Movie Review: Banana Island Ghost
Screenwriter: BB Sasore
Cinematographer: Ola Cardoso
Editor: Seun Opabisi, Moses Momoh
Sound: Ikyo Kulanen
Set Design: Tope Alade
Stunt Co-ordinators: Brenda Firmani, Katia Hopkins
Producers: Omorinsojo Spaine, Chidinma "Chigul" Omeruah, Tolulope Olusoga, Aisha Farooq, Funmi Ogunbanwo, Enyi Omeruah
Executive Producers: Biola Alabi, Ayo Osunrinade, Michael Ugwu, Adenike Akanbi, Derin Adeyokunnu, Niyi Toluwalope, Basheer Tosin Ashafa
Director: BB Sasore
CAST
Patrick Diabuah
Chidinma "Chigul" Omeruah
Bimbo Manuel
Saidi Balogun
Akah Nnani
Uche Jumbo
Tina Mba
Ali Nuhu
Makida Moka
Lord Frank
Kemi "Lala" Akindoju
Bimbo Ademoye
Edun Adetomiwa
Dorcas Shola Fapson
Ozzy Agu
Damilola Adegbite
Uche Nwaefuna
Dj Obi
Production Studios: Biola Alabi Media, Nemsia™ Films
Distribution Company: FilmOne Distribution
Runtime: 90 minutes
Date Released: 4th August, 2017
Language: English; Yoruba, Igbo (subtitled in English)
Country: Nigeria
SYNOPSIS
Patrick Diabuah plays the role of an eponymously named young man, 34, who dies in a car crash. And eventually finds himself in transition between Earth and Heaven, as a Ghost. God personally comes to take him to Heaven, but the Ghost hesitates and pleads to be given more time to find his soul mate. God agrees...and gives the Ghost three days to make his so-called soul mate fall in love with him.
Chigul plays the role of Ijeoma, a working class lady who is battling to save her father's house from being taken over by a bank. She has just three days to raise #18 million to save the house.
Ijeoma and Patrick's paths cross, and the result is a rollercoaster ride of hilarious and emotive events that culminates into one heck of an adventure.
CRITIQUE
The trailer of Banana Island Ghost had been all up in my face for a couple of months now. Even in the BRT Buses that I commuted with virtually everyday, the trailer would always pop up on the screen of the in-ride BRT TV, at regular intervals. It was arguably the most aggressively marketed Nollywood movie I had ever seen in recent times. At some point I just had to make up my mind to go see the movie whenever it would be released in the cinema. However, somewhere deep in my thoughts, I secretly yearned for the movie to not be an over-hyped mess.
So when B.I.G was released in the cinemas, on 4th August, I made my way to Film House Cinema, Surulere, with a friend. And saw the film. Here are my findings:
The Good Part
The cinematography and editing was what did it for me the most, in this film. I was very impressed with the amount of effort put into the aerial shots. The skyline of Lagos never looked this good. It was simply breathtaking. A visual treat!
The editing, with regards to the visual effects and transitions, was very commendable. At some point, I got so enamoured with the pictures in front of me, that I had to suspend my belief that this was a Nollywood flick, for some seconds. The visual effects was tastefully done. It wasn't over used.
The sound and use of music was also apt and very impressive. The sound was distinct and clear. The dialogues were very audible and comprehensible. The score and soundtracks were very apt for each scene.
The directing was spot on. The martial arts choreography and stunts was also good and believable.
Finally, a Nollywood cinema movie gives me an actual standout Cinematic Moment! One that left me feeling some cool adrenaline rush. When this scene popped up, virtually every member of the audience was clapping. I won't reveal this scene, so as not to spoil it for you. Find out for yourself. You'll know it when you see it, because you'll feel it.
The onscreen chemistry between Chigul and Patrick was very obvious. The thing no hide at all! Perhaps they've been friends for a while. They were both believable, and naturally funny. I could actually empathize with their characters.
Akah Nnani was (sic) turnt in his role as a Banana Island Police sergeant. The brother blew me away with his performance, mehn!
Saidi Balogun was his usual funny and zany self. It was a decent performance from him.
Now, if Chigul is seen as Africa's Melissa McCarthy, then Bimbo Manuel is Africa's own Liam Neeson, with a slightly less stern mien. That’s how good his performance was. Need I say more?
Makida Moka's performance was very convincing. I was impressed.
Seeing Ali Nuhu as a Mafia-esque Don, wasn't something I envisaged at all. I was beginning to wonder if he'd pull it off. But he did give a decent performance.
For me, this was an ensemble cast of great actors and actresses who might be relatively renowned, but have definitely cut their teeth in the industry. And they all gave a befitting performance to their various roles in this film.
The Bad Part
The plot was not memorable at all. It was the events that ended up catching my attention, and not the plot's tale, as apparently intended by the film's makers. The premise was original, but there wasn't much life fleshed into the plot. It could have been a lot better. If B.I.G were to win an award (I'm certain it will), it won't be in best original screenplay; it will be in the best picture, best editing, and best sound categories.
There were a couple of glitches in the visual effects and editing. In the scene were the sun sets, a second time: there was a flash of a black bird that probably wasn't properly rendered into the sunset scene. It came off as a glitch.
Then, at the casino scene, there was a "jump cut" in the shot where Ijeoma was busy gulping down glasses of champagne off the waitress' tray.
The Ugly Part
There was nothing ugly about this film.
Commentary
In terms of technical input and quality, Banana Island Ghost has just raised the bar higher, in Nollywood. It is a good Milestone for the industry. And I sincerely hope to see another movie soonest, that will edge B.I.G off this pedestal. It will be a sign of positive growth. A much needed quantum leap.
Verdict
If you are one who is all about a feel good movie; then this one's for you. You'll love it! I rate Banana Island Ghost, 3.5 stars out of 5.
Sound: Ikyo Kulanen
Set Design: Tope Alade
Stunt Co-ordinators: Brenda Firmani, Katia Hopkins
Producers: Omorinsojo Spaine, Chidinma "Chigul" Omeruah, Tolulope Olusoga, Aisha Farooq, Funmi Ogunbanwo, Enyi Omeruah
Executive Producers: Biola Alabi, Ayo Osunrinade, Michael Ugwu, Adenike Akanbi, Derin Adeyokunnu, Niyi Toluwalope, Basheer Tosin Ashafa
Director: BB Sasore
CAST
Patrick Diabuah
Chidinma "Chigul" Omeruah
Bimbo Manuel
Saidi Balogun
Akah Nnani
Uche Jumbo
Tina Mba
Ali Nuhu
Makida Moka
Lord Frank
Kemi "Lala" Akindoju
Bimbo Ademoye
Edun Adetomiwa
Dorcas Shola Fapson
Ozzy Agu
Damilola Adegbite
Uche Nwaefuna
Dj Obi
Production Studios: Biola Alabi Media, Nemsia™ Films
Distribution Company: FilmOne Distribution
Runtime: 90 minutes
Date Released: 4th August, 2017
Language: English; Yoruba, Igbo (subtitled in English)
Country: Nigeria
SYNOPSIS
Patrick Diabuah plays the role of an eponymously named young man, 34, who dies in a car crash. And eventually finds himself in transition between Earth and Heaven, as a Ghost. God personally comes to take him to Heaven, but the Ghost hesitates and pleads to be given more time to find his soul mate. God agrees...and gives the Ghost three days to make his so-called soul mate fall in love with him.
Chigul plays the role of Ijeoma, a working class lady who is battling to save her father's house from being taken over by a bank. She has just three days to raise #18 million to save the house.
Ijeoma and Patrick's paths cross, and the result is a rollercoaster ride of hilarious and emotive events that culminates into one heck of an adventure.
CRITIQUE
The trailer of Banana Island Ghost had been all up in my face for a couple of months now. Even in the BRT Buses that I commuted with virtually everyday, the trailer would always pop up on the screen of the in-ride BRT TV, at regular intervals. It was arguably the most aggressively marketed Nollywood movie I had ever seen in recent times. At some point I just had to make up my mind to go see the movie whenever it would be released in the cinema. However, somewhere deep in my thoughts, I secretly yearned for the movie to not be an over-hyped mess.
So when B.I.G was released in the cinemas, on 4th August, I made my way to Film House Cinema, Surulere, with a friend. And saw the film. Here are my findings:
The Good Part
The cinematography and editing was what did it for me the most, in this film. I was very impressed with the amount of effort put into the aerial shots. The skyline of Lagos never looked this good. It was simply breathtaking. A visual treat!
The editing, with regards to the visual effects and transitions, was very commendable. At some point, I got so enamoured with the pictures in front of me, that I had to suspend my belief that this was a Nollywood flick, for some seconds. The visual effects was tastefully done. It wasn't over used.
The sound and use of music was also apt and very impressive. The sound was distinct and clear. The dialogues were very audible and comprehensible. The score and soundtracks were very apt for each scene.
The directing was spot on. The martial arts choreography and stunts was also good and believable.
Finally, a Nollywood cinema movie gives me an actual standout Cinematic Moment! One that left me feeling some cool adrenaline rush. When this scene popped up, virtually every member of the audience was clapping. I won't reveal this scene, so as not to spoil it for you. Find out for yourself. You'll know it when you see it, because you'll feel it.
The onscreen chemistry between Chigul and Patrick was very obvious. The thing no hide at all! Perhaps they've been friends for a while. They were both believable, and naturally funny. I could actually empathize with their characters.
Akah Nnani was (sic) turnt in his role as a Banana Island Police sergeant. The brother blew me away with his performance, mehn!
Saidi Balogun was his usual funny and zany self. It was a decent performance from him.
Now, if Chigul is seen as Africa's Melissa McCarthy, then Bimbo Manuel is Africa's own Liam Neeson, with a slightly less stern mien. That’s how good his performance was. Need I say more?
Makida Moka's performance was very convincing. I was impressed.
Seeing Ali Nuhu as a Mafia-esque Don, wasn't something I envisaged at all. I was beginning to wonder if he'd pull it off. But he did give a decent performance.
For me, this was an ensemble cast of great actors and actresses who might be relatively renowned, but have definitely cut their teeth in the industry. And they all gave a befitting performance to their various roles in this film.
The Bad Part
The plot was not memorable at all. It was the events that ended up catching my attention, and not the plot's tale, as apparently intended by the film's makers. The premise was original, but there wasn't much life fleshed into the plot. It could have been a lot better. If B.I.G were to win an award (I'm certain it will), it won't be in best original screenplay; it will be in the best picture, best editing, and best sound categories.
There were a couple of glitches in the visual effects and editing. In the scene were the sun sets, a second time: there was a flash of a black bird that probably wasn't properly rendered into the sunset scene. It came off as a glitch.
Then, at the casino scene, there was a "jump cut" in the shot where Ijeoma was busy gulping down glasses of champagne off the waitress' tray.
The Ugly Part
There was nothing ugly about this film.
Commentary
In terms of technical input and quality, Banana Island Ghost has just raised the bar higher, in Nollywood. It is a good Milestone for the industry. And I sincerely hope to see another movie soonest, that will edge B.I.G off this pedestal. It will be a sign of positive growth. A much needed quantum leap.
Verdict
If you are one who is all about a feel good movie; then this one's for you. You'll love it! I rate Banana Island Ghost, 3.5 stars out of 5.
Comments
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments on this blog, are solely those of the commentators and does not in any way reflect or represent the views of Ebukah E. Nzeji.