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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 4.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 4.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Japa

    PG - Comedy, Drama | March 8, 2024 Storyline:

    A school teacher who is determined to live a better life raises some money and decides to depart the country for greener pastures abroad. But life it seems has other plans for him as a series of unexplained occurrences begin to unfold.

    • 3.4
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 1 week ago

    Japa is a breath of fresh air. It is brilliant, funny, and entertaining, with a cast that makes you laugh in almost every scene.

    Starring Jidekene Achufusi (A Tribe Called Judah), Isioma Osaje's comedy explores the power of good deeds and how lives can be turned around by helping others.

    This is my first time seeing the time loop plot device used in a Nollywood movie and boy does it work!

    Achufusi is Mezu, a man who finds himself literally reliving the same day over and over again on the day that he is scheduled to leave the country for greener pastures abroad.

    Dazed and determined to solve the unending nightmare, he embarks on a quest for answers, enlisting the help of his friends along the way.

    The story is well told, thanks to a brilliant script that effectively shows how a time loop in science fiction works. Achufusi is a compelling protagonist and Adesua Etomi-Wellington is a sight for sore eyes. 

    Layi Wasabi, Blossom Chukwujekwu and the rest of the supporting cast who play Mezu's friends are compelling in their performances.

    In the end, this is a film that I regard as one of the best of its genres and the comedy, which is spot on, adds the much-needed spice to a didactic tale.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 4.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 0.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 4.0

    Damsel

    PG - Fantasy, Action | March 8, 2024 Storyline:

    A young woman must fight for survival after being thrown into the lair of a ferocious fire-breathing dragon.

    • 2.8
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 1 week ago

    Millie Bobby Brown excels in this sword-and-sandal epic, effectively portraying a young woman's transition from a helpless damsel to an absolute badass.

    Viewers were warned that this is no fairytale and it shows when things begin to get interesting in a film that is both visually stunning and utterly irresistible.

    Brown plays Elodie, a girl who after getting married to a prince is thrown into a living nightmare; she is offered as a sacrifice to a ferocious dragon and must fight to survive and escape her ordeal.

    The actress showed the potential to become an action star when she gained prominence for portraying Eleven in Stranger Things. In Damsel, she proves that she is with a performance reminiscent of that of Emilia Clarkes in HBO's Game of Thrones.

    As for the dragon, it is nothing short of awe-inspiring, thanks to outstanding CGI and one heck of a voice actress. I gaped at the magnificent creature when it was revealed in all its glory.

    The film also has eye-popping cinematography and top-notch visual effects, the expected giving what was glimpsed in the trailer.

    Robin Wright, Ray Winstone, and Angela Bassett make up the major supporting cast and everyone plays their parts well. However, I had an issue with Bassett trying to speak in a British accent. Her attempt to do so failed completely.

    I was cautiously optimistic about this fantasy adventure and kept my expectations low. Thankfully, I had an absolute blast.

    Highly recommended for lovers of the genre. This is blockbuster material.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 2.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 2.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre

    PG - Drama | March 1, 2024 Storyline:

    In a race against time to avoid a dismal fate, Saro returns to Ojumo with orders to complete a nearly impossible task. Meanwhile, Arolake starts a new life but fate calls and a return to her past seems inevitable.

    • 2.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 weeks ago

    This sequel series fails to do justice to its two major characters, opting to explore numerous backstories and arcs that end up convoluting an overstuffed script.

    Saro and Arolake are relegated to the background for the entirety of the series, taking a backseat to new characters while director Kunle Afolayan fleshes out a visually striking universe.

    The so-called protagonist has three years to live on earth as he must return the souls of those he resurrected in the first film. Old habits die hard and he falls for the village belle, causing a series of events that lead to a tragic return to Oyo and a sinister foe.

    I honestly didn't expect that this Netflix series would impress me and it didn't. Aside from the improvement in cinematography, the commendable acting, a stupendous villain, and a laudable musical score, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre ends up being a disappointment.

    Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye, who made the first part watchable, aren't given much to do here as supporting characters take the spotlight.

    The exposition suffers from tackling too many things at once, showing that Kunle Afolayan, a filmmaker who excels with feature projects of different genres, may not be ready for the intricacies of a series.

    For me, the standout here is Owobo Ogunde, who portrays the dreaded Bashorun. In a stellar performance, he embodies the antagonist who is intimidating and scary.

    The few action scenes are laughable (this is Nollywood, what else did I expect?) and the special effects once again look cheap.

    My advice to Afolayan on if he plans to make a second season is don't.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 2.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 2.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Dead Serious

    PG - Comedy-Drama | February 27, 2024 Storyline:

    Popular comedian Sabinus stars as Johnny, a young man who must fight for the love of the woman of his dreams. His sanity is tested when the unexpected happens, leading to an inevitable downward spiral that threatens his very existence.

    • 2.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 weeks ago

    The first part of Dead Serious is anchored by the performance of Nollywood star Sharon Ooja who keeps the plot grounded in its approach to telling a love story.

    Lead star Sabinus takes over the second act, switching between playing Johnny and the comic character we all know him for in his skits. At some point, the line is blurred and the viewer can't tell whether or not we are watching Moses Inwang's film or a long comedy skit.

    The third act goes into much darker territory, juxtaposing light and serious tones in its treatment of one of society's prevalent issues. 

    In the end, a twist is revealed but the plot holes and unrealistic nature of events diminish the key message the director tries to pass across.

    For me, Dead Serious is everything you expect from a film of this genre; it comes with imperfections and sometimes what seems like 'overacting'.

    The humour is spot-on as I laughed for most of the movie, whether or not it was called for. In this regard, Sabinus delivers. However, his acting leaves room for improvement.

    The supporting characters are good too (Ooja is the obvious standout) but the Deyemi Okanlanwon subplot, which should have been expanded was abandoned.

    This film is far from being among the top comedy movies in Nollywood but those looking to laugh away their sorrows will be entertained by Sabinus' unending antics.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 2.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 2.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Argylle

    PG - Action Thriller | February 1, 2024 Storyline:

    Matthew Vaughn directs the ensemble cast of this movie about an introverted spy novelist who finds herself in the real world of espionage when the story of her book gets too close to the activities of an underground syndicate.

    • 2.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 1 month ago

    Even though Bryce Dallas Howard leads the ensemble action thriller, it's Sam Rockwell who practically anchors the film which gets entangled in endless webs and unending plot twists.

    Mixing humour, action, two well-cast leads and an all-too-familiar script, Matthew Vaughn's espionage flick puts Elly Conwell (Howard) smack in the middle of the events of her novel.

    Elly, a renowned writer has to trust spy Aidan (Rockwell) when he unexpectedly shows up inside a train to save her from some devious characters.

    While going on the run, the clueless heroine must rely on her imagination and creativity to solve the big question; why are the bad guys after her because of a book she wrote?

    The plot itself is good but the execution is tainted by too many elements battling for relevance. Even the action is unsteady. Fans should watch out for the last act where Howard gets involved in some of the best action sequences you will ever see on screen.

    Singer Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, and John Cena take a backseat to the central characters and that's even an understatement. So, those who decide to see Argylle because of them will be shocked by the amount of screen time they get.

    Films of this genre often have lies, deception and betrayal but this one takes it a bit further by doubling down on all of the aforementioned stuff. Halfway through, I began to wonder who the real bad guys were and if the protagonist was really the protagonist.

    Argylle tries to be very good and doesn't hit its ambitious target. That notwithstanding, the journey itself is worth following, thanks to Rockwell who sets up the necessary ass-kicking before Howard goes full throttle in the third act.

    Conclusively, it is a good watch, nothing more.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Meeting Funmi's Parents

    PG - Comedy-Drama, Romance | January 26, 2024 Storyline:

    Funmi gets an unexpected welcome when she takes her American fiancé Jason back home to Nigeria to see her parents. What began as a vacation turns sour as unexpected issues surface, with Funmi's dad determined to make Jason's life a living hell.

     

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 1 month ago

    Despite tackling a cliche societal issue, Meeting Funmi's Parents manages to subvert the plot archetype, executing an unexpected twist midway that changes what you think you know about certain 'stereotypical' characters.

    Omowunmi Dada stars as the eponymous character who must convince her parents that race is inconsequential when your heart yearns for the one it wants.

    Roman Thomson plays the doe-eyed, lovestruck boyfriend who must deal with his girl's doting father who dislikes him and everything he stands for.

    Both actors look good together and the humour works wonders, thanks to Akin Lewis who portrays the protagonist's doting father. His deadpan expression when he delivers his sarcastic lines makes the ticket price for this movie worth it.

    The story here has lessons for everyone but the most prominent one is how we often misjudge people based on what we think we know about them.

    I expected a mediocre story and got a rather engaging one with nuanced characters and a welcome arc for its central character. 

    When it comes to the acting, Omowunmi Dada and Akin Lewis are the standouts for me. Timini Egbuson, who is the past boyfriend is sadly overshadowed here due to script limitations.

    For the life of me, I couldn't fathom why the film had to end on a cliffhanger but I guess that means there are plans for a sequel or the length was so long that it had to be cut in half.

    Anyways, Meeting Funmi's Parents is worth watching.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Role Play

    PG - Action Comedy | January 12, 2024 Storyline:

    Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo star in this action comedy about a husband who gets a rude shock when he finds out that his wife is an assassin whose true identity has been hidden for years. When a bounty is put on her head, the whole family is threatened and he is thrown into a world he knows nothing about.

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 months ago

    Thomas Vincent directs a totally predictable but fun film. The two leads are endearing and cute in their roles, with David Oyelowo playing the bewildered spouse excellently well.

    It's not easy leading a double life and Kaley Cuoco convincingly embodies the caring wife and ruthless killer for hire. The chemistry between her and her co-star works well in advancing the plot of the movie.

    I particularly enjoyed the scene the onscreen couple shares with veteran actor Bill Nighy. It was the precursor to the ensuing chaos.

    As expected, the film has a few lapses, one of which is the issue of Dave (Oyelowo) never having deemed it fit to visit his wife's workplace in the time they have been married. 

    Another flaw in the writing is the villain played by Connie Nielsen, who is typically a stock character. The protagonist, who is skilled as an experienced killer, isn't given a worthy foe to defeat and the final confrontation is kinda anti-climactic.

    Role Play sets out to be an entertaining movie and in that regard, it works. Thankfully, the action is good (not remarkable, but good) and the comedic tone is not overly done. I only wish it wasn't so predictable at times.

    In all, it's a good flick to pass the time as long as you choose to tune out the plotholes. Cuoco and Oyelowo are a perfect match and deliver the goods.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 4.0

    Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

    PG - Action, Adventure | December 22, 2023 Storyline:

    Two years after the events of the first film, Arthur Curry must deal with the threat of the vengeful Black Manta once and for all. This time around, his adversary has a dark trident that imbues him with more power.

    Arthur enlists the help of his imprisoned half-brother Orm and forming an unlikely alliance, they fight to save the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and the world.

    • 3.2
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 months ago

    A lot of fans and critics have rushed online to bash this film and I honestly don't get the reason for the hate. James Wan bids the DCEU a fitting farewell in a sequel that is entertaining and visually striking.

    First off, the first film is better in every way and that is something I kind of expected. Here, Wan leans more into the humour and sometimes, it comes across as forced, with Jason Momoa overdoing it a bit from time to time.

    There is further exploration of Atlantis and we get to see the sibling dynamic between Aquaman and Orm (Patrick Wilson). The pairing works wonders; Wilson easily steals his scenes with Momoa as almost every quip from him is worth rewatching.

    The story is pretty much what I expected, with no major twists involved. I'm glad to say that a horrific death rumoured to be in it is entirely false.

    We can't review a superhero movie without talking about the visuals, vis a vis, the action, cinematography, and special effects. The action is cool (Wan is good at it) but not as good as the first film, the cinematography is what you expect, and the special effects are awesome.

    Momoa doesn't bring anything new to his portrayal of the titular superhero besides the many jokes, yelling and fighting. His onscreen brother Orm, however, is the one to watch here. His character arc is well-written and by the end of the film, he leaves you satisfied.

    The antagonist loses some of the appeal that made him a bit scary the first time as I waited for him to strike a major blow on the hero that never quite came.

    Credit must also go to Amber Heard, who saves Aquaman on more than one occasion. I only wish she had more screen time.

    There isn't much left to say as DC fans know that this marks the end of the extended universe. For me, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom checks the major boxes required for a blockbuster and I will definitely see it again.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 4.0
    • Acting 4.0
    • Dialogue 4.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    A Tribe Called Judah

    PG - Comedy-Drama | December 15, 2023 Storyline:

    The five sons of an ailing mother hatch a daring plot to rob a store to save her life. The siblings must find a way to put aside their differences and work together while dodging numerous obstacles in their path.

    • 3.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 months ago

    Funke Akindele is a force of nature and the box office figures of her movies can testify to this. Unlike Battle On Buka Street, this film gets it right by mixing the right amount of comedy and heartfelt drama that will stay with you long after leaving the cinema.

    Featuring as actress and director in A Tribe Called Judah, the veteran star plays a mother whose close shave with death spurs her children into a crime that quickly spirals out of control.

    Even the most carefully thought-out schemes go wrong and in this movie, the erring children get far more than they bargained for. 

    The best thing about the plot is its resonating themes, one of which is that no matter how noble the intentions, we must face the consequences of our actions, right or wrong. Additionally, the theme of family shines through, evoking feelings of joy and pain.

    Every actor here is amazing but I will give Funke Akindele her flowers. She doesn't get as much screen time as I expected but her performance is remarkable. The supporting cast members deliver and no one seems out of place as they all have their respective roles to play.

    The character development is natural, the plot progression well fleshed out, and the conclusion leaves the viewer pondering if it was all worth it.

    Those expecting to laugh throughout this film are in for a surprise; they will get more than their money's worth cackling but may also shed a tear or two.

    This is a must-see family film and I recommend to everyone. Kudos and more to Funke Akindele and the wonderful cast for a job well done.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 2.0
    • Dialogue 2.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Rebel Moon

    PG - Action Sci-fi | December 22, 2023 Storyline:

    An outsider on the run becomes her homeworld's only hope when a brutal Admiral and his men threaten their peaceful lives. She assembles a team of rebels to fight against the tyranny of the Motherworld.

    • 2.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 months ago

    Once again, Zack Snyder fails to deliver despite having access to one of the biggest streaming platforms and maybe a blank check for this movie.

    Based on what I saw in Army of the Dead, I deliberately lowered my expectations, ignoring those praising the sci-fi epic on social media. Alas! Even then, Rebel Moon bored me for the most part (this is coming from a die-hard Snyder fan!).

    Sofia Boutella stars as Kora, a woman with a hidden past who has to take up arms when the cruel hands of the Motherworld reach her once peaceful settlement. She finds both allies and foes in her quest and must make a stand before she loses the life she has come to hold dear.

    I will start with the story; it basically borrows from almost every sci-fi action movie we have seen before and brings nothing new. There is no character development and the dialogue borders between cringy and annoying. The so-called world-building was anything but, in my opinion. Almost all the worlds shown were grim, dark, and dusty.

    As for the visuals, I'm so sick of Snyder draining the life out of whatever colour he uses. Bro, why not just make it a black-and-white film instead? The cinematography is a far cry from what I envisioned and I wonder again how this came to be despite the blank cheque.

    Boutella lacks the charm or charisma to shoulder this film as the protagonist and she and her co-stars mostly seem wooden in their delivery, sometimes saying their lines like a poem recital.

    The biggest issue I had was the action, which is lame; a major surprise since this is a Snyder movie. The fight choreography is awful, and the blows not landing were too obvious. After seeing the action sequences, I daresay the genre is dying. 

    The antagonist is a one-dimensional asshole who doesn't even carry a real weapon despite being an Admiral. He has something akin to a walking stick, which he uses to pummel victims. The actor who played him looked bored for the entirety of his screen time.

    The director had talented actors, including the great Djimon Hounsou and failed to properly utilize any of them. None of their characters made me care as they were all uninteresting.

    One good thing about the movie is its score which is wasted on a film that should not in any way be compared to the Star Wars franchise.

    For Snyder fans who loved Army of the Dead, this will please you. For others, this is a no-go area. It is in the end an average movie at best.

     

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