There is a cinematic spectrum of good movies and bad movies. But then there’s that fascinating middle ground – films so bizarre, nonsensical, or downright awful that they circle back to being strangely compelling. These are the guilty pleasures; the movies we might be embarrassed to admit we enjoy. Basically, movies that grow on you. 

Rarely do these have good answers to any questions that a critic may present them, but the average viewer could find them enjoyable. In fact, even the critic sometimes cannot resist their campy appeal. The films become entertaining, just probably not for the same reasons as intended by the film. 

Namaste Wahala

Starting strong, we have Hamish Daryani Ahuja’s Namaste Wahala whose runtime is filled with rather questionable creative choices. Pioneering major collaborations between two large industries, Nollywood and Bollywood, it is difficult to say what one’s expectations really were. It is clear however that the film relied on the fusion, hoping it would distract us enough, and was not trying to do much else with the story. 

Following the love story of Raj (Ruslaan Mumtaz) and Didi (Ini Dima-Okojie), Namaste Wahala chronicles the couple’s quest for parental approval despite the cultural barriers. 

From the opening scene, however, it is immediately obvious to the viewer that they are in for a laughable ride. Barely-existent chemistry between several characters, less-than-bearable cheesiness, questionable sound effects, and a truly unnecessary cameo all dim the light of this rather ambitious project. Albeit not in the way it was intended, Namaste Wahala still manages to make for an entertaining watch.  

Progressive Tailors Club

In Biodun Stephen’s Progressive Tailors Club, an association of tailors are attempting to bring a reform to their union by electing a new and clean leadership. A decision which comes after acts of corruption of their former management have been uncovered. It is said to be a satire of the state of politics but all we get is yet another loud and crowded Nollywood cast, with each member trying to be the comedian. 

One cannot help but wonder: perhaps this was the very satire? Maybe it is just a display of politics as a circus, some with funnier skits than the others. Admittedly, I did let out a few chuckles in the cinema watching this. Progressive Tailors Club is a great choice for a lighthearted movie night.

Chief Daddy 1 

Directed by Nìyí Akinmolayan, Chief Daddy kicks off with the death of Chief Beecroft, opening up a can of worms: his family, mistresses, hidden children, and benefactors, eager to get their piece of his assets. Taking a quick look at the poster, one can immediately guess a common error that the film falls victim to: a massive star-studded cast taking turns to have their shot at a comedy gag. Expected or not, the film does have a few jokes that hit their target. 

However it is almost impossible to ignore that the movie suffers from bloat. With so many characters, we barely get to know any of them beyond superficial quirks. It’s a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth, even if the cooks are all A-listers.

The movie lacks a clear message or character development, but maybe sometimes a silly, no-brainer watch is exactly what you need.

Your Excellency

Funke Akindele‘s directorial debut, Your Excellency, follows Chief Lekan Ajadi (Akin Lewis), a politician with a Donald Trump obsession, as he takes his fourth shot at the presidency. This political satire throws us into the heart of a country’s elections, exploring the doings of both politicians and the public during this period, not forgetting to highlight the power of the media at such a time. 

Chief Ajadi, a well-meaning but simple man devoted to his wife Kemi (Funke Akindele), starts with good intentions but gets swept up in the political whirlwind when a major party offers him a golden ticket.

Similarly, Your Excellency stumbles a bit. Regardless of its initial aim, the movie gets distracted by unnecessary plotlines, and characters. Despite its missteps, Your Excellency remains an entertaining watch.

Casa De Novia

Uyoyou Adia‘s Anthill-produced film, Casa De Novia is another of Nollywood’s attempts at mixing a genre with comedy. Yo-yo (Anee Icha), a reporter at a gossip blog, is desperately searching for a new apartment in Lagos. She stumbles on a steal of a deal when she finds a mansion going for 600k. After paying and moving in, she soon finds out the house is occupied by a ghost of a man (Taye Arimoro) who was murdered on the night he planned to propose to his fiancée. 

With this premise, the film had all resources at its disposal to make a comedic horror with a side potential of Lagos housing woes commentary. 

Casa De Novia puts all its weight on comedy; and is another piece of evidence that shows Nollywood has been quite unsuccessful in fusing comedy with deeper commentary. It is not perfect, but it is funny and makes for quite an entertaining watch.

Dwindle

Dwindle, which credits Kayode Kasum and Dare Olaitan as its directors, is a crime thriller that weaves together the stories of seemingly unconnected characters: Tolani (Funke Akindele) and Juliet (Bisola Aiyeola), police officers tasked with guarding a governor who vanishes under their watch, Chinedu (Jide Kene Achufusi), a young man facing a series of misfortune and his friend, Buta (Samuel Perry/ Broda Shaggi) who accidentally stumble upon the missing governor.

While the focus on comedy might feel excessive – some scenes are clearly geared solely toward laughs – the film avoids total disaster thanks to the strong performances by most of the cast, and a script that cleverly intertwines these different narratives.

My Village People 

My Village People, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, is another on this list that attempts to mix supernatural-horror with comedy. Prince (Bovi Ugboma), a womanizer who does not believe in the supernatural, meets a young girl (Theresa Edem) during a visit to the village for his sister’s wedding. Little does he know, the young maiden is actually a witch. 

My Village People attempts something but falls short. Like many Nollywood projects, it gives too much attention to the comedy, so much that it forsakes the other genre and starts to lose its colour. Towards the end of the film, it is also unclear what (moral) message the film is trying to pass. 

These flaws can be disregarded if taken as a movie that does not take itself too seriously. Perhaps this is exactly what the film wishes to be. As viewers, we could follow suit and simply enjoy the ride.

The Order of Things

In Dr Sid’s directorial debut, The Order of Things, we follow the lives of Tunde (Timini Egbuson) and his elder brother, Demi (Obi Maduegbuna). When Tunde gets engaged, his mother throws a wrench in his plans – tradition dictates Demi marries first. To help his brother, a socially awkward gamer, Demi decides to find a wife. 

The Order of Things attempts to translate a familiar Hollywood rom-com formula to a Nigerian setting; an approach which leads to some awkwardness. This results in most of its dialogue sounding out of place and forced, with characters that exhibit exaggerated and Hollywood-esque quirks. (Vampire ke?) 

Despite the inauthentic moments, unnatural acting, and blatant advertisement, maybe the film’s meet-cute might be charming enough to distract from the shortcomings (on certain days). 

Glamour Girls 

This 2022 Play Network remake of the 1994 Nollywood classic, Glamour Girls struggles to find its footing. We are introduced to Emmanuella (Sharon Ooja) who desperately finds work with pimp, Donna (Nse Ikpe Etim) after losing her stripper job. Donna and her girls get themselves into a mess when long-time friend Alexander (Chukky Edozien) goes missing. 

It might be okay to not know where the film is going, it does not seem to know either. With its lack of a clear direction, it leaves viewers unsure of the plot’s purpose. Ultimately, it’s a disappointing remake riddled with inconsistencies, weak writing, and superfluous scenes and characters. The film loses out on opportunities to address important social issues.

However, if plot isn’t your priority, Glamour Girls can easily become a bemusing yet entertaining experience. Bonus suggestion: turn it into a drinking game – take a shot every time there’s a montage (and there will be many).

A Sunday Affair 

EbonyLife’s A Sunday Affair follows long-time best friends, Toyin (Dakore Akande) and Uche (Nse Ikpe Etim). During Uche’s sister’s wedding, a complicated married man, Sunday (Oris Erhuero) enters into the picture. 

Morally ambiguous characters can be fascinating, but A Sunday Affair stumbles in its execution. The sudden blossoming of ‘love’ between the three couples feels unearned. The plot relies heavily on convenient coincidences and unexplained developments for its progression and resolution.

The film’s portrayal of Toyin and Uche’s friendship is also puzzling. It raises questions about what the film is trying to say about the nature of their bond.
A Sunday Affair is an acceptable or permissible watch, maybe not just for Valentine’s Day with a partner.

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