Movie Review: The Wedding Party
Screenwriters: Tosin Otudeko, Kemi Adetiba
Cinematographer: Akpe Ododoru
Editor: Andrew Webber
Original Score: Dr. Bayo Adepetun, Michael Ogunlade
Producers: Ijeoma Agukoronye, Don Omope, Zulu Oyibo
Executive Producers: Mo Abudu, Moses Babatope, Chris Jeyibo, Chinazo Onuzo
Director: Kemi Adetiba
Cast
Adesua Etomi
Banky Wellington
Enyinna Nwigwe
Somkele Idhalama
Richard Mofe-Damijo
Iretiola Doyle
Alibaba Akpobome
Sola Sobowale
Ayo 'AY' Makun
Kunle Idowu
Emmanuel Edunjobi
Sambasa Nzeribe
Beverly Naya
Zainab Balogun
Daniella Down
Ikechukwu Onunaku
Bose Ogunboye
Hafiz Ayetoro
Production Studios: EbonyLife Films, FilmOne, Koga Studios, Inkblot Production
Distributor: FilmOne Distribution
Date Released: 16th Dec. 2016
(in Cinemas)
Language: English, Yoruba (Subtitled in English)
Country: Nigeria
Synopsis
Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi) is a 24 year old art gallery owner, who is also the only daughter of her "New Money" rich parents, the Cokers.
She is set to marry Dozie Onyeka (Banky W), an Info Tech entrepreneur, who is also the second son of the "Old Money" rich Onwukas.
Having made a vow to remain chaste till their wedding night, Dozie and Dunni eagerly prepare for their white wedding on the D-day, in anticipation of it's consumation.
However, series of unfortunate cum hilarious events seemed to have conspired to ruin the couple's wedding day.
From one of the wedding IV cards falling into the hands of a robber, to the train of the Dunni's wedding gown being ripped apart, to Dozie's ex-lover showing up at his house, to Dozie's mother still drumming her disapproval of the union, to Dunni almost calling off the wedding due to suspicions of infidelity on Dozie's part. It was simply a roller-coaster ride of all the things that could possibly go wrong at a typical heavyweight society wedding---Lagos style.
Which begs the questions. Will the wedding ever pull through, despite all these rather hilarious challenges threatening to nip it in its bud?
Critique
The Good
The plot was well developed. Every scene had a purpose for being onscreen. The twists and turns were well woven. Each character had a clear-cut purpose for being in the script. The dialogues were also well written, as the actors didn't drag their lines. The Screenwriters did a great job with this one. Kudos to them.
The cinematography of this movie is very commendable. From the lighting, to the colour schemes used; everything was in harmony. The picture quality was crisp and clear. Every pan, tilt and dolly shot taken was appropriate. I loved the combination of the dolly zoom, the tilt, and the wide shot that was used to capture how the robber (Sambasa Nzeribe) got hold of one of the wedding IV cards.
The editing was well done. Each scene was properly cut and well paced.
The foley artist did a great job with the sound effects. I loved the sound effect that accompanied the smack Shola (Ikechukwu Onunaku) got on his head, from Dozie.
The production design was artistically and aesthetically done. The props used were well suited for the occasion; especially that lingerie with a gaping hole. The set design at the wedding reception was one that really caught my attention. Tastefully done, exquisitely finished!
The sound was of hi-fi quality. Dolby Digital standard. I could hear every dialogue, whiff or sigh, to the point of utmost sound fidelity.
The acting was very believable and commendable. Sola Sobowale was absolutely and fantastically amazing! Alibaba, classically hilarious! RMD was über cool! Iretiola Doyle, exquisitely classy!
Banky W felt at home with his role as the groom. He was quite soulful and love-jonesed. I could sympathize with his character, Dozie. He was that good. Banky should give full-time acting a go.
Adesua Etomi is a great performer! Soulful and easy on the eye; she is a great thespian. Her performance was awesome!
Somkele Idhalama is definitely a force to reckon with. The sister can act! The way she smacked the gates of hell out of Beverly Naya's character, was some move I'd have to dub, "Igbóró-style"! Nné you're good! In fact, you are too much!
Enyinna Nwigwe was very real. I could totally empathize with his character. The way his character got his groove back, and earned his father's respect, is something to behold.
Ikechukwu Onunaku, to me, was the biggest revelation in this movie. I never knew he could act, talk more of putting up the splendid performance which he put up. He sure brought it to the party.
Daniella Down who played Deardre Dunni's friend from England, was great sport. Her performance was very believable.
Kunle Idowu brought a some of that Frank Donga swagger to this one. He didn't disappoint at all.
Emmanuel Edunjobi a.k.a Rev. Emma OhMaGod! He was himself in this movie. The quintessential hilarious religious shenanigan-monger.
Sambasa Nzeribe killed it! He gave me my favourite line in this film: "I don tell you say I be thief, I no be robber!" Sambasa is that good. He always delivers!
Zainab Balogun was a joy to watch, as her character bumbled, fumbled and mumbled throughout the movie, in her bid to satisfy her clients' demand for a wedding well planned. Zainab always brings it to the party. And she didn't disappoint, here, either.
Beverly Naya was way too sultry. I have never seen her this seductive in any of her works I've seen so far. She was hot! I mean, steaming hot! Her performance left my jaws gaping. I didn’t know when I loudly whispered: "so this girl fit act like this!" Yes, she was that good!
Lepacious Bose Ogunboye thrilled me. The way she handled Zainab, was just so hilarious. Her performance was sublime.
Hafiz Ayetoro a.k.a Sara gave a great account of himself!
AY's performance the M.C of the wedding, was sublime.
The groomsmen were all great. And gave a good account of themselves.
The Bad
I was too busy laughing my head and eyes out, to notice any bad move in this movie. If I want to fault anything at all in this gem of a flick, then it has to be the screen resolution of the film on the cinema screen. It wasn't full width. And I love seeing films cover every inch of the cinema screen.
The Ugly
There is absolutely nothing ugly in this movie. It was all sucre throughout!
Commentary
For the first time ever in Nollywood’s history. Four movie production studios came together, and just like I knew it would be, the collabo and combo turned out great! This is what we have been talking about. To make money, you have to spend money! Come together, pool resources and make a great film. And the profit would definitely blow your mind. Especially when it is this good. Hence, it is no surprise why The Wedding Party is blocking and busting every available record in Nollywood, right now. It is currently Nollywood’s highest grossing film, ever!
However, something saddening happened before the release of this movie. The CEO of Koga Studios (one of the four production studios....), Mr. Chris Jeyibo, passed on, on the 7th of October 2016. As a result of a ghastly motor accident. The movie was eventually dedicated to his memory, before its release.
Verdict
If you still think all I have said about this movie is gibberish in French. Then please for the sake of Sola Sobowale a.k.a Toyin Tomato, alone, just go and see this movie. Thank me when you have finished rolling on the floor in laughter! I hereby rate The Wedding Party (for the first time ever), 5 stars out of 5!
Enjoy!
Cinematographer: Akpe Ododoru
Editor: Andrew Webber
Original Score: Dr. Bayo Adepetun, Michael Ogunlade
Producers: Ijeoma Agukoronye, Don Omope, Zulu Oyibo
Executive Producers: Mo Abudu, Moses Babatope, Chris Jeyibo, Chinazo Onuzo
Director: Kemi Adetiba
Cast
Adesua Etomi
Banky Wellington
Enyinna Nwigwe
Somkele Idhalama
Richard Mofe-Damijo
Iretiola Doyle
Alibaba Akpobome
Sola Sobowale
Ayo 'AY' Makun
Kunle Idowu
Emmanuel Edunjobi
Sambasa Nzeribe
Beverly Naya
Zainab Balogun
Daniella Down
Ikechukwu Onunaku
Bose Ogunboye
Hafiz Ayetoro
Production Studios: EbonyLife Films, FilmOne, Koga Studios, Inkblot Production
Distributor: FilmOne Distribution
Date Released: 16th Dec. 2016
(in Cinemas)
Language: English, Yoruba (Subtitled in English)
Country: Nigeria
Synopsis
Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi) is a 24 year old art gallery owner, who is also the only daughter of her "New Money" rich parents, the Cokers.
She is set to marry Dozie Onyeka (Banky W), an Info Tech entrepreneur, who is also the second son of the "Old Money" rich Onwukas.
Having made a vow to remain chaste till their wedding night, Dozie and Dunni eagerly prepare for their white wedding on the D-day, in anticipation of it's consumation.
However, series of unfortunate cum hilarious events seemed to have conspired to ruin the couple's wedding day.
From one of the wedding IV cards falling into the hands of a robber, to the train of the Dunni's wedding gown being ripped apart, to Dozie's ex-lover showing up at his house, to Dozie's mother still drumming her disapproval of the union, to Dunni almost calling off the wedding due to suspicions of infidelity on Dozie's part. It was simply a roller-coaster ride of all the things that could possibly go wrong at a typical heavyweight society wedding---Lagos style.
Which begs the questions. Will the wedding ever pull through, despite all these rather hilarious challenges threatening to nip it in its bud?
Critique
The Good
The plot was well developed. Every scene had a purpose for being onscreen. The twists and turns were well woven. Each character had a clear-cut purpose for being in the script. The dialogues were also well written, as the actors didn't drag their lines. The Screenwriters did a great job with this one. Kudos to them.
The cinematography of this movie is very commendable. From the lighting, to the colour schemes used; everything was in harmony. The picture quality was crisp and clear. Every pan, tilt and dolly shot taken was appropriate. I loved the combination of the dolly zoom, the tilt, and the wide shot that was used to capture how the robber (Sambasa Nzeribe) got hold of one of the wedding IV cards.
The editing was well done. Each scene was properly cut and well paced.
The foley artist did a great job with the sound effects. I loved the sound effect that accompanied the smack Shola (Ikechukwu Onunaku) got on his head, from Dozie.
The production design was artistically and aesthetically done. The props used were well suited for the occasion; especially that lingerie with a gaping hole. The set design at the wedding reception was one that really caught my attention. Tastefully done, exquisitely finished!
The sound was of hi-fi quality. Dolby Digital standard. I could hear every dialogue, whiff or sigh, to the point of utmost sound fidelity.
The acting was very believable and commendable. Sola Sobowale was absolutely and fantastically amazing! Alibaba, classically hilarious! RMD was über cool! Iretiola Doyle, exquisitely classy!
Banky W felt at home with his role as the groom. He was quite soulful and love-jonesed. I could sympathize with his character, Dozie. He was that good. Banky should give full-time acting a go.
Adesua Etomi is a great performer! Soulful and easy on the eye; she is a great thespian. Her performance was awesome!
Somkele Idhalama is definitely a force to reckon with. The sister can act! The way she smacked the gates of hell out of Beverly Naya's character, was some move I'd have to dub, "Igbóró-style"! Nné you're good! In fact, you are too much!
Enyinna Nwigwe was very real. I could totally empathize with his character. The way his character got his groove back, and earned his father's respect, is something to behold.
Ikechukwu Onunaku, to me, was the biggest revelation in this movie. I never knew he could act, talk more of putting up the splendid performance which he put up. He sure brought it to the party.
Daniella Down who played Deardre Dunni's friend from England, was great sport. Her performance was very believable.
Kunle Idowu brought a some of that Frank Donga swagger to this one. He didn't disappoint at all.
Emmanuel Edunjobi a.k.a Rev. Emma OhMaGod! He was himself in this movie. The quintessential hilarious religious shenanigan-monger.
Sambasa Nzeribe killed it! He gave me my favourite line in this film: "I don tell you say I be thief, I no be robber!" Sambasa is that good. He always delivers!
Zainab Balogun was a joy to watch, as her character bumbled, fumbled and mumbled throughout the movie, in her bid to satisfy her clients' demand for a wedding well planned. Zainab always brings it to the party. And she didn't disappoint, here, either.
Beverly Naya was way too sultry. I have never seen her this seductive in any of her works I've seen so far. She was hot! I mean, steaming hot! Her performance left my jaws gaping. I didn’t know when I loudly whispered: "so this girl fit act like this!" Yes, she was that good!
Lepacious Bose Ogunboye thrilled me. The way she handled Zainab, was just so hilarious. Her performance was sublime.
Hafiz Ayetoro a.k.a Sara gave a great account of himself!
AY's performance the M.C of the wedding, was sublime.
The groomsmen were all great. And gave a good account of themselves.
The Bad
I was too busy laughing my head and eyes out, to notice any bad move in this movie. If I want to fault anything at all in this gem of a flick, then it has to be the screen resolution of the film on the cinema screen. It wasn't full width. And I love seeing films cover every inch of the cinema screen.
The Ugly
There is absolutely nothing ugly in this movie. It was all sucre throughout!
Commentary
For the first time ever in Nollywood’s history. Four movie production studios came together, and just like I knew it would be, the collabo and combo turned out great! This is what we have been talking about. To make money, you have to spend money! Come together, pool resources and make a great film. And the profit would definitely blow your mind. Especially when it is this good. Hence, it is no surprise why The Wedding Party is blocking and busting every available record in Nollywood, right now. It is currently Nollywood’s highest grossing film, ever!
However, something saddening happened before the release of this movie. The CEO of Koga Studios (one of the four production studios....), Mr. Chris Jeyibo, passed on, on the 7th of October 2016. As a result of a ghastly motor accident. The movie was eventually dedicated to his memory, before its release.
Verdict
If you still think all I have said about this movie is gibberish in French. Then please for the sake of Sola Sobowale a.k.a Toyin Tomato, alone, just go and see this movie. Thank me when you have finished rolling on the floor in laughter! I hereby rate The Wedding Party (for the first time ever), 5 stars out of 5!
Enjoy!
Wow! My sisters and I were discussing about this movie today. We heard is interesting and they wished there is another way to watch it outside subscribing to iroko TV. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Nné m. It's going to be on Netflix pretty soon. And hopefully on Iroko TV too.
DeleteNice commentary, I want to see the movie over and over again. For me the best so far from the Nigerian film industry even better than 30 days in Atlanta if both should have comedy rating .
ReplyDeleteVery true, brotherly! The Wedding Party is the best Nollywood movie I have ever seen; after '76.
DeleteYour commentary is apt and on point. I have the same impression when I saw the movie. I will watch it over and over again, no dull moment. In fact if you blink you will miss a lot.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I it is worth seeing over and over again. There wasn’t a dull moment at all.
Delete