A grieving father sets out to find justice for his slain son and lay him to rest. Along the line, he crosses paths with old friends and foes, getting drawn back into the violent world he left behind.
I had no expectation from this film but felt compelled to watch given the calibre of the lead character. It turned out to be one of my favourite movies of the year, thanks to Editi Effiong's superb direction and RMD's nuanced acting.
RMD plays Paul Edima, the middle-aged man whose son was slaughtered by a ruthless gang of police officers. The experienced star is convincing, portraying a broken man craving justice and kicking ass along the way.
With the exception of the very first action scene, the visuals are good and the face-offs are quite impressive. But more than this, the themes of the film make it soar above your average thriller.
The Black Book explores systemic corruption, with the lens zoomed in on lawmen who often go against their oath by turning on those they have sworn to protect.
The plot is engaging, well-written, and made suspenseful by the director and a wonderful cast.
The movie's climax is fun, with the final confrontation taking place in the windswept drylands of Kaduna. I couldn't have asked for a better ending.
The stand-outs here for me are RMD, Ade Laoye, Shaffy Bello, and Denola Grey (even though he has a very limited screentime).
I recommend this flick for action lovers and movie fans in general. You will not be disappointed.
An aspiring warrior who encounters the wrath of a dreaded warlord must complete three deadly tasks. It's a journey that leads to the ultimate bloody showdown with a legend no one has ever defeated.
Gbotija fights for his life and his love in a tale of magic, power, and vengeance.
Nollywood epics have always been plagued with mediocrity. Lacking in substance, most of them failed because they are bereft of the most important ingredient that makes a good film of the genre; storytelling.
Jagun Jagun soars, boasting impressive cinematography, a wonderful plot, rich dialogue, and two stupendous lead actors.
Those who are familiar with Lateef Adedimeji's work won't be surprised by the sheer grit, determination and pathos he displays here.
As the unlikely hero Gbotija, the actor, who is one of Nollywood's best, shows such range, going through a whirlwind of emotions that you can't help but relate to his quest.
Femi Adebayo, another star who has made his mark in Nollywood portrays the antagonist warlord Ogundiji with such fetish that I have no doubt he was born for the role.
Together, Adedimeji and Adebayo constitute the Yin and Yang of a story that fuses Yoruba mythology and pacesetting action sequences elevated by an unforgettable score to take Nollywood epics to a whole new level.
Conversely, this film does have its weak points; a few annoying and unnecessary scene transitions, the expected cheap-looking special effects and lacklustre fights, and a love story that was not properly explored.
Its flaws aside, Jagun Jagun is a triumph and one I am proud to say came from the stables of the Nigerian film industry.
A woman suffering from dissociative amnesia finds out that she is a person of interest when a corrupt politician decides to wipe out every trace of his dirty secrets going back many years ago.
As Sarah's memories gradually begin to come back, she must put together pieces of her troubled past and find a way to confront a formidable foe as she looks to embrace her present.
Niyi Akinmolayan employs the same intrigue and plot twists that captured viewers' attention in The Set Up, juxtaposing both past and present narratives to present a gripping story of love, secrets, power, and deceit.
Najite Dede and Efe Irele both play older and younger versions of the protagonist; a woman whose memories hold the key to a general's downfall.
While Irele is a feast for the eyes, it is Dede who completely owns this film. She shines in every way possible and her mesmerizing portrayal makes The House of Secrets one of Nollywood's best thrillers in recent times.
The black and white scenes for the past work very well, contrasting the colourful ones used to depict the present. In this regard, Akinmolayan proves that he is a master of the craft, handling both scenery and visuals with grace.
The set pieces are amazing and the attention to detail is commendable. A particular standout for me is the stupendous sound editing which perfectly captures the movie's tone and mood.
One positive of this film is the action scenes. As a critic who is always quick to point out flaws, especially when it comes to such scenes, I was impressed with what was pulled off here.
Actor Shawn Fuqua kicks ass (even if it's for a limited time) and looks really good and comfortable doing it. While one or two blows don't appear to land, the overall look is convincing.
The only complaint I have is the fire outbreak scenes; they are obviously computer generated and the CGI is horrible (it's a shame Nollywood hasn't found a way around this yet).
I was a bit sceptical about Akinmolayan not disappointing movie enthusiasts when he revealed that he was making a neo-noir film but now that I have seen The House of Secrets, the dude has made a believer out of me.
A coming-of-age tale revolving around a group of friends who have to walk different paths while growing up on the mean streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos.
Filmmaker Jade Osiberu is audacious with her interpretation of an engrossing story told from the perspective of a man caught in a world of crime, betrayal, and power.
Tobi Bakre stars as Obalola, a promising lad whose big dreams of leaving the crime-laden streets of Isale Eko, Lagos are dashed when his foster father is brutally murdered.
Growing up alongside his best buddies Gift (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Ify (Chike), Obalola soon learns that turning his back on the only life he has known is not as easy as he thought.
Gangs of Lagos is a gripping tale that sucks you right in from the very first scene; the cinematography is perfect and every shot and camera movement adds flavour to the plot, giving you a look into the slums of Lagos and those who run it as you've probably never seen before.
The characters are relatable, their motives and motivations make them well-rounded, and the actors all bring their A-games to sell their various roles.
I only have two issues with this film; one is that the action at certain points was disappointing (this has continued to plague Nollywood).
Secondly, I feel the character of Gift was left in the shadows a bit. Oba and Ify's backstories were explored so I expected to see the same with hers.
There isn't much to say about the film other than this; Osiberu is really shaking things up in the Nigerian film industry and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future.
Two women who have had several conflicts in the past find themselves at loggerheads again when they establish food businesses in the same vicinity.
Things reach a violent climax when it dawns on neighbours that the women will take the battle to any length.
I lowered my expectations before seeing this and looked forward to it as Funke Akindele said it was her farewell to Nollywood. I ended up disappointed.
Battle On Buka Street is a messy, repetitive comedy that didn't have to be as long as it is.
Despite its talented lead stars and a resonating theme, the film wallows in the predictable cycle of exaggerated antics that keep plaguing the comedy genre in the Nigerian movie industry.
Funke Akindele amazed me in Omo Ghetto: The Saga but here she seems to be a shadow of herself and was almost outshined by her co-star Mercy Johnson.
For Johnson, she works with a mediocre script; the result is a character who is arguably the most engaging but whose arc (which was supposed to be a big deal in the final act) is executed off-camera.
Nkem Owoh is a sight for sore eyes and the acting veteran does evoke laughter without trying to at times.
For the better part of the film, we are treated to several acts of buffoonery all in the name of comedy.
The unexpected tonal shift to drama threw me off guard but just when it seemed to work well in advancing the plot and developing the characters, the outlandish humour returns, climaxing in a rather abrupt ending that made me ask if it deliberately sets up a potential sequel.
In terms of technicality, Battle On Buka Street pales in comparison to some of Nollywood's best.
The set pieces are okay and the scene transitions are nothing special but the indoor scenes lacked the expected creativity.
As I mentioned earlier, this movie has resonating themes which Nigerians need to be reminded of, especially at a time when we are on the precipice of deciding our nation's fate in the forthcoming election.
Besides the above, Battle On Buka Street is yet another forgettable comedy in the long list of comedies Nollywood keeps churning out.
Based on Wole Soyinka's play, this is the story of a horseman who must sacrifice himself to serve his ruler in the afterlife. But sudden distractions lead to unexpected tragedy.
The late Biyi Bandele put in a lot of effort translating Wole Soyinka's literary work onto the big screen and while the final result is commendable, it is let down by its rather anti-climatic third act.
The story begins and you are drawn in from the very first scene. The set pieces are beautiful, the costumes impressive, and the characters all play their parts well.
Elesin Oba thrives when it comes to its dialogue; rich, poetic, and infused with unending proverbs and metaphors, the interaction among the characters is nothing short of amazing.
Odunlade Adekola is imposing and impressive as the King's Horseman. He does a pretty good job with the role. The only complaint from me is that ridiculous fake beard.
I almost didn't recognise popular singer Brymo when he was first shown on screen. As an artiste, he has shown talent but I never expected to be won over by his acting as well.
To me, the standout of this film in terms of performance is Shaffy Bello as Iyaloja. The scene where she reprimands Elesin Oba continues to stand out in my memory as one of the highlights of the third act.
I will not forget Deyemi Okanlawon who equally shines despite limited screen time.
Plot-wise, this film does well until the concluding path which fails to produce the expected effect. This is where a theatrical performance thrives whereas a film doesn't.
Soyinka wrote the book to be acted on stage and maybe that's the only place Elesin Oba can really be the masterpiece it ought to be.
Kunle Remi stars as Saro, a young man who arrives in a village to earn a living. His weakness lands him in trouble and changes the course of his life.
I have watched Kunle Afolayan thrill audiences over the years with his outstanding movies. Unfortunately, 'Anikulapo' doesn't have a place among them despite his best efforts.
Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye star in this tale of a man's tragic flaw, forbidden love and power. As the leads, they give exceptional performances but that isn't enough to catapult the film to greatness.
The opening scene made me cringe as a result of the poor CGI (a recurring issue in Nollywood) and while the costumes and set pieces are not bad, the locale didn't quite capture the ancient kingdom being portrayed.
I heard Afolayan purchased acres of land to film this project. Kudos, bro but it was quite evident that it was just constructed solely for this. It lacked the expected verisimilitude.
Kunle Remi is not an actor I know that well and apart from Afolayan's previous feature 'A Naija Christmas', I don't think I have seen him act before.
He plays the hero of the story very well, embodying a handsome fellow who can't escape the consequences of giving in to his weakness.
Bimbo Ademoye is also compelling here (when has she ever been otherwise). The chemistry between them is sizzling and I have a feeling that sex scene between her and Remi will be something fans will chew on for some time.
I found the pacing a bit slow at the onset as the director took his time in establishing the characters. Things pick up and become more interesting later on.
The conflict that sends the lovers into exile propels the film to a whole new dimension and I expected a series of events that would lead to a worthy conclusion. While the ending isn't bad, it left a lot to be desired.
The production value of this project somehow doesn't really shine through as I thought it would. The cinematography didn't exactly meet my expectations, and the visual effects are just laughable.
Nothing speaks Karma like a woman scorned and that proves to be the case for the protagonist in the final act. The story is good but the execution isn't anything spectacular.
Conclusion: This isn't Kunle Afolayan's best and it sure won't earn any standing ovation. But Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye make it worthwhile.
Jim Iyke stars as Oscar, a rich young man who must find his passport so that he can travel to the UK to see his ailing mother.
The arrogant protagonist enlists the help of his uncle (Jide Kosoko) and the semi-literate, street-wise Kopiko (Mercy Johnson) to locate the missing document.
I went to the cinema with an open mind as I did not even watch the trailer for this film directed by Dimeji Ajibola and produced by Vincent Okonkwo.
The major draw for me was the combination of Jim Iyke and Mercy Johnson; I was eager to see how they would play off each other and having seen Passport, I say it was a wise decision casting them in the lead roles.
As Oscar, Iyke once again gives off the vibe of the kind of character he is known for playing; arrogant, spoilt, and temperamental.
Oscar's pairing with the trash-talking loudmouth known as Kopiko (Johnson) results in unending clashes between the two, which is the movie's greatest strength as the comedy is what holds this rather mediocre film together.
Story-wise, Passport doesn't have a lot going for it. We have two people from opposite sides of life brought together.
Their shared experience working together teaches them some of life's valuable lessons and they find something neither of them expected.
While the above is good, the execution is something that has played out in Nollywood times without number.
Johnson's Kopiko character is perhaps the best thing about this film. The actress has comedy running in her veins and apart from the occasional jokes that don't land and the expected 'overacting', she steals every scene.
The antagonist is an interesting character, one I would have loved to see more of or have his backstory explored. Since comedy is the goal here, I guess that is easily forgiven.
The cinematography, for me, does not really measure up to what we see in Nollywood these days. Only a few aerial shots and one chase scene piqued my interest.
In the end, Passport was made to do one thing; make audiences laugh and have a good time. While its execution isn't outstanding, it does what it sets out to do thanks to its two leads.
Four years later Chike has barely come to terms with her life as a US Government Agent, when she is forced to risk everything she holds dear once again after an international Terrorist kidnaps Grace’s daughter in order to blackmail Chike into doing hr bidding.
Chike and Grace must reunite and build a team to defeat the terrorist and save Grace’s daughter.
The Set Up 2 continues the story of Chike and Grace as they navigate the underworld of drug trade, business secrets and professional trickery while trying to stay alive amid new different obstacles they now face.
The film is a follow-up to the events of the first part and is written and directed by Chinaza Onuzo.
Grace (played by Kehinde Bankole) now has a child and the conflict begins when Usi (Nancy Isime) kidnaps the child so as to ensure that Chike (Adesua Etomi) does her bidding. Grace and Chike reunite to get back Grace’s daughter and take down Usi once and for all.
I liked that the story actually looked like it knew where it was going. It showed originality and a flair that Nollywood seems to have forgotten it can muster.
I loved the costumes, especially Nancy Isime's bodysuit. It was really hot. A big thumbs up to the wardrobe and make-up department.
I think the lighting and scenery choice was exciting as it projected exactly what we'd like to see in Nollywood movies.
I also loved the casting choices as it was exciting to see many of Nollywood's sweethearts on the big screen once again.
The movie however leaves a lot to be desired as it fails to live up to the expectation and thrill I got from its trailer.
Firstly, the choreography was a constant eyesore. I shook my head through most of the action sequence. They could have done better, it was that bad.
Also there were some scenes that were grossly unrealistic in a real life setting. For example, how do you suddenly just let go of someone you've been gunning to kill for virtually most of the movie, just like that.
I think characters were also underutilised. The writing felt lazy and it failed to really show the strength that we all know this rich cast could conjure.
For people who are not as picky and choosy as me when it comes to movies, you'd probably enjoy this movie.
But for someone like me, it pains me, but this is not a movie I'd go to watch a second time.
An awkward 32-year-old man's life is turned upside down when he discovers that the girl he wants is the model of the dating website he is obsessed with.
Hey You Movie follows the story of Abel (Timini Egbuson) and Bianca (Efe Irele) who meet on a sex link-up website called “Fans Alone”.
They meet in real life but Abel is an extremely shy and nerdy person.
Meanwhile, Bianca is a pro: an absolute expert on the Fans Alone website where she makes the sexual wishes of her clients come to pass as she meets them online.
However, things begin to take a drastic turn when Abel (Timini Egbuson) falls in love with Bianca (Efe Irele).
The acting is the spice of the movie. Timini has grown so much as an actor and it is beautiful to see.
Also, the connection between him and Efe Irele cannot be ignored; they made the sex scene look real.
Stan Nze is a brilliant actor; he was the comic relief in the movie and did it well for the overall plot development.
Additionally, the set pieces are gorgeous and the costumes add to the aesthetic appeal. The cinematography is also top-notch.
Hey You proves to be the most sexual Nollywood movie in 2022.
Viewers who find sexual scenes disturbing on TV are advised to ignore this one as it is rated 18.