reviews here and here

Availability: I bought my copy here.
You may want to call them and find a copy. But check all possible sources.

The Hype: The Figurine (Araromire)

2009-10-25T18:31:00.011-05:00

Kunle Afolayan, son of the late Yoruba movie legend Adeyemi Afolayan(aka Ade-love) is apparently living up to his legacy with his new movie The Figurine.

Kunle used to work in a bank before quitting in 2005 to attend NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY in London to study Digital Filmmaking (source) (I suspect that website of his is really old, so I will update it if something more current shows up).

Anyways, his latest movie is making waves, as it is said to be in a different league compared to our usual Nollywood movies. The movie is currently in theaters in Nigeria (yay, exciting), and word on the street is that its really good.

The synopsis

Two buddies and A girl………all down on their luck have their lives changed after one of them discovers “ARAROMIRE” a mysterious figurine in an abandoned shrine which according to ancient legend bestows seven years of good luck . But, no one told them about the next seven years…..

The movie stars Ramsey Nouah, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Omoni Oboli and Kunle Afolayan himself.

The trailer:

A teaser:

There is a lot of stuff out there about the movie already. I have not seen it, so I cannot review it yet, but I just can't wait! In the meantime though, you can check out the following:

The website of the movie, some cool behind the scene pics here and here, a review here and some gorgeous Lagos premiere pics here.

In addition, if you are outside Naija, there are a whole bunch of premieres still planned:

London Premiere:

Start Time: Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time: Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 12:30am
Location: ODEON Cinema, Greenwich
Street: Bugsby Way, SE10 0QJ
City/Town: London, United Kingdom

More info about London Premiere

US premiere:
NJ Premiere Event & After Party
Friday, November 13th
6pm- 10pm
The Spot
45 Commerce Street
Newark, NJ 07102
- Ticket $30 // $50 couples

NYC Showtime
Saturday Novemember 14th 2009
6pm-8pm : 8pm - 10pm
Abingdon Theater
312 W. 36th Street
New York, NY 10018-7570
-Tickets $10

NYC "meet the Cast" party (After Party)
11pm - 3am
Le Cirque
151 East 58th street
btw Lexington and 3rd Ave
New York, NY
- gate fee $20

Buy your US tickets

Pretty cool huh?

Some exciting stuff to look forward to on dvd. Hope it comes out soon.

The Hype: Through the glass

2009-10-25T18:16:00.008-05:00

Stephanie Okereke, Nigerian actress extraordinaire has apparently decided to take it to the next level with her movie "Through the Glass". The movie, currently in Nigerian theaters, was directed and produced by Stephanie herself. Yes o, the cinema culture is coming back and people are now going to the theater to watch our own movies. And even better is the fact that homegirl is making a fistful of money.

Yayy for Steph. Congrats lady, you are an inspiration. I am so proud of you.

Here is a trailer to whet your appetite for those of us outside Naija who cannot watch it on the big screen yet.

The movie has been premiered both in the US and in Nigeria.

Read all about the California premiere here

The Nigerian premiere was more recent. Check it out here and here

And you can get the scoop on Stephanie talking about making the movie here and here.

Can't wait to see it on dvd.

Ciao.

Movie Review: For Real

2009-10-23T18:47:00.007-05:00

Title: For real

Starring: Dakore Egbuson, Eucharia Anunobi, Desmond Elliot, Kalu ikeagwu, Justus Esiri, Remi Abiola, Ekwi Owuneme

Producer(s): Emem Isong

Director: Aquilla Njamah

Year of production: 2005

Country: Nigeria

Genre: Drama/Romance

Language: English

Preamble: First let me admit that I came upon this one by accident. I stumbled on it one day when I was slacking off. I was going to ignore it, but then I checked it out and it appeared to have garnered rave reviews, though I had never seen it, or even heard of it. So I watched it. Holy Moly!! FA BU LOUS. One of my very favorite Nigerian movies ever! EVER! It was engaging, interesting, intriguing, realistic, very well done. I dropped everything I was doing, and could not stop watching. It sucked me right in.

Trailer:

Summary: Eucharia Anunobi plays Divine, a widowed mother of one, and she is in Abuja on business. There she meets David Salako (played by Kalu), a much younger man who persistently pursues her. She gives in after some objections (and some alcohol), and they have a one night stand. He leaves her his number but she decides never to see him again. She has no interest in keeping it going. All she wanted to do was scratch her itch and live out some fantasies. After she returns to Lagos where she is based, her son (played by Desmond Elliot) comes home with his fiancée (Ekwi) from the UK, She has a party to celebrate his graduation and his intended nuptials, and meet his friends. She has the shock of her life when her son’s best friend turns out to be someone she has met before. Things become very, very interesting.

Review
Positives: Please do not be put off by the really bad title. It does this great work no justice at all. I would have called this one the Couger, or Old Wine (better with age), or something like that. Looks like someone just pulled the title out of their nose “For Real”!! Having said that though, this was Kalu’s first movie (as he states here ), and that is darned impressive! Boy did he act the living daylights out of this role. What talent, what swagger, what charm! Two thumbs way up for this role. In fact, everyone impressed me. Eucharia was fantastic as the cougar struggling with the social ramifications of loving a young buck, Desmond was fierce as the overprotective son, Dakore was fabulous as David’s fiancé, and Ekwi was just so pretty as Angela, Divine’s daughter-in-law to be. The casting for this movie was almost perfect. I especially loved Mrs Remi Abiola (RIP) in the role of Mrs Salako, looking out for her son. When her big scene came up, I paid attention. She was regal, and angry, and she worked it. This movie – it was great!! I did not use the fast forward button once on this movie. Not once. No wasted scenes. Even the “I love you” toritese (head and leg) scenes were bearable.

Negatives: The weak link was the guy who was chasing after Dakore’s character. First of all, he was so not necessary to the development of the story. Second of all, the guy cannot act to save his life, his diction was bad, and I just could not figure out what he was doing in there! Also, they spent a lot of time talking about David buying a car, and then you finally see the car and you are like – really? That’s it? Blah!! Of course, as in many Nigerian movies, you had to do the volume thing – turn it up for conversations, turn it down when someone was shouting. And the picture quality could have been better.

Lessons/Worldview: I love this movie, I will not lie. It is so well done. I have watched it several times, and I just loved it more and more each time!! I would not claim that it teaches any deep life changing lessons – except to provide yet another argument against indiscriminate sex!! – But it does lead to interesting questions about Cougar relationships. So we expect that in relationships, the man be older than the woman, or they be close in age, at least in the African context. When the woman is much older, is it unbearable? When is an age difference too much? Or does it really depend on the individuals involved? Is love enough in non traditional relationships? This issue is discussed in more detail here

Other reviews of this movie can be found here

RATING: 8/10

AVAILABILITY: Unfortunately, I don’t know where you can get an original copy of this movie in the diaspora. I apologise. I hype it so much and it is unavailable. Your options are either you buy a copy in Nigeria (if you can), or you can call and ask any of the big three if they have it. Sorry.

The Hype: Grey Focus

2009-10-19T23:13:00.004-05:00

Hiiii!
In addition to reviewing movies, we will also be talking about exciting movies that are yet to be released. The first one that has been chosen for this category is Grey Focus.

Here is a trailer to whet your appetite:

Made by firstime? Filmmaker Imeh Esen, the movie was the Winner - Best Picture, Screenplay and Direction - 2008 ZUMA FILM FESTIVAL.

Synopsis:

The past never dies. Akan (Curtis John Miller) finds out that one phone call is about to shatter his serene lifestyle in the United States. Suddenly the past meets the future as he has to relive the violent experiences of his Nigerian past. His membership in a brotherhood is exposed as well as the reason he joins them and the reason he might be running.

Inspired by true events, Grey Focus shocks the viewer with it’s blatant exposure of an ever increasing phenomenon in Nigerian University campuses.

source

The movie also includes the very yummy Yemi Blaq.

Although its been finished for over a while now, I think its still going through the film festival circuit, so I have no idea when it will be out. But I hope its soon though. I really want to see it. It sounds like a good movie.

You can check the rest of the cast and crew out on the movie's website.

Look out for it. I think its good stuff.

Ciao

Movie Review: Guilty Pleasures

2009-10-17T21:05:00.011-05:00

Title: Guilty Pleasures

Starring: Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli, Majid Michel, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Mercy Johnson, Omoni Oboli, Desmond Elliot, Rob Loner.

Producer(s): Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot

Director(s): Desmond Elliot, Daniel Ademinokan

Year of production: 2009

Country: Nigeria/Ghana combo.

Genre: drama

Language: English

Story: Well, the movie begins with Nse (Omoni Oboli), obviously agitated, at the travel agent’s trying to leave the country in a hurry. On being told that getting a ticket may not be so easy at such short notice, she sits down to a phone conversation with her mother. We soon discover that she is having relationship troubles.

She is seated beside Elizabeth or Lizzy (Nse Ikpe-Etim) who overhears her conversation. Lizzy starts to question her with some empathy, and they start to trade relationship war stories – leading to the rest of the movie.
Nse is recently married to photographer Kelechi (Rob Loner) whom she apparently helped place on the road to success. They had a planned a honeymoon in Italy but Nse had to go on alone because Kelechi had to “work”, and then he joins her for just four days. Work turns out to be the very sexy Boma (Mercy Johnson), who he does not tell that he is married. How does he juggle the two women when his wife is back in town?

Elizabeth’s story is just as convoluted. She is married to the very successful businessman Teso (Ramsey). They have a love-hate relationship – very complex. Elizabeth is very free spirited, and the more uptight Teso responds by keeping tight reigns on her, and is very controlling of her, even down to her clothing choices. They manage to keep the marriage going despite the tension, until Teso’s brother Robert (Majid) comes home from the States and stays with them. How does Robert affect the dynamic of the relationship between Elizabeth and Teso?

Trailer:

REVIEW
Positives: The story is not particularly new, but the leading cast gave a very convincing performance, making this movie a pretty good one. Ramsey has never had problems playing the suave, rich dude, and he certainly had no trouble with this role. What makes him a top actor is what he does with his face. He is soooo expressive! DANG! When he was angry, you felt it and it sucked you right in. Very nice. I thought it was so apt and appropriate that Majid was cast as his brother in this movie because Majid reminds me very much of Ramsey, not just because of his complexion, but also because of his expressiveness. For part of the movie, Majid had to play the ashewo (skirtchasing) playboy. I will admit that sometimes, the way he leered at the ladies made me laugh. His performance in this movie was quite solid, and for the most part, very convincing.

With Nse, I am torn. She is magnificent when she is angry. I cannot think of too many people that get angry or worked up like Nse in Nollywood. She is quick witted, sharp, her delivery of sarcasm is right on time. She was fantastic in the movie “Reloaded”, and she is totally convincing as Elizabeth, Teso’s neglected and overcontrolled wife. However, in the more nuanced moments, she does not deliver as well. She is adequate, but she is not there yet, like Ramsey is. Ramsey has learned has to use his expressions in such a way that they convey his emotions powerfully, without him saying a word. One of the most powerful scenes of the movie, where she is expected to show profound shock, I found wanting. I did not really believe her.
Omoni was good as the naïve, wronged wife, while Mercy was magnificent as the femme fatale mistress. Mercy attacks every role with gusto – she does not disappoint. Rob Loner (Kelechi) was pretty good in the role of philanderer, although once again, he has not fully learned how to express himself without overacting. Once again, adequate, not fantastic.

Some positive details: Majid could actually swim! Hallelujah!! Usually, you have scenes in Nollywood where people get into the pool and just paddle like dogs. Dude could swim!! And they changed up the love scenes a little bit. Instead of icecream, chases at the beach and fried rice, we got pictures at the beach and volleyball. Fine, it was bad volleyball, and the scenes were too long, but at least, they changed it up a bit. Yay!!
And then there was a scene where Lizzy was happily texting someone with ths Song – "I will get by" playing. Just loved that scene. I tried to find who wrote/sang that song on the credits. I don't think it was listed, or did I just miss it?
Edit: Just found out the song is by Austin Erowele. Very nice job.
One more thing about Lizzy’s character – I loved most of her clothes. Very sexy!!

Negatives: It started off too slowly. They spent too much time in Part 1 just laying the background for the story. While the movie really held my attention in part 2, most of part 1 was spent going back and forth from Nse’s to Lizzy’s story and it just did not flow properly. It appeared too disjointed and just off!
More specific complaints:
The supporting cast: Rukky Sanda, not a particularly good actress, at least not in this role. The way her relationship with Robert was developed was kinda weird. And what happened to her at the end?!! The role of Lizzy’s friend, (Oriaifo), acted by Paul Frank was totally unnecessary, poorly developed and badly acted. First time I was seeing the guy, and I was not impressed.
Filler scenes: Shopping scene with the girls, what was the point? Fine, Lizzy was having fun with her friends, but it was too long, and took a while to figure out what the point of the scene was.
In addition,I dunno if I bought Lizzy as a model. I guess its watching too much of America’s next top model, but for a pro, some of her posing was too awkward, but I guess it was adequate for the purpose. If they had not tried to make her out to be a pro, I guess I would not have been nitpicking.

Negative Details: Mercy Johnson’s wig was kinda scraggly. Just saying!
In addition, Nigerian actors need to stop saying “How do you mean”. It drives me nuts! Rukky’s character says it in this movie!!
Some of the lighting and camera angles were not good, particularly in part 1 - sometimes you felt like the camera was right on top of the actors. I am no pro, but I could see that.
Music was also kind of distracting in some parts.

Themes and worldviews: This is a classic men are from Mars, women are from Venus situation – answering the question why to the different sexes cheat in a stereotypical manner.

So, according to this movie, men cheat because they can. Kelechi had no other reason. He supposedly loved his wife and she was devoted to him, but he strayed just because….
On the other hand, women cheat for emotional reasons. When they are neglected, they go look for love elsewhere. Elizabeth (or Lizzy) cheated because she wasn’t feeling the looooove from Teso. She felt forsaken and alone and when someone came along who “understood” her, she fell like a pack of cards!! You disagree? That is what the movie writer says – not me!!

Rating: 7.5/10 (they lost points because of that slow part 1).

You can find more reviews here and here
Availability: See post on availability.

Please support the industry by buying a genuine copy.

Enjoy!

.

Movie Review: Rising Sun

2009-10-11T19:30:00.006-05:00

TITLE: RISING SUN

Starring: Genevive Nnaji, Kenneth Okonkwo, Chinwe Owoh

Producer(s): Okey Ezugwu / Emmanuel Ugwu
Director: Tchidi Chikere
Year of production: 2003
Country: Nigeria.
Genre: Traditional/Romance
Language: English

Story: Nnaji plays a young wife and mother who loses her entire family in one day. The village elders accuse her of killing them , and use it as an excuse to drive her out of the village. This is something that they have been considering because they think she is a witch based on the unusual color of her eyes. Even though she realizes she is different, she sees her eyes as a mark of beauty from the gods. Racked with her pain at the loss of her husband and child, her grief almost renders her insane. She ends up in another village where she is labeled a mad woman and treated as such. After much taunting and insults, and a series of painful events, she meets a champion marksman played by Kenneth Okonkwo. He looks past her antics and instead sees a broken woman who needs his help.

Trailer:

REVIEW
Positives: This movie falls into the top three of my most favorite African movies. It’s an old movie but it’s still an enjoyable watch. This movie centered on Nnaji and she proved her mettle. She became this young woman who lost her beloved family in one fell swoop, and had to endure untold pain. For most of the movie, I forgot it was Nnaji I was watching. Okonkwo did an absolutely wonderful job, providing just the right touch of arrogance.

Though the story was tragic, it was wonderfully told. I was a little worried that they would overdo it on the tragedy (make it a tear-jerker) and draw it out but the movie didn’t dwell on that. Rather it focused, as it rightly should have, on Nnaji’s character and the marksman.
Unlike most Nigerian movies, there was character development in this movie, you grow with this character as she struggles through her grief and pain and the uncertainty of her life, and then…healing?

The two lead characters had chemistry and although Okonkwo’s beard was a little distracting, he still did a fantastic job. I’ve always believed that Nnaji is an actress who does a lot with her face and body, she makes you watch her in this movie, because if you take your eyes off her for a second, you miss what she isn’t saying vocally but visually.

I loved this movie because it was a sweet, touching, and moving story. It told of redemption, of love lost and re-gained, and hope. And you leave the movie with a good feeling, and I daresay with a smile, because there are good people in the world, and if you look long enough, you’ll find your Rising Sun.

Some scenes worthy of mention
1) The market scene, where she pushed away those cowries when the woman paid her extra, was extremely heart wrenching. EVEN I BELIEVED SHE WAS CRAZY AT THAT POINT. Here is a woman who is almost mad from the pain of loosing a husband and a beloved child on the same day!!! Who can bear that? Who can go through that and the stigma of being accused of a witch because of, to quote her "a mark of beauty from the gods", being chased away from your home and the one person who believed in you, and still remain sane?

2) I felt like going to her and wiping her tears whenever she cried "I killed him, I killed them”
3)The death of her family was movingly done. Her face when she realized her husband was gone? Brilliant. Brilliant I tell you

Negatives: There were several production mistakes, and the camera work was not very exciting. In addition, the location work showed many signs of modern life (a bad error), and the costuming left much to be desired. They also stuck some pasty white cotton wooly thing on Okonkwo’s face and called it a beard. I’m not sure why he had to have one, but it was a horrid sight.
Also, there were some scenes between the marksman and the widow that should have been improved upon. The marksman engages in some inappropriate behavior that leads to some vey crude scenes. I felt it wasn’t handled right and could have been done differently. Those scenes were insensitive and hampered the development of the movie somewhat.

Themes and worldviews: This movie brings to the forefront, our penchant for labeling anything that we do not understand. We either fear it, or we destroy it. The villagers did not understand the strange colour of Nnaji’s character’s eyes and so they decided she was a witch to be destroyed.
The movie also touches on the treatment meted out to widows and women in some African societies. The mother-in-law’s pleas were disregarded, and even when the widow tried to defend herself, you would see that no matter what she said, judgment had already been passed. The woman just lost her family and isn’t even allowed time to grieve or mourn.

Rating:8.5/10

Availability: Please check with any of these three online merchants, although I don't know if they will have it. I have never seen it with any of them.

Happy viewing - if you do find it.

Movie Review: 30days

2009-10-11T19:20:00.004-05:00

Title: 30 days

Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze, Joke Silva, Gbenga Richards, Chet Basheri Anekwe (CBA), Kalu Ikeagwu, Iyabo Amoke, Najite Dede.

Producer(s): Ego Boyo

Director: Mildred Okwo

Year of production: 2006

Country: Nigeria.

Genre: Political Thriller/Romance

Language: English

Availability: This movie is ONLY available for purchase here

Trailer

Preamble: There was a lot of anticipation surrounding this movie – it was finished and premiered in 2006, but was not released until 2008 for a number of reasons, none of which are really relevant to this review. Suffice to say – we were waiting for it anxiously. And because I am reviewing it here, suffice to say it was worth the wait – mostly! It is a thriller and a love story (well mostly lust), and it somewhat delivers on both fronts.

Story: Gbenga Richards is Mr President, Ms Joke Silva is Minister of state while Segun Arinze is the inspector General of police in a corrupt and degenerate establishment. However, they have a problem on their hands, as top government functionaries are being mysteriously assassinated. The culprits? A band of female revolutionaries who are tired of the massive corruption pervading the land and decide to take matters into their own hands. Into all this drama walks Kene Alumona (played by the ubersexy CBA). He is home on vacation after many years in the US, and he picks up the very pretty Chinora Onu (Genevieve Nnaji) after dancing with her at a club. But is Chinora just another hot chick, or is life a little more complex? And how are the lovebirds affected by the chaos infecting the larger polity?

REVIEW
Positives: How would I describe this movie? How about ambitious? And SEXY!! I think Desmond Elliot and Ramsey Noah, and all the rest of Idumota’s favorites just got schooled. Chet as love interest was absolutely outstanding and extremely sexy. I think just a little too sexy!! I think this is one of the sexiest Nigerian movies I have ever seen. I know, I am overusing the word sexy, but mamma mia!! My eyes were wide open agape. Genny and CBA really went for it in this one. I was, to say the least, surprised, and believe me, the love scenes are not for kids. At one point, we even get a glimpse of Chet’s well toned butt!! They certainly pushed the envelope on this one. While not as bad as the sex scenes in many American movies, this was still a bit raunchy. So therefore, watch with caution.

How was the acting? Mostly great. Joke Silva, CBA, Genny and her sidekicks, Segun Arinze, and Gbenga Richards all did their thing very, very competently. Genny living her double life – floated nicely between super bad woman, and conflicted good girl. And Ms Silva!! Oh, she was just magnificent as Minster. Finally a role that is ALMOST worthy of her talents! In terms of other aspects of the movie, sound and picture quality were very high (this is a Nigerian movie after all, and we must comment on these things until they cease to become an issue) and the musical scoring was mostly very competent. There were one or two songs that bothered me, but in general, it worked well.

Negatives: Kalu Ikeagwu was in this movie as a reporter, working along side a female reporter played by Iyabo Amoke investigating all the murders. I am a huge fan of Kalu’s – have been ever since I saw For Real, but he was just bad in this one. He was not the spontaneous, fabulous Kalu that we love. He was so scripted, his dialogue so slow and so stilted – I just could not figure it out. And while I understand what he and Iyabo Amoke were supposed to be doing, I was not overly impressed with how they did it. Needless to say, the journalistic angle to this story did not really work for me. In addition, it was obvious that there were certain aspects of the story that were better developed, and better thought out than others - I still don’t really get that Alhaji thing. And as for the ending, without giving it away, I must complain about it most vigorously. Waaaay too cheap. C’mon. I know the Nigerian Police Force has issues, but I cannot believe that they can be that clueless, careless and inept. I think the writer ran out of ideas at the very last minute and thus wrapped up the movie with an ending unworthy of the story. I was really disappointed by that!!

Themes and worldviews: The issue here is revenge or justice, depending on how you see the world. This is particularly relevant to us as Africans, as we deal with corrupt and inept leaderships in our respective countries. How do we handle people in power who bleed our countries dry? Kill them all? Many African countries have chosen that route and the resultant civil wars over the last few decades. Is there a better way? If we do not put into place, collectively as a people, a system of justice that is fair, equitable and blind, then we make revenge as a system of justice almost inevitable. This may be manifested in carefully targeted assassinations as we see in 30days, or, it may end up as nasty, protracted, expensive civil wars. Our choice.

Bottomline: Despite all the sex involved, the movie certainly deals with some difficult and timely issues, very relevant to our situations as Africans. While it had its problems, I still highly recommended it. It is certainly way better than the average Nigerian movie.

Rating: 9.5/10

You can find more reviews here and here

Enjoy!

Movie Review guidelines

2009-10-11T18:51:00.004-05:00

Hello writer,
If you are reading this, you are thinking about writing a review for AfrikCinePedia. Here are the elements that we hope your review will cover (at the minimum):

MOVIE REVIEW GUIDELINES:

Title: In bold

Starring: State all major actors in the movie (or the whole cast if you are able to)

Producer(s): self explanatory

Director: self explanatory

Year of production: self explanatory

Country: Nigeria? Ghana? Nigeria/Ghana combo? Kenya? SA? Others?

Genre: Drama/Romance/thriller, etc, etc

Language: self explanatory

Trailer: usually youtube

Summary/synopsis: Provide as detailed a synopsis as possible without revealing the major plot

Review
Positives: What did you like about it?

Negatives: What could they improve upon?

Lessons/worldview/philosophy: What worldview does this movie cover? For instance, are they trying to say that homosexuality is a result of frustration (as in emotional crack), or espousing a feminist viewpoint of marriage (as in reloaded)? Please explore the deeper issues a little bit in this section

Rating: See post on ratings

Availability: See post on availability. Please only recommend a source that sells genuine movies. In general, no pirated sources will be featured. If there is to be any exception to this rule for any reason, it will be clearly explained (usually lack of availability from legal sources).

We appreciate your willingness to write for us. Thank you so much, and please keep enjoying and supporting genuine African movies.

Ratings Guidelines

2009-10-06T21:32:00.004-05:00

Movies rated on this site will fall into three categories:

Level 1 (out of 10): Naija/Ghana standard movies
These are usually movies with interesting storylines and competent lead acting. However, because many movies out of Ghana and Nigeria are rush products, they are often plagued with many production errors. These include but are not limited to: some really bad wakapass actors (extras), lighting problems, drawn out scenes, sound issues, at least one mismanaged scene (usually hospital, court or police), etc, etc. For some of the better movies out there, while these problems do not render the movies unwatchable, they do diminish the quality. Therefore, movies at this level are judged based on the prevalence of these issues.

Level 2 (between 11 and 15): Better than Naija/Ghana standard, not quite international standard.

For movies in this category, attempts have been made to clean up some of the usual errors and adhere to a different standard of filmmaking. These movies are usually technically proficient, and display good picture quality, good sound quality, and inventive story lines.

Level 3 (out of 20): Ready to take on Hollywood e.g Tsoti (SA movie and Oscar winner).
Movies in this category are ready to take on the world. They are world class, and are not hard to recognize.

Please note that we do not recommend any movies on this site that earn a rating of anything less than a 6 out of 10. Otherwise, we would have to watch a lot of junk and we refuse to spend precious time and money doing that. If you want reviews that encompass ALL movies, no matter how bad, see here or here or here

Enjoy!

Availability of African movies in the US

2009-10-06T21:07:00.007-05:00

Please note that this post has been updated in November 2010 to capture current realities in the market.

There are three main sites that sell original English movies in the US. They are:

1. African movies Mall
This used to be Nollywoodtitles, and I bought from them very frequently, and had only good things to say about them. They usually delivered promptly and efficiently. And when there was some kind of hitch, they usually apologized and tried to make amends. However, as they were trying to transition to a new name and I guess a new website, they stopped filling orders, stopped communicating with customers, it was strange. I was able to get a refund so I was not too unhappy. However, I have no idea how they will behave under a new name and I have no idea if they have new management. I have not bought anything from them since the makeover.

2. Francofilms
I have also ordered from them, though not as frequently. I have found them to be really slow on fulfilling internet orders, so I am not as excited to order from them. I get my movies after about two weeks, and I have had to contact them by phone (once) before I got my movies. In addition, on one occasion, they did not have one of the movies I wanted, and instead of contacting me to either refund my money or find out what replacement I wanted, they put in a movie I did not order – which turned out to be crappy! I complained, but they never got back to me!!
Update: May 2010
I decided to give Franco films another chance, and they did the exact same thing to me - sent me a movie I did not order with no apology. I complained again and they totally ignored me. I should have disputed the payment on paypal, but it was a busy time in my life so I had to let it go. I am now boycotting Franco films henceforth. You buy from them at your own peril They have no respect for customer service - that is my conclusion now!!

3. Executive Image movies

I have ordered from them as well. When it appeared that they did not have the movie I had ordered in stock, they were good enough to call me about what replacement I wanted. When I asked for a refund, they agreed, but were later able to send me the movie I had earlier ordered. Therefore, I currently have no complaints about them, although I have not ordered from them frequently enough to comment knowledgeably about their quality of service.

Note: I used to have a site here where you could buy Yoruba movies, but they have since shut down. I will let you know if I get a replacement.

In addition to these three, you can also sometimes get original African movies from:
5. Your local African store.
Many of them stock pirated and genuine African movies. If you demand for the genuine movies, then perhaps you can decrease their desire to stock pirated movies.

Important things to know about the aforementioned online sites:

a) I only order from them via paypal, so that I can get a refund if any trade disputes arise.

b)These sites put up the movies they have in stock on a rolling basis, so even if they do not have a movie up you want on their website, they may have it later, so you can contact them and find out if they can get what you want for you.

c) I have been told by a reputable and reliable source, that even these legitimate sites also pirate movies that they have not bought the rights to. Please buy only original movies from them to remove their motive for doing so.

With regards to piracy, here are a few important facts:

Apart from these three sites that I have put up there, every other site, at least in the US, is engaged in piracy. This means that they are selling movies without the knowledge or the permission of the original producers. Don’t be deceived by whatever they put up on their sites, claiming to pay producers or what not. They don’t pay producers a single dime. So if you buy from them, be aware that you are paying somebody for the ability to buy a copy of a movie and reproduce it a hundred times. Here are a few tips for telling a pirated movie:

Check the packaging and make sure the movie is air-tight sealed.

Look for the movie title and movie company on the top-end seal.

If you're able to, check the bottom of the disc itself and make sure it's color is clear-white, and that you're able to see yourself in it's reflection (as if it's a mirror).

Non-manufactured discs tend to have a purplish or bluish hue (purple = DVDs, blue = CDs).

Look for the words "copyright," "illegal," "infringement," "unauthorized reproduction," "FBI," "anti-piracy," "federal prison," "5 years in federal prison," "$250,000 fine" or "$150,000 fine" on the bottom-back cover of the movie.

Source:

If you are aware of any other websites that sell genuine copies of african movies in the US, even if the movies are from East or South Africa, please let me know and I will update this list. Also, if you are based in Europe or Canada and you know any sellers of genuine African movies, please let me know so that I can do a list for those regions as well.

Thanks,
Moviemadam.

Hellloooooo!!

2009-09-30T22:46:00.001-05:00

Hello movie lovers,

This site is devoted to documenting the very best of African cinema. It is true that if you pick an African movie at random, you are likely to end up with junk, be traumatized and never watch another one. However, there is a large minority of moviemakers and actors who have over the years and in a variety of languages distinguished themselves. They have created art that is entertaining and educative, provoking and stimulating. Despite bad infrastructure and poor budgets, they have made movies that have made us want more. This site is devoted to them.

If you are new to African movies, you are about to be introduced to an experience quite unlike anything else that you have ever seen. Popular African movies from Nigeria and Ghana do not in any way, shape or form compare to Hollywood, or even to Bollywood. If you have that level of expectation, you are likely to be disappointed. They are very dialogue driven, and utilize very basic technologies. However, many times they depict life in Africa as we remember it, and very realistically too. They make us laugh, they make us cry, and they make us nostalgic. For this reason, we and millions of other diasporeans love them.

Even if you are a veteran movie watcher, I am sure that you have picked up quite a bit of junk (if you are buyer). This site and several others like it that we will point you to will help you to make more informed choices and also let you know how to purchase movies in such a way that you are helping the movie maker, and not some blood sucking pirate.

The name of this website is rather ambitious. If it takes off the way we hope, then every movie worth watching will be properly documented, information about the best actors out of Africa will be available at your fingertips, and you will be well aware of which producers and directors works you should eagerly purchase and which you should avoid.

There are other sites that will give you reviews for almost every Nigerian and Ghanaian movie out there: Nollywood forever is one, Miss T-i-l-i-i is another, and we also have naijarules - the home of all things Nollywood. If you are an experienced African movie watcher, those may be better sites for you. However, if you are new to the experience and you don’t want to wade through loads of information, then you are at the right place. Every movie that is reviewed on this site will be logical, entertaining and therefore eminently watchable.

For now, the movies profiled here will be mostly from Ghana and Nigeria. There are bustling movie industries in Eastern and Southern Africa, we are told, but we really have no access to those movies beyond the ones that are hyped up by oscar committees (e.g Yesterday, Tsotsi). Therefore if anyone knows how to get original copies of movies from other parts of Africa, please email at moviemadam@gmail.com. We would love to start to profile those movies as well.

In addition, if you have a (good) movie you really want profiled and we have not gotten to it yet, please email us. Once we are sure that the movie is really that good, we will give you the go ahead to write up a review. The movie does not have to be out of Nigeria or Ghana. The more diverse the movies we can cover, the happier we are. We just ask that the movie meets certain minimum standards of filmmaking, which is why we may ask you to vigorously defend your choice. Having said that, please know that your input on quality filmmaking out of Africa would be much appreciated and actually, greatly desired.

I sincerely hope that this site is able to fulfill its mission of heralding good African cinema, and bringing much deserved publicity to those who so expertly entertain us despite all the constraints they face.

Sincerely,

Movie reviews team