Nollywood - Shut In

This movie stars: Bimbo Manuel, Stephanie Okereke and Martins Uroh (of Gulder Ultimate Search 2 fame).

Bimbo Manuel plays a very successful but overprotective father of 2 and husband. He provides the best for his family but will not allow his kids go out or socialize. They have everything they need at home so he sees no point in additional socializing outside school. Seems to stem from childhood issues. He has kids from several women

Stephanie Okereke plays his wife. She has a shop and is always at loggerheads with the fact that the kids are stifled. She is an ideal world in other respects. The marriage seems to have settled into routine so no passion here.

The Kids - There is a daughter who is about 15 and a son who is about 18 from a different woman.

Reviewing can be hard without giving things away but this movie deals with an issue that is taboo everywhere in the world let alone in Nigeria where the thought of it would be outlawed if possible. It is dramatic. The movie is well shot with interesting camera angles. The dialogue is minimal but so crisp and every word is loaded and adequately conveys to the viewer what's going on with the character.

The use of sound and music is appropriate. There is a haunting track that runs throughout the movie. Its not a bother and just envelops the viewer in the movie and the dilemma.

There is the arrival of yet another stepson from the States and he is obviously more worldly than the 2 at home. So there is the fight to expose his siblings to the world even if it means him acting as a chaperone.

This movie is a must see. It is a damn good movie. I was totally swept along with the story and the characters and is one of the better Nollywood efforts. It is especially great because it can be a great crossover movie. The story, right down to the end can be transferred to any society and make sense and be plausible.

However, it is one of those movies that i love and will own but will probably never watch again simply because it is so intense and i cant handle it again. Sort of like The Notebook, Monster and Monster's Ball.

I give this movie a resounding 9/10. See this if you can. Definitely a must see.

Nollywood - The Price of fame

I like to watch Nigerian movies. I like to consider myself an expert now....Having been on hiatus from Nollywood for a while, i eased back in with a few that i will be reviewing in the next few posts.

The Price of Fame stars Ini Edo, Gloria Anozie, Uche Jombo and Michael Ezoronye (sp). Story revolves around a star actress Stephanie James (Ini) dealing with rape issues from her past, a child given up and the emotional loss of her parents. Gloria Anoze plays her manager that has to help mop up a scandal that breaks. Uche Jombo plays Uju a no nonsense mother dealing with health issues. Her child is adopted and is actually Ini Edo's daughter she gave up. Michael plays the role of Jude, Stephanie's childhood friend dealing with paternity issues on his own.

This is a pretty decent movie by our standards. Ini Edo overacts as usual but not as bably as in other movies. The script is well developed and i didnt even cringe at all. The issue of rape and the perception of the victim was addressed without it being preachy and i really felt Stephanie's pain. Jude was wonderfully played by Michael and the fact that he stood by her through everything made my heart warm.

I would give this a 7 out of 10. Worth seeing and one of our better efforts.

The Amazing Grace

I finally got round to seeing this movie over the weekend.

This is the first Nigerian movies to be shot on 35mm and is directed by Jeta Amata. Its stars Fred Amata, Joke Jacobs and there is a cameo by Zack Amata.

I have to say that as i watched this movie, i was filled with pride. Pride in the beauty of Cross River State, pride in the beauty of the language and of our custome depicted in the movie.

I have to say though, that the movie was just okay for me. It isnt as interesting or engrossing as some of the better Nollywood efforts but obviously, the quality is a lot better. Joke Jacobs in the narrative is great as always. She has excellent command of the english language so listening to her is always a pleasure.

The premise of the story - about John Newton, the slave trader that is touched by a particular cargo of slaves and based on the folk song sung by these people, goes onto to pen Amazing Grace to that same music is believable but not perfectly executed. I didnt really feel Nick Moran's performance so much. I didnt feel the truth of his conversion. Fred Amata's performance was just okay. I have no knowledge of the Efik language but i got the feeling that his accent was off and his words forced. The best acting has to go to the beautiful young woman that played Ansa. I felt her bewilderment at their plight and at John Newton.

This movie is beautifully shot and takes advantage of the scenery of Cross River State. I know that Donald Duke must be so proud. The music in this movie is amazing. This is a soundtrack i would love to own. Sammie Okposo is to be commended in this regard.

I would give this movie a 6 out of 10. Not the most engaging plot but the beauty of the scenes, the fact that the movie stayed true to Nigerian customs and the authenticity with majority of the movie in Efik are a major plus here.