Nollywood films that had major cinema releases, or were premiered
during the calendar year were considered for this list. Ranked in
ascending order. From romantic comedies to twisty thrillers, we
summarize the year in film.
10. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai
The sequel to Nollywood’s biggest film delivers exactly what it
promises, no more no less. It isn’t better than it has a right to be,
and no worse than it could have been. The entire gang returns for
another romp of escapism and jolly good fun. Niyi Akinmolayan grabs the
helm and delivers a sequel that knows exactly what its audience wants.
9. Potato Potahto
Potato Potahto certainly remains pretty to look at, even when the
screenplay begins to sag with repetition. The sets are colourful and
costumes were designed to both grab attention and flatter the actors,
particularly Jocelyn Dumas, who is a designer’s dream to dress; and Lala
Akindoju, who flaunts legs that stretch from Accra to Ankara.
8. Couple’s Award
It isn’t a complete picture that Couple’s Award, as written and directed
by Kehinde Olorunyomi Odukoya presents, plus, there is that troublesome
itch to reach for a crowd-pleasing ending. Looking beyond this though,
Couple’s Award is a finely acted, well presented effort that is marked
by a rich story and a somewhat faithful execution. Shame it wasn’t
widely seen.
7. King Invincible
Ultimately, King Invincible is a director’s film and Femi Adisa’s hard
work and vision is what is most striking about the entire picture. His
passion is visible in every shot, and in every fight scene. He falters
on occasion, with what he gets in (clustered sets, unimpressive
supporting actors) and with what he leaves out (a pivotal battle scene
that could have told more of the hero’s character) but anyone can see
that bigger things are sure to come from him.
6. Slow Country
Slow Country moves with a deliberate pace until it gets to the bloody
shootout that is really where director Eric Aghimien’s heart lies. He
unspools a final act that is impressive in its stunt work and easy
command of visual effects. It would be unjust to dismiss Slow Country as
a minor work from a promising auteur. Pretty obvious Aghimien has
plenty more things to teach Nollywood. Someone just needs to give him a
budget worth his talent.
5. Banana Island Ghost (BIG)
The real star of BIG is the picture. Sasore manages something special
here with drone shots and visual effects that tell a story all their
own. His cinematography is pretty basic but the pictures are lit up to
near perfection, only interrupted by the over enthusiastic product
placements. Watch out for Akah Nnani who steals his scenes and makes
quite the impression as a hopeless police sergeant.
4. CaTCH.eR
A basic police procedural – to the extent that it can be called one –
masquerading as a clever whodunit, CaTCH.eR turns out to be more tame
domestic drama, albeit with some blood and gore, than edge-of-your-seat
thriller. The attraction for the young actors, must have been the chance
to work with Taylaur, a filmmaker who with a soft focus on style and
action, is setting himself up as one of Nollywood’s thinking men.
3. Hakkunde
In many respects, Hakkunde is the story of contemporary Nigeria, a
witty, emotional exploration of what it means to be young and Nigerian.
Set in Lagos and Kaduna, Hakkunde places one young graduate’s quest for
dignity at the center of a larger, more encompassing story of
resourcefulness, doggedness and the importance of community.
2. Isoken
Isoken builds up to a satisfying, if cluttered ending as the usual
romantic comedy tropes are ticked off. Director Jade Osiberu’s imprints
are all over the film as she unspools the sights and sounds of
contemporary upperclass Lagos living. Her camera work is deft and even
when she needn’t bother; she comes up with interesting ways of
presenting her picture.
1. Ojukokoro
With its voice over narration, noir-ish mood, ensemble cast and time
bending snap structure, Dare Olaitan has obviously studied the iconic
films of auteurs like Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs) and Guy Ritchie
(Snatch). He pays homage to them in ways that may seem obvious but
makes it clear that his vision is no lazy copy, as he situates his
madcap story very much in present day Nigeria.
Source: The SUN