Review of London Premier of Yinka Idowu's Hunting 4 Hubbies

The movie Hunting 4 Hubbies premiered at the Odeon Cinema Greenwich on Friday 27^th March 2015. Prominent on the red carpet were Marie Gomez, DJ Abass, Yinka Idowu, Ikenna Obi, Dayo Israel Eleanor Agala, Riyike Alayande, Kenneth Benson, Armour Owolabi, cast and crew of the movie amongst others.

Storyline: Hunting 4 Hubbies is a British Nollywood film. This great modern Nigerian story set in London is brought to the screen with fresh new talent, world class visuals and international standard original sound. 

Marie Kumba Gomez (Vicky), Sheyi Ajibola (Aisha), Ronke Ogunmakin (Bimbo) and Lorraine Stodel (Nnena) are femme fatales tired of the shrinking pool of mugus to rip off. They decide to up their game by taking up a new racket- get married, get divorced, take half!

Unfortunately, with so many men in England too hesitant to walk down the aisle, they decide they have to choose the easiest targets, those who have been caught before, the married ones!

The movie also stars Tapiwa Madovi, Amour Owolabi, Orwi Imanuel Ameh and Nosa Igbinedion as the unwitting (though somewhat willing) hubbies who get caught up in the girls' games whilst UK Big Brother star Victor Ebuwa is the powerful gang leader who finds his Achilles heel in Aisha.

Storyline: When I started to watch the movie, it reminded me of Sex and the City a series on television. In that series, there were also four women seeking out for hubbies and did many things to achieve this and sometimes ended up disappointed. Although this movie had its twists from that series, to me it shouted loud sex and the city. I concede I may be wrong and there have been no inspiration from that series.

That said to the movie itself, the part of the movie that showed how desperate women can get when looking for a partner or indeed for love or for money is a reality but to me I think the movie was over exaggerated. For example in Bimbo's case, her target had a wife who was ill and he was a practicing Christian. In my view, without diabolical means, for a man who claimed to love his wife so much, he would have been more careful not in having sex with Bimbo, but in observing how Bimbo was treating his wife. Also I think the whole Nnena role was also exaggerated.

I also think that the movie dragged on for too long and I heard people saying after the movie that they fell asleep. Others left before the movie concluded. The storyline did not stretch my mind as as usual like all Nollywood movies, the conclusion of the movie was predictable. In a movie such as this, the story should be straight to the point and people should wonder how it would end. I would make further remarks in my closing remarks.

Cast: The film starred  Lorraine Stodel Ronke Ogunmakin Sheyi Ajibola Marie Kumba Gomez Nosa Igbinedion Amour Owolabi Orwi Imanuel Ameh Stanley Ezenduka Tapiwa Madovi

I would like to start by commending the Director for using new and fresh talent. Probably only two or three of the cast are known faces in the Nollywood industry. Let me start from the positives, some of the cast were able to make the best of the situation. I think Ronke who played the role of Bimbo took the script personally and tried her best to make her role believable. I commend her for that, but I would like to state that if she wants to be a big name in this  industry, she need to keep leaning and perfecting her act. To me, I think she was the best member of the cast. I think most of the cast just kept to the script and told the story as demanded. 

However, I could not but notice Lorraine who played the role of Nnena. In my view and I say this in good faith and to help develop her to be a better actress, did not really do justice to her role. To me, she acted a scripted role meaning that it was obvious she crammed her lines. Sometime ago, I made a similar comment about one if the Nollywood actors advising him to improve himself. My advice came with mixed comments some commending me and others telling me off. I saw this same actor in the next movie and there was much of a difference.

This industry is a tough one. To make a name, one has to perfect his or herself such that they are recognised. Nollywood is a growing industry, but in my role as a reviewer and critic, my desire is to encourage the cast and crew alike to stop being mediocre and being the best they can. 

As a professional, be it a doctor or a lawyer, you must keep up to date and keep up with continuous development. The same should be the case with Nollywood. Cramming lines and presenting them especially in a lead role is unacceptable. Pick am in my church choir and in learning my songs, I sing even to the mirror as if I was singing in church. No one has arrived in this industry not even the known actors. To Lorraine and the entire cast, I would like to commend you for your boldness in coming into this industry. I really believe in you and believe one day you can be a household name like Omotola, Genevive or Mercy Johnson but it takes a lot of effort. I have spent a lot of time on this issue because of my passion for the industry and my belief that there are talk talents out there to be harnessed.

Finally on the cast, while I commend the Director for trying to harness new talent, in my view he should have mixed his cast using one or two more experienced actors and actresses for lead roles. As a child, one learns to crawl before walking and I think some of the cast were put straight in the deep blue sea and this showed in the movie.

Picture Quality: The picture quality was generally good.  Some picture shots in my view were too dark even though they were night scenes. I believe that Nollywood should take advantage of 21st century technology to get the best picture qualities. Some Nollywood movies have shown this is possible and that it takes time and effort to do so. The grading and colour correction was not awesome. In my view therefore, the picture quality was good not excellent. It was however not shaky or unpleasant to the eyes. Having said so, it was better than a lot of Nollywood movies I have seen.  

Sound Quality: With regards to the sound,  I really did not have cause for concern with the general sound quality of the movie. The sound was generally clear. In my view if anything, there could have been a bit of control with noise levels. There were one or two scenes however that the sound could have been better. Generally, there wasn’t much echo and distortion and I commend the crew for this.

Overall performance: Overall, I think this was a good effort. I think some things could have been improved. There was a clear storyline, although I think it was dragged on for too long. The truth about it is that if I had not read the synopsis or seen the name of the movie, I would have wondered where the movie was going. In my view, I think the first ten minutes of any movie should give viewers an I site into where the movie is going. In this movie, there were elements of comedy, and some elements of realities of life.

As a reviewer and critic, I would like to see better sound and picture qualities bearing in mind the high level of technology available now. The movie must have been shot on a red camera so efforts were made in terms of production. This was a good effort but if there was more attention to detail, it would have been an excellent movie.

I would like to commend the cast and crew for effort, but bearing in mind that in the cast and crew, I know only one or two people, I have written an honest review of how I saw the movie. It is a good first effort but if the points raised are considered, I am looking forward to a better production next time.

Having said all that, the question is if I would recommend this movie. As a movie critic and reviewer, I would  recommend this movie.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEZKi-o6dfQ

Review of Toyin Moore's Blood Type

The movie Blood Type premiered at the Odeon Cinema Greenwich on Friday 6^th March 2015. Prominent on the red carpet were Toyin Moore, Gladys Ndimuntoh, HRH Theodora Ibekwe-Oyebade and Chief Ayo Oyebade, Ruke Amata, Florence Blaster Okonkwo, Danny Erskine, Riyike Alayande, DJ Abass, Tolulope Yesufu, Adenike Akeju Osabute and Mr Osabute, Toksy Bello, Peace Igodifo, Prince Tade, Pauline Long, Sam & Tola Onigbanjo, Chiedu Nwanze, J2 Consults, Malcolm Benson, Nonso Nwaiwu cast and crew of the movie amongst others. The premiere was hosted by DJ Abass.

This movie cannot really be classified as Nollywood as it was a collaboration and in the words of the host DJ Abass, should be called “Afrowood”. We should be seeing more of such in this industry.

Storyline: A young woman was tired of her marriage and wanted a separation. Desperate, her husband locked up the door and called her mother, Queen (Toyin Moore) who intervened in a very casual and friendly manner by telling a story. This story was a life changing and moving story, one that was a revelation to her daughter and that was enough to convince her daughter to change her mind and stick in her marriage. What exactly was this story? Whilst I am tempted to tell the whole story, I would encourage you to watch the movie.

The storyline was packed with all sorts. It had elements of comedy, elements of reality, elements of betrayal and deceit and was an eye opener and showed how far a man was prepared to go for his family.

I commend Toyin who coupled both as the script writer and the Director. In fact, it was her first movie as Director. From the beginning of the story of the story, anyone could follow the story till the end of the movie. The story in itself was realistic in terms of various characters that the movie depicted and the real core of the storyline. There were various messages that one could take away and for the purposes of this review I can easily pick two.

One of the core messages is easily that a man should be able to give anything to keep his marriage. Another theme could easily be the theme of forgiveness. One other theme could be that your past would always catch up with you or put it in another way whatever one sows, one would always reap. Whatever way, there was definitely a message for everyone that watched the movie and in my opinion, this is the way storylines in Nollywood movies should be going. There should be morals in the movies even if by being negative as in the case of this movie, the end message is that the past always catches up many years after.

Cast: The movie showcased Toyin Moore, Gladys Ndimuntoh, Doyin Owoeye, John Dumelo, John Remedy, Nnena Ani, Collins Archie Pearce, Jedidah David, Pat Odiatu, Poshdee Rannigan, Hadizah Mohammed, Jebi Ndimuntoh, Sukanmi Oduwole, Florence Blaster Okonkwo, Florence Tucker, Princess Abiye Tobin Akinsanya, Samuel Fafowora, Cordelia Emeh, Dr Don Dawodu, Jojo Manga, Adaeze Udemba, Prince Sho, Deborah Henry, Cidro amongst others.

I would like to commend the lead actress Toyin Moore. I have seen Toyin in about 3 movies now and when I see her, I believe I have seen the best of her, but then she just comes up with something new. I believe that if she continues to develop herself, she would be one of the best in the Nollywood scene not only in UK but in the industry as a whole. My advice is not to rest on her oars and keep developing herself. In general, the cast played the roles that were allocated to them, Some of them were average but seeing that they are not mainstay actors, I would let that pass.

However, as a reviewer and critic, I need to be picky. I think some of the characters did not really do justice to their roles and made it obvious to people like us who look into little details that their scenes and their scripts were rehearsed. One of such was Kikelomo who was the daughter. Watching her at times was like she was reading from a script and not acting. In my honest opinion, although probably new to the industry, when they have been given a part, they need to rehearse privately even before their mirrors as if they were acting before thousands of people. That would eliminate being rehearsed.

Another person I would mention is the good husband. It was obvious he was not Nigerian the way he pronounced Nigerian names and phrases. It is my believe that if one wants to do something excellence must be the watch word. In my honest opinion, he should have spent time practicing those phrases and names such that people would believe he was actually Nigerian. Once given a role, one has to perfect that role, Having said that, apart from that hiccup, he played the role very well and could actually go places. One other person I would like to commend is the character Helen who was Queen’s colleague in the office and friend. She was just comedy personified. She just made everyone laugh and though she still has a lot to learn, I would like to commend her in this movie. All that said, all in all I give a big kudos to the entire cast for producing such a brilliant movie.

Picture Quality: The picture quality was generally good. However, there were scenes that the pictures or images were fast forwarded. These were basically the scenes in Tower Bridge. In my honest opinion, these pictures did not add any value to the movie and should have been excluded. Apart from these, there were no major issues. The picture quality was not shaky and was pleasant to the eyes. I do not have much more to say on the picture quality.

Sound Quality: Again with regards to the sound, there were some slight issues with sound in some scenes but not too major. I really did not have cause for concern with the general sound quality of the movie.. The sound was clear. I did not notice any interference with the sound in any of the scenes.

Overall performance:  For those of us who watched the movie, there were occasions that the movie just paused and the sound continues with still images. One is not sure if this was a problem with the movie itself or with the Cinema equipment as this is not the first time this is happening in a Nollywood movie. What was funny is that the parts that were still were parts that people would have wanted to see as from what we could hear they were humorous. If this had to do with the movie submitted to the cinema, it is a point that needs to be addressed. If it is the cinema equipment, Odeon would also need to address this in future.

That said, overall this was a good movie. I can say it was time well spent although the movie started pretty late. As a reviewer and critic, I have no hesitation in recommending this movie. In my honest opinion, there are marked improvements in all areas from Toyin Moore’s previous effort and for that I give her a pat on the back.

I believe that Toyin has a lot to give to this industry and has a pivotal role in helping to build the industry in the UK and the diaspora. Doing a collaboration is great and also directing is great.  However, there is still a lot to learn both in terms of directing, script writing and acting but Toyin is definitely on the right path. I would finally like to commend Toyin and the crew and hope to see this movie in the cinemas.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dihgJIqWOgQ

Review of Obi Emenloye's Thy will be done

The movie Thy will be done premiered at the iconic BFI Cinema at Waterloo on Thursday 26^th February 2015. Prominent on the red carpet were Governor Rochas Okorocha, Executive Governor of Imo State, Sir (Chief) and Lady Igbinedion, Esema of Benin, Ramsey Nouah, Mary Njoku, Jason Njoku, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Obi & Amaka Emenloye, HRH Theodora Ibekwe-Oyebade and Chief Ayo Oyebade, Dayo Amusa, Ayo Sonaiya, Golda John, Ruke Amata, Egor Effiok, Florence Blaster Okonkwo, Danny Erskine, Riyike Alayande, DJ Abass, Toyin Moore, Tolulope Yesufu, Adenike Akeju Osabute, Toksy B, Marie Gomez, Fashionista Mary Shittu, Anthony Monjaro, Emmanuella Ngozi Ideh, Nonso Nwaiwu cast and crew of the movie amongst others. The premiere was hosted by DJ Abass and Pauline Long.

Storyline: Pius (Ramsey Nouah) is a happily married pastor in charge of a large church in Lagos, Nigeria. But when his first wife (Mary Njoku) that he buried 7 years ago suddenly shows up, his world is thrown into turmoil.  

His present wife (Mercy Johnson-Okojie) tries to fight her corner but Pius has a choice to make between his calling and his wives, between old sins and new loyalties, between taking firm action and surrendering to God's will. 

Weakened by guilt and overwhelmed by sensational revelations, nothing would have prepared Pius for how rapidly things would descend into violent chaos, for hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

This storyline was a unique one and I had to ask people around me what they would have done if they were in Pius’ shoes. Left to me, I believe that I would have gone for series of counselling as it would have been an arduous decision for me as a person to take. I commend the script writer for thinking in this direction and the Director for picking the right cast to deliver the message in a simple and emphatic way. Although, I won’t have gone as far as his current wife did, I believe she was just being human. At the end of the movie, there was a well-deserved round of applause.

As a critic and reviewer, I believe that every movie should have a storyline that is clear and concise and one that every viewer understands almost from the beginning. Without a doubt, this movie meets that bill and as such for the storyline, I give a pass mark.

Cast: The movie showcased Mercy Johnson Okojie, Ramson Nouah and Mary Njoku amongst others. The movie was produced by Rok Studios and Directed by UK’s prolific Nollywood Director Obi Emenloye. All I can say about the cast is that there was a balance in the cast. All 3 lead characters put in their years of experience in the movie industry and told the story in the most believable manner. Some of the minor characters also did well and played their role as expected.

However, as a reviewer and critic, I need to be picky. I think some of the minor characters did not really do justice to their roles and made it obvious to people like us who look into little details that their scenes and their scripts were rehearsed.

That said, all in all I give a big kudos to the entire cast for producing such a brilliant movie.

Picture Quality: In my opinion, the picture quality was good. There were no major issues. This storyline was simple and did not require the use of 3D or other technological images.  The picture quality was not shaky and was pleasant to the eyes. I do not have much more to say on the picture quality.

Sound Quality: Again with regards to the sound, I did not have cause for concern. The sound was clear. I did not notice any interference with the sound in any of the scenes. Again no negatives about the sound as it was good.

Overall performance:  As a reviewer and critic, I wear all my hats be it that of a lawyer, a Christian etc. Based on the above, wearing my Christian hat, I had a little issue with the title of the movie especially seeing the way the movie ended. I ask myself when it says “Thy will be done” although the movie is from a Christian perspective, I asked a few questions in the end.

Is it the will of God that a genuine second wife would want to go to the extent of killing her husband and presumed first wife?

Is it the will of God that he throws confusion into the life of a Pastor that had genuinely served him with his life, genuinely believing his first wife and died and marrying another, to lose everything even his ministry?

Don’t get me wrong, the storyline is one that can happen in reality and would put even the most holy person in a dilemma as to what to do so I commend the script writer. In this case, the parties took their choices. Other people may not have acted the way they did, but still some people would have toed the exact same lines, so to me in reality this would have been a dicey situation.

My only critic therefore would be in the title chosen for the movie and NOT  the storyline or the movie itself.

The final question I always ask as a reviewer and critic is if I would recommend the movie. Without blink in an eye or thinking twice about it, the answer is a categorical YES. The good thing about this movie is that it exposes the fact that one needs to be very careful in decisions they make in life.

Although shot in Nigeria and although the 7 years legally expected of a deceased wife had not expired, I wonder what the church would advice in such a situation.

I would recommend this movie, not only to regular Nollywood fans, but to the clergy and to those who actually counsel married couples as it is an eye opener of a situation that may arise out of the blue. What counsel would they be giving, would they be quick to judge the Pastor? Would he be asked to step down even before he vounteers?

I am aware that this movie would be premiered in different countries and I would recommend that once in your city go and watch it. If not premiered in your country, please watch the release on Iroko when it comes live and make up your own mind.

Finally to Obi Emenloye and the cast and crew, well done for another job well done.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nFPn5VO0yI