Movie Review: Merry Men 2: Another Mission (2019 Nollywood Film)

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Got invited to the premiere of this movie and it was a great watch!

 
A step above its predecessor! 


The Rundown
Behind the name: Based on Robin Hood’s outlaw gang
Country: Nigeria, 2019
Genre: Action, Comedy 
Production: Corporate World Entertainment & FilmOne Entertainment
Director: Moses Inyang
Cast:   AY Ayo Makun (as Ayo Abioritsegbemi), Ramsey Nouah (as Ayo Alesinloye), Jim Iyke (as Naz Okigbo), Folarin Falana AKA falz (as Remi Martins), Ireti Doyle (as Dame Maduka), Damilola Adegbite (as Dera Chukwu), Rosy Meurer (as Kemi Alesinloye), Alex Asogwa (as Calypso), Williams Uchemba (as Johnny), Ufuoma McDermott (as Zara), Nancy Isime (as Sophie Obaseki), Regina Daniels (as Kenya) & more
Compare to: Merry Men, The Real Yoruba Demons 
Hate it or Love it?  Watch it



Synopsis in a Sentence: A crew of four friends brought together by the idea that stealing from the rich to “give to the  poor” try to straighten their ways, but soon realise that once they sleep with the dogs, they have to deal with the fleas that come with them... 

On Writing: The Plot
The plot is clearer, more  engaging and overall relays a much better storyline than the first! 
With a slightly better exposition than the first movie, we get insight into the lives of the crooks, and what motivates them, and why we should actually like them. 
The climax is also better, some pieces of dialogue are funnier, and the rise and fall of the action is a step above the previous one; an overall upgrade on this front!
(3.5/5)



On Acting: The Cast 
The cast is, quite star-studded, and the characters are clearly written for the personality each actor brings. 
Here are the Merry Men: top comedian AY Ayo Makun plays the role of Ayo Abioritsegbemi, playboy and co ring-leader of the gang. Then there’s veteran actor, Ramsey Nouah, who plays Ayo Alesinloye, co-ring leader as well. Old school actor Jim Iyke plays pervie friend, Naz Okigbo, and talented musician and political commentator, Falz, AKA Folarin Falana plays Remi Martins, the techie, and we get introduced to comedian Williams Uchemba, who plays Johnny, the rival techie. 
And amongst others, including Francis Duru, who is chief investigator and  Damilola Adegbite who is investigator Dera Chukwu, we have Ireti Doyle, who is Dame Maduka AKA the villain AKA the devil. And she, quite honestly, carries the movie and relays the most believable character yet! A top performance! (3.5/5) 


On Production: The Creativity
The production is quite, maybe, the star of the whole thing; we get to see Lagos, Abuja, city life in Nigeria, and it’s quite well done. We get a few shots of creativity with the action as well, and the humour is quite well infused, so overall, production is well done! 
(4/5)                                              


On Resolution: The Conclusion
Alright. So. We are likely to get a part 3. 
It resolves nicely but there are a few hangs… does the villain go scott free, or does she finally lose her luck? Will the marriage ever happen? Can the merry men really stay out of the easy, glitzy life of crime they’ve come to know and love? All these lead us to believe that there's likely to be another movie coming, but for this movie’s resolution, it is quite alright! 
(3.5/5)


The Verdict: An upgrade from the previous movie! A more enjoyable watch


Overall Score = 14.5/20







Movie Review: Chief Daddy (2018 Nollywood Film)

Sunday, April 14, 2019
Started as a casual movie with family and got completely hooked!


Behind the name: Name it after who brings the money 
Country: Nigeria, 2018
Genre: Comedy 
Production: Ebony Life Films
Distribution: Netflix
DirectorNiyi Akinmolayan
WriterBode Asiyanbi
Cast Aiyeola Bisola  (as Chief Daddy, Simbi),  Falz (as Femi Beecroft),  Joke Silva  (as as Lady Kay Beecroft), Patience Ozokwor (as Madam Pat), Nkem Owoh (as Chauffer DonatusFunke Akindele  (as Tinu Beecroft),  Kate Henshaw-Nuttal (as Teni Beecroft),  Ini Edo  (as Ekanem) & more! 
                  Compare to: The Ultimate Gift, 2006
                  Hate it or Love it?  Luv it! 

Synopsis in a Sentence: Billionaire chief passes away, and who gets to keep all his cash—wife, mistresses or kids?  


On WritingThe Plot
A typical Nigerian's dream—big man passes away and everyone gets to share his wealth—or not? 
The story is quite interesting! It is entertaining and real and reflective of life in Africa, although augmented and exaggerated. There are a few undidactic lessons, but the basis of the story is to entertain, and that is what it does! 
The plot is quite well executed, despite the flurry of characters, and sometimes predictable instances. At the baseline, it is a comedy, and some lines were artfully executed. An entertaining experience! 
(4/5)
Cast


On ActingThe Cast
The acting is honestly, larger than life and exaggerated, but that's Nollywood style, so what can we do? 
The cast is quite start-studded, and chuck-full of everyone from the Nigerian movie industry.      Everyone from Joke Silva to Patience Ozokwor to Nkem Owoh , to first-time actor Falz! The actors were well selected and cast, and overall, thoroughly entertaining. 
First time actor, Falz (Folarin Falana) blew us out of the water with his rendition of the idiotic son, Femi—the wannabe celebrity rapper. As the star if the show, some might say he was playing the caricature of himself, but he was darn good at it! 
Patience Ozokwor comes in as a fastidious, overzealous house manager, Madam Pat— the stereotypical overzealous Nigerian worker. While Nkem Owoh depicts the self-important "chauffeur" we've met a few times before. We get reasonable and unreasonable characters, a mix of all types and cases in this cast. And we also get the comedy from Chioma Omeruah, or Chigul and 
A job well done!  
(4/5)
L-R: Chauffer Donatus & Madam Pat 

On ProductionThe Creativity
No major complaints about the production— it delivers just as well, and in fact turns production on its head by reflecting a caricature of the music industry through Femi's character. This is so well done, it is quite remarkable to achieve, especially for producers, editors and staff that are quite good, so kudos on the creativity! 
(4/5)


On ResolutionThe Conclusion
The resolution is jot completely predictable, so a job well done! Although it comes close to what is expected, there is a twist. Watch to see what it is! 
(3.5/5)

The Verdict: A thoroughly entertaining watch

Overall Score = 15.5/20