Movie Review: 30 Days in Atlanta

Director:                 Robert Peters

Producer:              Ayo Makun

Cinematographer: James M. Costello

Starring:                 Ayo Makun 

                             Ramsey Nouah 

                             Richard Mofe Damijo 

                             Desmond Elliot 

                             Vivica A. Fox 

                             Lynn Whitfield 

                             Karlie Redd 

                             Mercy Johnson

                             Majid Michel 

                             Rachael Oniga 

                             Juliet Ibrahim

Production Coy:    Corporate World Ent.

Date Released:      31st October, 2014

Country:                 Nigeria 

Language:             English, Creole(Pidgin)

Box Office:            #85 Million 

Synopsis

Akpos (Ayo Makun) arrives Lagos from Warri to visit his cousin Richard (Ramsey) an IT specialist. Richard is invited to a 'couples only' party hosted by a real estate firm that frequently patronzes his service.  

Richard has just broken-up with his ex-girlfriend Esé (Mercy), so he decides to attend the party with Akpos. At the party, a raffle is held and Akpos wins an all expense paid trip to Atlanta, Georgia for 30 days.

They eventually travel to Atlanta, where they encounter a Minister, an old friend (Elliot), an Uncle (Kesse) and his domineering wife (Vivica), a Chef (RMD) and his daughter (Karlie); Richard falls in love with the Chef's daughter, Akpos falls in love with an immigration lawyer (Lynn). 

Akpos becomes a stand-up comedian in the chef's restaurant. His folly and street-wisdom almost lands him in jail. Richard and Akpos mess up their seemingly temporary love affair with the Chief's daughter and the lawyer respectively. 

However all hope is not lost, as both men are forgiven by their lovers who in turn accompany them back to Lagos.

Analysis

For a Nigerian comedy, I'll say this movie is a step in the right direction. The movie lived up to its billing as a a comedy. I literally laughed till my head ached. The picture quality was good, thanks to Mr Costello's professionalism. The director (Robert Peters) did a good job: the timing of the jokes was golden. I was quite suprised when I found out he was the director - more power to your elbow!

Ayo Makun a.k.a AY, proved he is getting better at his craft by the day. Ramsey brought to play a comic side of him I've never seen him display in his movies; I hope he goes with this flow and see where it leads....

Lynn Whitefield showed her expertise as a seasoned thespian: her chemistry with AY was heartwarming. Karlie Reed brought to play her own alluring flair with such girlishness that makes me wonder why people erroneously insinuate she's older than she looks. Vivica Fox was her usual vivacious self, filling the screen with her energy and warmth. RMD played his role with a fusion of gusto and experience.

Rachael Oniga skilfully brought her experience to the fore. Mercy Johnson was pretty animated, and her role as a spoiler suited her. Desmond Elliot played his part professionally. The other actors (Majid Michel, Juliet Ibrahim etc.) also played their parts to the script (especially the minister).

However, this is one comedy flick that doesn't stick to the guidelines of filmaking, as there wasn't really a continuous story plot driving the movie; just a mash up of various happenstances. But hey, it's comedy and I laughed myself to scorn! Purpose served! AY is a businessman cum self-styled stand-up comedian (he'll do better in sitcoms)! It's AY's feature film debut both as a producer and an actor, so I'll let him pass on this one.

Most of the actors are veterans in their own respective class, so few errors were made acting-wise, except for Kesse Jabari who was (to me) not quite convincing in his role as an uncle. I also think there were few technical errors too, such as the distortion of sound at the mid part of the movie. It continued for a few minutes, I feared it'll ruin the whole experience for me. I however believe this would be worked on in subsequent productions. There's always more work to be done.

What can I say, Kudos to AY, Robert Peters, all the actors and the crew! Small small, we go soon reach there.

I rate this movie 3 out of 5 stars.

Bless!