Movie Review
Ken Erics brings light with You Are My Light
Samson: Nedum, The devil took a stroll at my courtyard last night, and by morning my daughter summoned me to the courtroom.
Nedu: Just maybe, you left the door open for the devil…
Synopsis
Samson wants the best for his only child, Munachimso, but does not want her anywhere near entertainment or the limelight because of his own personal experience. Will his battles with his demons prove stronger than his love for his daughter?
Ken Erics beams the light on parenting struggles from a father’s perspective and makes us wonder if any parent can be prepared enough for when their children grow up and decide to follow their own path. I think that I would have loved to ask Nedum how anyone can keep the door permanently shut. Do we stop our children from growing up? Do we tie them up and not allow them socialise or leave our sight?
Munachimso (Queen Okoye) is Daddy’s girl who just wants to sing. Ella (Yvonne Jegede) has sacrificed her family in the past for her career and is trying to make amends, but peharps her love for her career is stronger than her motherly instincts. Betty (Ebele Okaro) is a teacher committed to not only the academic, but also the total development of her students and would go out of her way to see them maximise their potentials.
Samson (Ken Erics) has the perfect father-daughter relationship with his child until she decides to pursue her dreams. Thankfully, he has his friend, Nedum (Emeka Amakeze), a surprisingly wise and insightful character for his status, to always counsel him. Then there is Pompey (Emeka Darlington) who has discovered a diamond in the rough and would not let go.
The fact that some Nollywood sweethearts portray these characters, and how these actors bring their characters to life is the best part of this film. Though it is the first time I am seeing Queen Okoye (Munachimso), it is delightful to watch her play Daddy’s girl one second and throw tantrums the next, while being serenaded by her mellifluous voice. The movie is set in a village. There are no glam or superficial makeup or costume, so you cannot help but just focus on the story.
I like the fact that Ella’s case is not exactly resolved. Life is not a fairytale amd people do not change. The movie is not burdened by sub-plots or extra stories. It is straight to the point and easy to follow and understand.
If you’re searching for a story with depth and you’re into musicals, then you should see You Are My Light.
Click here to watch You Are My Light on Youtube.
Pretty Liars
Starring: Queen Nwokoye, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Funke Akindele, Solomon Akiyesi Emeka Amakeze, Zubby Micheals
Director: Tchidi Tchikere
NB- This movie is divided into 6 parts
First- Pretty Liars 1& 2
Second- Unbeatable Liars 1& 2
Third- Beautiful Liars 1 & 2
I don’t know if the excuses given by the liars in this movie validate their lies/lifestyle, but I know that there are saner/more honest options than the path they chose.
Pretty Liars is the story of three girls Shania (Nse Ikpe-Etim), Cleo (Funke Akindele), and Alice (Queen Nwokoye), who intend to fake it till they make it even if it means living the Champagne life on a Capri Sonne account (notice that I did not say income because they have none whatsoever). Unfortunately for them, a scorned driver, Toba (Emeka Amakeze) employs his friends to beat them at their own game.
If there’s one major issue this movie, it’s the fact that it has no business having 6 parts, none whatsoever. I really don’t see the point in repeating the same adverts 6 times just to prolong a movie. Haba! Also some scenes were unnecessarily long. Like the very first scene -from fighting with a rickshaw driver to a cheated boyfriend.
All the acts, gave an impressive job but I wonder when Nigerian movies will dare to start experimenting with more realistic closures. Honestly the driver and his friends had no reason to die, especially so that Alhaji and his friend could recover their money. Not like they were purely honest business men. And I don’t understand the logic behind the girls going back to the same salon where they already gawked a couple of times to beg for work. Are humans really that shameless?
In the end, we learn that there are no short cuts to success other than hardwork.
Okay! This is supposed to be a comedy and yes I did laugh a lot but for some reason, I did not quite enjoy seeing Funke Akindele play Cleo or maybe she was paraphrasing and not following the script but there was just something missing. Nonetheless, all the acts make up a very amusing and entertaining flick, one that can be enjoyed if you are patient enough to wait out the long scenes, and tolerate Cleo.
And please where exactly is Cincinnati?
Musings of a Nollywood Lover 