Genre- Drama
Director – Tony Abulu
Written By- Tony Abulu
Starring- Isaiah Washington, Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean Louis, Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke-Linus
Run Time- 1:45:30
Year- 2012/2013

Movie Synopsis
Brilliant Cancer specialist Dr. Michael Durant (Isaih Washington) is emotionally troubled, wrestling with the traumatic loss of his 10 year old daughter from Cancer. Immersing himself in his work at the hospital, away from his wife who blames him for their child’s death, he forms an unlikely bond with a sick seven year old boy Sam.  As Sam’s health deteriorates, a secretive Nigerian Nurse convinces him to seek the help of Dr. Bello, an uncertified Nigerian Doctor, known in the Brooklyn-African underground as a miracle worker.

Set in three major locations; downtown New York; Lagos, Abeokuta and Ondo states, this HollyNolly (a combination of Hollywood and Nollywood stars in a movie, don’t ask where it came from) stars Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy, New Jack City) as Dr. Durant, while his wife Chloe is played by Vivica Fox (Kill Bill 2, Two Can Play).

While in New York, I cannot say I was pleased or sold on the acting, scenes or directing. Coming from the medical background of Grey’s Anatomy, Isaiah does a fantastic job of being a doctor. His use of medical terms and terminology is flawless, realistically executing the role of a doctor and one with the weight of the world on his shoulders. His wife, Vivica, was also sold on her role, playing an emotional distraught woman needing her husband now more than ever. Then again, they are well-known seasoned actors so, wouldn’t have expected any less.

Dr. Bello on the other hand played by Jimmy, wasn’t all that. Jimmy rarely does any talking and when he does, I cannot say he was coherent. He does a horrible job of playing a Nigerian (didn’t like him in Phat Girls too) and for one that has lived for a while in the States was a big Hell No (two words, acting coach – or perhaps a language coach).  Other cast members were okay, I must hand it to Evan Brinkman who played Sam, with layers of makeup which gave him the cancer stricken look, he appeared pretty ill; he did a fantastic job of playing sick, passing out and convulsing.

What I obviously didn’t get and made me sigh was the silence that surrounded the scenes and the city of New York (how is that possible, the city that never sleeps and is notable for its loud and distinct noise, these sounds we obviously hear when we watch New York based movies such as Date Night, Salt, Tower Heist and Side Effects and many more of course, suddenly quiet) coupled, with the sweat that was evident on characters like Vivica and Isaiah’s faces. I guess we had a little bit of Naija budget in the states. LOL!

Due to his unorthodox means, Dr. Bello is arrested, Dr. Durant and the nurse are suspended and life kind of takes a nose dive for them. When he learns of Bello’s illness, Durant decides to make it his personal mission to find his cure.

Enter Lagos, things automatically come back to earth and become rowdy and crowded as ever. There is the MTN sign flashing everywhere and the talk of getting an MTN line as they are the major sponsors (OMG), our Nigerian characters come into play, with the unnecessary conversations, unnecessary scenes and the uneasy quest to find the cure for (what was it again???)

Durant meets with friends of Bello who lead him from pillar to post to find former lecturers or associates to find this plant, flower, tree whatever it is to cure Bello.

To my mind, they could have done without the barrage of scenes and its characters as it was a total waste and a merry-go-round for me.  Another unnecessary and totally irrelevant scene was the part where Lara tells her daughter that Bello was her dad (smh com’on Tony, you are a seasoned writer, director and producer! What does that add to the plot???). Durant gets to the town of Olumo and meets up Dr. Olumide played by Tony Abulu(the writer, director and producer of the film) and he tells him of another place where he should visit before he gets to his final destination (at this point, am getting dizzy).

In comes Genevieve, the new assistant of Dr. Olumide and love interest to Durant meant to lead him to his final destination. Did anyone get the importance of the accident and police scene or taking Durant to her mum (totally unnecessary) who tells her to take him to her uncle (*sigh* dear Lord).

From there, I lost interest, only to come back and see there is a ritual for him (Durant) to go up the rock. He gets there and alias… Dr. Bello and Durant’s daughter are heading towards the light, but not after a few words, at this point, I had had enough!!!

I believe, Doctor Bello was just mind-numbing. There was nothing that stood it out from other Nigerian movies shot either in Lagos or in America. It was amazing how Tony kept it somewhat simple while in the States, but once he crossed over to Nigeria; he decides that everything that is anything should be in the movie! Which includes actors, scenes and all what not? The movie also begs the question, what good does having a Hollywood actor (not sure if Isaiah qualifies, maybe Vivica) bring to your production???

I refuse to give this movie a grade, I pass it on to you guys who have watched Doctor Bello, on a scale of 1-10, post your comments below.

Movie Reviewed by Efeturi Doghudje of xplorenollywood.blogspot.com. You can contact me via turicom1@gmail.com if there are more movies you’d like me to review.

The trailer for Kiririmbi (which means wildfire in Kikuyu) a 3D Kikuyu animation from Kenyan animator David Kiama is out in an attempt to promote the animated movie which is now available for purchase on DVD.

Kiririmbi it is an adult animatied comedy written by Anthony Shavel and produced by produced by Joe Muburi which explores themes such as men being battered by their wives, mpango wakando.

Kiririmbi is probably the first animation out of Africa that i’ve seen and while it looks funny on one level, it also shows the wide margin between animations out of Nigeria and those from Kenya as this only manages to bring back memories of the 1979 animation King Rollo (Trailer inserted below).

The animation is  The swahili version of the animation will be out in a few weeks.

Visit www.moviemarkers.net for more TV and Movie updates

Related articles across the web

• Hilarious PHOTO – How Kikuyu Children Perform ‘Make a Circle’ Singing Game

From the two powerful creatives, Thandi Brewer and Bridget Pickering comes a political thriller that is getting tongues wagging as episode 6 of the 13 – part drama series, End Game hits the screen this Thursday at 20h30 on SABC1.  Directing the series, is none other than Akin Omotso, a Nigerian – born, now South African  who recently directed Material, a South African comedy that has to date won both local and international awareds.

From co – producing the internationally acclaimed, Hotel Rwanda to voice – coaching the Broadway Sarafina cast, Bridget and Thandi have individually created a wide range of diverse TV work that has won both local and international awards so, it didn’t come as a surprise when these two power brains came together to create a sizzling political thriller led by a female character. Driven by the power to tell stories, Bridget Pickering, the series executive producer believes that  “telling stories is the way people find meaning in their lives. It reaffirms the daily experiences of people and who they are.”

The series has been well received so far and could end up being the best political thriller to ever hit SABC1 as a channel. End Game is in its own right a thought provoking, highly suspensive, wittily written and first – rate drama. It could easily be described as the marriage of House of Cards and The Fixer (Scandal in the U.S.A). Honing in on the scandals that surround politics and the daily things that happen in a political families’ lives, End Game is very close to home and uniquely South African

From digitally run political campaigns to betrayal; lies; bullying; corruption; and murder, End Game has hit the small screen at the right time. A time when South Africa is no longer a teenager but a young adult, and pressure on politicians or policies can now be driven on social media platforms. The cast embrace it all and they are enjoying the series, immensely.

About End Game

Beautiful, bright and bored, Khosi is wife to the Minister of the Environment, Jet Hlatswayo… And she’s having a really horrible day. She’s uncovered an assassination plot targeting the President, her troubled teenage daughter is on a chase of her own, and has snuck out the house to try and seduce her mother’s lover – whose young enough to be her son, Khosi’s strained marriage is pushed to the brink by the murder of her husband’s mistress, and everyone thinks she’s to blame.

Not only has she been framed for a high-profile crime, but whoever’s behind it is plotting to make this day even worse for Khosi, and possibly the worst for all of South Africa. Khosi must uncover the plot; expose conspirators deep within the government. And the clock is ticking… It’s going be one hell of a day!

The rest you will have to see for yourself.

Cast includes: Hlomla Dandala (Jet Hlatswayo); Bubu Mazibuko (Nomkhosi Hlatswayo); Dineo Nchabeleng (Ayanda Hlatswayo); Siyabonga Xaba (Zweli Hlatswayo); Yonda Thomas (Thato Dhlamini); Tango Ncetezo (Rose Bacqua); Sipho Ngwenya (Freddie); Jerry Mofokeng (Hamilton Shenge); Letoya Mangezi (Naledi Zondo); Sthandiwe Kgoroge (Nozipho Kunene); Lucky Khoza (President) and Ronnie Nyakale (Siya Bacqua).

End Game Creative Team (from left) Akin Omotso_Director & Thandi Brewer _Creator & Bridget Pickering _ Exec Producer

B for Boy is an upcoming contemporary drama Written and Directed by Chika Anadu which was set in Nigeria. The movie follows one woman’s desperate need for a male child and the challenges she has to go through. B for Boy explores the discrimination of women in the names of culture and religion.

B for Boy which won the won the Breakthrough award at the 2013 AFI festival brings to mind the critically acclaimed movie Mother of George by Andrew Dosunmu and while this one might not get as much coverage as the latter, the trailer teases a compelling and decent story worth checking out.

The movie stars Uche Nwadili, Ngozi Nwaneto and Nonso Odogwu and is supposed to be released in Nigeria before the end of the year.

Visit www.moviemarkers.net for more TV and Movie updates

Hlomla Dandala, Beverly Naya and Martha Ankomah team up for the romance-themed Ghanaian movie – Honeymoon Hotel whose trailer was released some days ago.

The movie follows some couples who must let the past behind and look to a brighter future that will enable them build a happy home. Even as their past knocks during their honeymoon.

Honeymoon Hotel also stars Xolile Tshabalala, Elvis Chucks, Jimmy Owobo and Vanentia Otto and is expected to premiere on the 14th of February 2014.

Visit www.moviemarkers.net for more TV and Movie updates

The exact number of Nigerian movies that will be released this year is unknown as Nollywood is like some sort of machine that works 24/7 and continues to put out movies. Of all the Nigerian movies hyped so far and slated for release this year, three of them have got us interested and we just can’t wait for these movies to be released.

While these films may not necessarily be the best Nigerian movies at the end of the year, these are movies that we at Movie Markers go over now and then in addition to which the plot, the work put into producing them and the crowd awareness amongst other things make them movies that we really want to see.

Here are the most anticipated Nigerian movies of 2014 as picked by Movie Markers’ –

3) Dazzling Mirage

Release Date: TBA
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Starring: Kemi Lala Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Yomi Fash Lanso, Bimbo Manuel, Ayo Badmus, Tosin Bucknor

Ever since filming of this upcoming movie from Tunde Kelani started filming in 2013, we’ve been following the project closely as Tunde Kelani always comes through on his movies. With talented actors like Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajai Lycett & Bimbo Manuel starring in this movie alongside newcomer Kemi Lala Akindoju, dazzling Mirage promises to be worth watching. Hopefully the movie which had issues with financing will be completed some time soon and made available in cinemas during the year.

2) ’76

Release Date: TBA
Director: Izu Ojukwu
Starring: Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Memory Savanhu, Ibinabo Fiberesima

’76 which was formerly titled Lions of ’76, is based on the events of the 70’s era in Nigeria when Soldiers ran things in the country and how their wives of the officers had to cope. An official synopsis is yet to be released at this time but from the information gathered it 76 will focus mainly on the 1976 military coup. For a movie shot in Nigeria, the movie boasts of a rich quality, dialogue, proper acting and well tailored script making it one movie we wouldn’t mind paying to watch at the cinemas.

1) October 1

Release Date: TBA
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Starring: Sadiq Daba, Aderupoko, Fabian Lojede, Demola Adedoyin, Kehinde Bankole, Nick Rhys, Lawrence Stubbings, Colin David Reese, Kunle Afolayan

One of the best in the game, Kunle Afolayan, who helmed the much loved The Figurine and Phone Swap, returns with a thriller which was set in 1960. Afolayan being  a man of details will no doubt get this one locked down and make this movie about the cat & mouse game to hunt down a serial killer during the period of Nigeria’s independence one to watch out for.

Visit www.moviemarkers.net for more TV and Movie updates

D’Banj is already working on the video for Bother You which is the soundtrack for Half Of A Yellow Sun – the Hollywood movie adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s amazing novel and we have the photos to prove it.

The music video was shot in South Africa and produced by Godfather Productions and DKM Media. The music video features footage taken from the movie.

D’Banj‘s Bother You is produced by DeeVee. He also produced the soundtrack album alongside Yewande Sadiku and worked with music icon Onyeka Onwenu.

Half of a Yellow Sun was directed by Biyi Bandele and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, OC Ukeje, Hakeeem Kae-Kazim, Anika Noni Rose, Tina Mba, Gloria Young and Zack Orji.

MTN subscribers can get D’Banj‘s Bother You Caller-tune (RBT) by texting 030711 to 4100 courtesy 360 Callertunes and Powered By MCOMM.

Check out the trailer for Half Of A Yellow Sun below

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ama K. Abebrese, Adjetey Anang and John Dumelo team up for the Ghanaian thriller Double Cross whose teaser trailer has just been released. The movie was directed by Pascal Aka and from the storyline and scenes captured in this teaser, the movie just might be worth watching.

Check out the storyline and teaser below while we await the release date to be announced and the release of the full trailer.

Effie Howard (Ama K. Abebrese) a streetwise programmer’s life is dramatically turned upside down when her fiancé Ben Boateng (Adjetey Anang) is convicted and sentenced for a bank robbery he did not commit. She is determined to prove his innocence; she carried out her own investigation and finds the actual robber; Danny Frimpong (John Dumelo) a calm and collected sophisticated genius of a thief who has a personal vendetta against the bank he robbed Neptune Bank International. He robbed the bank using technological equipment’s and software’s which enabled him to enter, steal and exit the bank leaving everyone mystified as to how the theft was carried out, no witnesses, no evidence, yet the money is gone.

She meets Danny and threatens him but offers him a deal, and it’s to rob the bank again with similar methods as the first so the authorities know the actual robber is still out there then Danny does not lose what matters to him most and the reason for the bank robbery. She plans to relocate with the money when Ben is acquitted so as to get away from the stigma attached to ex-convicts and their families. After the bank robbery Effie sets her sights on a jewellery warehouse and she wants Danny to rob it.

With a lot of jewellery and loads of money at stake, each one of them tries to outwit each other with medleys of smart thinking as they plan and execute the robberies. They meticulously plan the robberies, but no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare them for the dangerous enemy, an enemy Effie least expected and never saw coming; an unexpected turn of events on the day of the robbery, what happened?

Visit www.moviemarkers.net for more TV and Movie updates

With days to go before the February 14 premiere of Shirley Frimpong Manso’s forthcoming Ghanaian romance-themed movie Devil in the Detail, the lead actress of the movie Nigerian actress Nse Ikpe-Etim in this recent video interview with GhanaCelebrities shares her experience working on the movie project, why she decided to take the movie role and why this movie is one of those ones you should not miss when it starts showing in cinemas.

Devil in the Detail is a romantic thriller which also stars Ghanaian actors’ Adjetey Anang, Ecow Smith-Asante, Ama Ampofo and Mawuli Gavor follows a couple whose almost perfect marriage takes a wild goose chase into the world of sex, lies and betrayal as a result of a suspicious affair, risking everything in one of the craziest love triangles ever.

The movie will premiere at the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra & Weija and will also online at www.SparrowStation.com.

Pascal Amanfo has released the trailer for his upcoming romance movie Purple Rose which stars Nse Ikpe Etim and Eddie Watson. The movie is scheduled for release on the 28th of February which would make it Nse’s second major movie in the month of February after Devil in The Detail.

Purple Rose follows the story of a journalist whom on a journey to find answers to an assignment in West Africa, comes across three things: A seer, True love and a purple Rose. The movie is also features Kay Elliot, Roselyn Ngissah, Salma Mumin.

Check out this video of this Nigerian kid who lives with his parents abroad pranking his dad. He sat his dad down and confessed that he just got a white girl pregnant. Watch his dad’s epic reaction in the video below. The video has already garnered more than a million views in less than a week since it was published.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Award winning actor OC Ukeje arrived in London last night to commence filming of his latest horror movie.

PREY is a Luti Media production in association with OAKMANFILM and NOLLYWOOD MOVIES

It is a suspense thriller in the tradition of Alfred Hitchcock movies.

THE STORY
A young woman after a night out is stalked by a psychopath in a car park.

THE STARS
OC UKEJE
WERUCHE OPIA
YVONNE HAYS
AZIZAT SAADIQ
STEVE MACE
OWEN LINDSAY

It is written and directed by award winning film makers Edith Nwekenta and Sunny King.

Produced by Luti Fagbenle and Stefano Moses for award winning company Luti Media in association with Nollywood Movies.

more at www.syncmediahouse.com

Shirley Frimpong has got a new movie coming out soon titled Love or Something Like That which stars John Dumelo, Joselyn Dumas and OC Ukeje and promises to be quite thrilling.

The movie follows a young surgeon whose chance meeting with her ex-boyfriend throws her world into absolute chaos when she makes a horrible discovery about her past and what could be the end of a great career, and beautiful marriage.

The movie is expected to be premiered on the 17th of April in Ghana.

Back in April of 2013 it was revealed that Jim Iyke had been attached to star as John Kiriamiti in the film adaptation of a popular Kenyan novel My Life in Crime however it seems that’s not gonna happen anymore.

According to reports, the screenwriter of the movie Serah Mwhihaki revealed at this week’s Broadcast, Film and Music Africa conference that Jim Iyke may be dropped from the movie due to high production costs. So it seems the options available now are; Jim takes a very high pay cut or the movie gets some more money to aid production.

My Life In Crime is one of three novels written by John Kiriamiti and supposedly based on the exploits of Kiriamiti as a Nairobi gangster in the seventies. The other books in the series include My Life With A Criminal and My Life In Prison.

More information on this as it becomes available.

Handsome, sharp, talented, sexy, stylish, young and old; these are my top 10 Nollywood actors and why I love them:

1. O.C UKEJE:

After winning the reality TV show; Amstel Box Office (AMBO) in 2007, Okechukwu Chukwudi Ukeje has starred in many movies following his first screen appearance in White Waters with Joke Silva and Rita Dominic in 2008 like Half of A Yellow Sun; a movie adaptation of a novel written by Chimamanda Adichie and Black Awakening produced by Jeta Amata that also featured Hollywood stars like Kim Bassinger and Vivica Fox. O.C has also won series of awards including Best Actor in a drama at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards for his role in the movie “Two Brides And A Baby”.

Okechukwu is super talented and makes acting look almost effortless. He is a natural and acts his role out perfectly. A super duper fine boy with a good fashion sense, it is no wonder we love him.

2. JOSEPH BENJAMIN:

co-star of the Mahmood Ali Balogun’s movie; Tango with me alongside one of Nollywood’s dopest actresses, Genevieve Nnaji and played one of the lead roles in the movie “Mr and Mrs”, Benjamin has proven to be one of the actors Nigerians long and love to see on their TV screens. The tall, dark and handsome father of two/actor/television show host is great at what he does and that is why we love him. Joseph has won numerous awards for his exceptional movie roles and one of them is the African Actor of the Year in 2012.

3. EMMANUEL IKUBESE:

trained by Lai Ashadele; a legendary actor himself, Emmanuel is one of those actors you can never get tired of seeing on your TV screen. He played one of the lead roles in the MTV’s award winning series Shuga as Femi the ladies man. He is an artist and also a model. Also widely known as 9con, he has appeared in TV commercials for many products and organizations like FAFA (Fashion For Peace), MCSK (Marketing Society of Kenya), Airwick Air Freshener and Guinness. The delta born actor won the Mr Nigeria beauty pageant and was the 1st runner up in the recently concluded Mr. World contest.

A mixture or beauty, brains, talent and a gorgeous body, Emmanuel has won the heart of so many people.

4. CHUKS CHUKWUJEKWU:

he made his debut professional appearance in the movie titled “Private Storm” in 2009 and has since featured in lots of movies like Cobra, Commandment 7, Forgetting June, Finding Mercy and TV series like Tinsel and Catwalq. Chuks has also acted in Flower Girl and Knocking on heaven’s door. Bola Aduwo of Nollywood Access described the awesome actor as a breathe of fresh air. He is said to have all the qualities of a leading Nollywood actor; good looking, suave and articulate.

Blossom Chuks Chukwujekwu is a sight for sore eyes anytime any day. I do not just love his face and body, I love the fact that he is one of those actors that are turning nollywood around for good.

5. MAJID MICHEL:

nominee for Best Actor in Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and winner of the award in 2012, the Ghanaian actor has starred in more than 30 movies as a lead actor including the nollywood movie Knocking on Heaven’s Door. Majid is known for his bad boy and lover boy roles and we all love the bad guy turned lovestruck guy. The light skinned handsome boy is one to anticipate for because he brings life into his movies.

6. NWACHUKWU UTI:

with a to-die for body, a gorgeous face and a voice like the summer sun, the former BBA winner is one guy anyone can watch all day long without getting tired. The co-host of the television show Jara and many other television shows and a super model, Uti is one great actor. He has featured in many movies like finding mercy, bursting out, in the cupboard and so on.

7. ODUNLADE ADEKOLA:

found in the Yoruba section of nollywood, Odun is one guy that has a natural talent when it comes to acting. From village boy to a lover boy to a bad boy to a comedian, he knows how to work the scene. He is funny, witty and very serious when he wants to be. He is the sweetheart of “yollywood” and there is no doubt he has earned the title truthfully.

8. OLU JACOBS:

timeless is one word to describe this man of greatness. He is a legend no one can never get tired of watching. Olu Jacobs is one of the pioneers of Nollywood and a force to reckon with in the industry. He is, doubtless, one of the best things that has ever happened to the Nigerian Film Industry.

9. GABRIEL AFOLAYAN:

born from a lineage of great, talented actors, it is not a surprise that Gabriel is one of the film industry’s sweetheart. Shuffling between yoruba and the English scenes, he has proven himself to be one to always look out for. Coupled with his talent as an actor, he is a wonderful singer. His “kokoro Ife” topped many musical charts following its release.

10. FEMI ADEBAYO:

the son of one of nollywood’s best, Femi has shown to the world that talent runs in the Adebayo family. For most people who love Yoruba movies, Femi Adebayo has to star in the movie for them to watch it. He plays diverse roles like spoilt brat, village boy, tout, mad man, lover boy, bad guy and for each role, he brings the necessary emotions and actions into it. Femi has given the yoruba movie industry a new outlook. The fine, chubby guy is indeed a blessing to nollywood at large.

Related articles across the web

• Jackie Appiah Stuns In New Photos
• We Don’t Wanna Go Home: Ghanaian Fans Who Went To Brazil Seek Asylum
• The Year In Review – 14 of Our Best Movies of 2013
• My Top 10 Nollywood Actors and Why I Love Them

Very few notable works of Nigerian authors have successfully made a transition into cinemas. Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” comes to mind as it made a transition to television in the late 1980’s and had relative success as a television drama. Now comes the film of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 2006 novel – Half of a yellow sun. Directed by rookie writer director, Biyi Bandele, the movie tells a tale of lives in Nigeria driven apart by the 1960’s Biafra war.

The film has an appropriate cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor as Odenigbo otherwise known as the “revolutionary” interprets his role as a conceited and strong headed academic well. Thandie Newton is impressive as the Heroine Olanna who must transform from an upper class society lady to a ranching domestic woman.

However, some of the actors were not convincing enough in their performance. Genevieve Nnaji delivers a somewhat lacklustre performance as miss Adebayo.

The director somehow conveys the story of Nigeria’s independence throughout the period of the war using news clips beginning from the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in a newly independent Nigeria to the inspirational addresses delivered by Odumegwu Ojukwu the leader of the separatist Biafra republic and the surrender of the Republic by Philip Effiong. The cars and art forms are somewhat convincing in the re enactment of the 1960’s era in which the movie is set.

The movie however offers cursory glimpses of Life in eastern Nigeria, the massacre of a select tribe at the airport and the death of Odenigbo’s friend during the wedding celebration. More so, it is evident the director holds back on the violence so as not to unsettle the audience which inadvertently makes it seem the director is less interested in the politics and more interested in the romantic conflicts.

By so doing, a mismatch is created between the movie’s enormous scope and how people identify with it. A more forceful movie might have shown the tragedy instead of reporting it second hand. However, production costs might have been a factor in choosing the second hand reporting format.

The movie nonetheless comes across as a good watch.Please, go see it.

Related articles across the web

• Father of African Literature Chinua Achebe dies at 82
• BBC Names Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah As Best Book Of 2013 [See Top 10 Inside]
• Chiwetel Ejiofor & Thandie Newton Cover Tw Magazine’s May Issue
• ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’ movie becomes Nollywood’s most expensive movie ever
• Première of Chimamanda Adichie’s Half Of A Yellow Sun: The Movie In London(Photos)
• Half Of A Yellow Sun Breaks Nigerian Box Office Record In Its First Weekend
• CNN’s ‘African Voices’ Profiles Nigerian Prolific Writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• “Half Of A Yellow Sun” World Premiere 8th September 2013 Toronto International Film Festival
• Lupita Nyong’O Obtains Rights To Shoot Chimamanda Adichie’s Novel ‘Americanah’
• Half of a Yellow Sun Comes Full Circle

Accident

Director: Teco benson

Writer: Tai Emeka Obasi

Cast: Chioma Akpotha, Frederick Leonard, Kalu Ikeagwu, Wale Macaulay and Larri Williams

Time: 1:31:47

Year: 2013/14

Accident revolves around Chy, a top Nigerian female lawyer played by Chioma Akpotha who instead of carrying out the wishes of her client played by Fredrick Leonard to file for a divorce finds herself entangled and having to defend her honor and marriage.

Now where do I begin, the opening scene kind of got me in stitches as I have mentioned in previous posts, Chioma is as stiff as it gets when it relates to love making scenes and they just had to kick off with this scene as it was the plot of the whole movie. Chioma came out strong as a no-nonsense lawyer who would do what it takes to defend her client. Her costumes depicted her role as a professional and as wife and the make-up was perfect as she looked spent when she was expected and she looked beautiful when this was expected.

Introducing Frederick Leonard, who plays Chike. Now I haven’t seen Fred in another movie that’s why I am introducing him, but if he isn’t new to the scene, please forgive me. For a first timer, he carried his role quiet alright. As an adamant client set on his goal, that was a plus, a desperate convict fighting to survive he was great, as lover boy, erm he needs a little bit of work. Kalu another character who I believe can play certain roles like been a husband in his sleep had a no brainier task. Nothing outstanding about his role, but hey, it’s Kalu Ikeagwu.

My joy from this movie, came from the legal proceedings. While it didn’t have the ‘Suits’ or ‘Boston Legal’ type proceedings, it was a breathe of fresh air, that hasn’t been seen in a Nigerian film production for a long while. Use of the legal language and terms, proper court like setting with court clerk, use of costumes, spot on questions from Wale Macauley  who played the defendants lawyer and Larri Williams who played the case judge. Their portrayal of their roles brought back nostalgic memories and further drove my innate need for veterans in the industry to show the new kids, how it’s done.

As far as directing is concerned, Teco Benson did a good job making the script come alive. This production had good picture quality, scenes and conversations where short, sharp and straight to the point. Not only was Mr. Benson director, he was producer and editor and i must commend him on his editorial skill for this production as they were top notch. Mr. Obasi as script writer delivered to his role and is also heartily commendable.

Although Accident was produced in 2013, the DVD came out in 2014. It was a well put together production and from XploreNollywood it earns 6.5/10

Click here to view the embedded video.

Seyi Babatope who just had the trailer for his upcoming romance/drama When Love Happens released seems to be on the right track judging from the quality and depth of his work on this one. The movie When love happens is a high art and glossy romantic comedy about the lives of 3 twenty something professionals in a modern technology connected Lagos and the hilarious and often bizarre adventures in finding romance.

The trailer goes in directions only a handful of Nigerian movie trailers out there have taken and makes sure to keep the viewer entertained and willing to go see this one when it comes out in cinemas on the 24th of October. The plot for this one which stars Weruche R. Opia, OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya, Desmond Elliot, Oreka Godis, Wale Ojo, Bukky Wright and Bassey Keppy Ekpeyong looks good, its got good quality both audio & video in addition to which the actors are have proven themselves over the years as being capable to take on the right role making this movie one of those movies on our radar.

Director- Seyi Babatope

Writer- Seyi Babatope/ Diche Enunwa/Temitope Bolade

Cast- Weruche Opia, OC Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Oreka Godis, Gideon Okeke, Keppy Epeyoung Bassy and Shaffy Bello.

Time –  1:40:00

Year – 2014

Genre –  Romantic Comedy

I have seen the two of you, and I have seen the way he looks at you… Mo’s Mum.

I had seen the preview of “When Love Happens” at the cinemas and had the privilege of attending the screening of the movie yesterday (guess the industry has decided to take critics and the likes seriously) and I was astonished at the level of work that went into the production.

“When Love Happens” is the story of Moduroti Bankole –Smith, a twenty eight year old events planner that has been unlucky in love. She is reminded at every turn about how wonderful love is and when she’s hired to plan her long-time friend’s upcoming wedding, she goes on a relationship expedition to find her true love.

The cast was pretty young, with some relatively unknown faces asides for some, this was welcome as most times, RomComs are for the young, but the accents (oh my word) I worry that some of them will typecast themselves at the rate, but anyway, on with the review. For the main character and first timer to the industry Mo played by Weruche, she was at home with her character, handled it well and was overly anxious for a 28 year old. She put her best foot forward and shone in certain aspects of the movie, I loved the monologue scenes, but didn’t really feel her chemistry with her male characters but I believe with time she will pick up.

For her friends Tobe and Tseju played by Gideon Okeke and Oreka Goddis, the latter, whom I felt was strong, kinda of lost me during the movie. I loved her sarcastic humor and the attitude towards life and not taking life it too seriously, she was always overtly made up, with her braids always neatly packed, she must have had a headache from most scenes, but she was brilliant and definitely needs more roles in the industry. Gideon felt too obvious and oblivious at the same time, some scenes he felt like his ‘Tinsel’ character, other times, it felt like he could be smart. There wasn’t more to his character (well he was meant to be in background) which was a letdown and in the total 1,500 lines in this movie, I believe Gideon had less than 50 lines to his credit(once you see the movie, you will get this. LOL)

Long time-friend played by Beverly was spot on for me, although I don’t believe that character can be anybody’s friend but hey! She was obnoxious (much more than usual to my opinion) and a total bridezilla. I felt the accent, which was in full swing with way too much for the role, but I guess that’s the easiest way to deliver corky, cynical and sarcastic into one. She’s the type of character that gets what’s coming to them fully, but the movie wasn’t about her, so moving along. OC, is coming around as it relates to been a confident lover/player, so kudos to him, the parted lips though (at least he didn’t lick them) and i the chemistry between Dare and Mo,  felt non-existent, so at some point, it became obvious how the movie would pan out.

The presence of the older industry peeps gave me a sense of relief, though short. Mo’s mum and former artist from “Love Me Jeje” fame Shaffy Bello was sweet and a breath of fresh air. While I loved Desmond, I just believe that his lone scene with Mo could have been edited making the movie 1:30:00 as against 1:40:00… (Yeah, I said it!)

Production quality was top notch. Sound and picture quality were excellent, lovely sound track and I must commend Re Olunuga. Make-up was too much as I mentioned, Oreka’s character was always made up and it was pretty heavy. For the script, it was a basic and simple script that was pulled off okay. Not sure who wrote it, as the director stated he edited the script before production started, but online I see Diche Enunwa and Temitope Bolade so, please advise. There were long scenes and dialogues that I began to get bored, but I understand that it was a full length 90 minutes plus feature, felt like 2 hours to me.

For the man of the moment the director, Seyi Babatope (Tinsel and Meet the Ojo’s), for a first feature film, “When Love Happens” was something more than an ordinary, Nigerian production.  From Xplore’s conversation with him, production took him 7months and it was done properly and no stone was left unturned. There were loads of close-up shots that made scenes look uneasy, but they must have created some desired effects, for him. The Ping-Pong shots were annoying, but I guess he had a reason for that as the effects where totally lost on me.

“When Love Happens” was an easy-going RomCom, with a well thought out cast and a great production. It premieres in the cinemas from tomorrow and earns 4/10 from Xplore.