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“The Black Book” with Richard Mofe-Damijo

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The Black Book” , released in September 22nd, 2023, This movie is a real Masterpiece. A thriller of 2 hours 4mn with Richard Mofe-Damijo, A great Actor. After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.

 

Released on September 22, 2023, “The Black Book” has been making waves in the Nigerian film industry with its thought-provoking storyline and outstanding performances. Directed by Editi Effiong, the movie boasts an impressive cast, including Richard Mofe Damijo, Olumide Owuru, Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, and Ireti Doyle, who bring to life a tale of corruption, injustice, and the quest for truth.

The movie follows Paul Edema, a bereaved deacon played by Richard Mode Damijo, who finds himself at the center of a web of corruption when his son Damilola Edema [Olumide Owuro] is falsely accused of kidnapping. As Paul navigates the treacherous landscape of corrupt police officials, he takes matters into his own hands, seeking justice and redemption.

With its gripping narrative, “The Black Book” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. The movie raises important questions about the flaws in the justice system and the lengths to which one will go to clear their loved one’s name.

This movie also sheds light on the prevalent corruption and moral decadence in Nigeria today especially in the corridors of power.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Richard Mofe Damijo delivering a standout performance as the determined and desperate Paul Edema and Ade Laoye also shines in her role as the annoying journalist.

“The Black Book” is noteworthy, with a blend of realism and stylized visuals that perfectly capture the mood and tone of the film. The use of lighting is also impressive, with a muted colour palette that reflects the dark and corrupt world Paul finds himself in.

The set design in “The Black Book” is authentic and immersive, transporting viewers to the bustling streets and cramped bus stops of Lagos, Nigeria. From the rundown police station to the cramped homes and dimly lit bars, each set is meticulously crafted to create a sense of realism and grit. The production design team has done an excellent job of creating a believable environment that draws the viewer in.

The soundtrack is a mix of traditional Nigerian music and contemporary beats, creating a unique and captivating sound that sets the tone for the film. The sound effects helped in conveying emotions and suspense to the viewers.

The costume design in “The Black Book” is understated yet effective, with each character’s wardrobe reflecting their personality and social status. Paul’s simple yet dignified attire contrasts with the flashy clothing of the corrupt police officers, highlighting the stark differences between good and evil.

The flaws?

The story progression was a bit fluffy. The intro was quite engaging but there were a few lapses from the character of Paul Edema, the journalist who isn’t supposed to be unnecessarily annoying and the fumigator that wiped the four policemen- That scene looked fake. We signed up for action, so the action we expected to get!

Overall, “The Black Book” is a good watch for fans of Nigerian cinema and crime and action thrillers. In as much as it has its impressive side, it’s a weak attempt at a John Wick story. It squanders a good premise and gives us a weak and ineffective thriller.

Rating: 7/ 10

Genre: Crime and Action thriller.

 

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Trailer Review: Highest to Lowest

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Directed by Spike Lee, “Highest to Lowest” is a crime drama based on a Japanese film, “High and Low” by Akira Kurosawa. Starring Denzel Washington in the lead role, with A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, and Ilfenesh Hadera. Set to be released on August 22, 2024, the trailer teases a story that hints at family, power, tough decisions and responsibility.

Plot
It introduces David King (Denzel Washington), a successful music mogul, married to Pam King (Ilfenesh Hadera) and their teen son Tray King (Aubrey Joseph), a talented basketball player.  David seems to have everything one can wish for — money, power, and authority. But their world is shaken when they receive a devastating news, their son has reportedly been abduct. The twist? The kidnappers have mistaken the driver’s son, Kyle for Tray. Caught in a dilemma, David must choose whether to use his influence and money to help, or turn his back on his driver’s son because it’s not his family who’s at risk.

Denzel Washington

What makes the plot stand out is that David’s conflict of having to choose if he should save his driver’s son, isn’t a simple case of right or wrong— it’s about what people do when they’re not directly affected, and how power shapes a person’s sense of duty. Early in the trailer, a voice-over declares that, “This isn’t about the money. It’s about the principle,” that alone sums up the tension he was going through perfectly. He’s confronting what kind of man he truly is.

Cinematography
The trailer didn’t really reveal much but the visuals are on point, with sharp shots and smooth editing. There’s a lot of movement and action in the scenes that will keep your eyes glued to the screen. Plus, the way they show the characters’ emotions, especially during intense or quiet moments looked real. The darkness of the streets and abduction, builds up suspension. Scenes of flashing lights, the soundtrack, the angle at which the camera was held, and emotions from the characters was really amazing.

Cast and Character’s Chemistry
Denzel Washington as David King was made for this role, he has this aura of quiet dominance — someone who walks into a room and his confidence speaks, no words needed. From the trailer, his performance reveals a man torn between two sides of himself. He looks calm on the outside, but you can tell there’s guilt and pressure building up underneath — and it feels like he’s slowly losing control.

A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky, who plays one of the kidnappers, brings an edge that’s both captivating and dangerous. His presence adds tension and excitement to the trailer, there’s this chemistry between him and Denzel thats unpredictable.

Jeffrey Wright, as the father of the kidnapped boy, is very emotional. You can see that he’s hurting, but he doesn’t make a big show of it or act overly dramatic. His pain is quiet — from his eyes, his body language, and the way he pauses while speaking shows the pain and sadness he’s experiencing. Even though he doesn’t have many scenes, those few moments feel powerful.

Ilfenesh Hadera and the rest of the supporting cast play their roles perfectly with the right emotion for each scene. Their performances were intentional, enhancing the narrative without pulling the spotlight away from the main storyline.

Our Review
Highest to Lowest looks like it’s more than a flashy thriller. It’s thoughtful, intense, and there are lots of lessons to learn— It poses a question that stays with you: what would you do if the life on the line wasn’t your own?

In the midst of having to deal with family, guilt, power, and the consequences of choices. What action would you take with all the pressure or would you rather abandon everything and move on because it doesn’t affect you.
Tap the link below to watch the official trailer 

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Hijack ’93: The Forgotten Nigerian Hijack Now a Netflix Hit

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Four teenage boys hijacked a plane, not to run away or ask for ransom, but to make a statement about Nigeria. They weren’t chasing money. They just wanted to be heard. It sounds like a movie, but this really happened.

In 1993, during all the drama that followed the annulled June 12 elections, four young Nigerians did something unimaginable. They hijacked a Nigerian Airways flight and it shook the whole country.

Now, Netflix has turned that story into a film titled Hijack 93, directed by Robert O. Peters. And let me just say, it hits differently when you know this actually happened. If you haven’t seen the movie or even heard the real story, sit tight.

The Plot

On October 25, 1993, a flight going from Lagos to Abuja got hijacked mid-air by four teenage activists:

Richard Ogunderu

Kabir Adenuga

Bennett Oluwadaisi

Kenny Rasaq-Lawal

They were in a group called the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD). Their plan was to fly the plane to Germany and use that move to draw the world’s attention to Nigeria’s political crisis.

But there was no fuel. The plane had to land in Niger Republic. That’s where the real drama started — four days of tension, back-and-forth negotiations, and a tragic rescue attempt that claimed the life of a female crew member.

Eventually, the boys were arrested and spent almost 10 years behind bars.

What the Movie Shows

Hijack ’93 tells the true story of four young Nigerians who hijacked a plane in 1993 to protest the military government after the annulment of the June 12 election. In the film, they’re renamed Omar, Kayode, Ben, and Dayo.

It follows how they got pulled in by a man called Mallam Jerry, who convinced them they needed to take action to save the country. The story builds slowly, showing how frustration and broken dreams led them to that one dangerous choice.

You feel the tension from the moment they board the plane. Things take a turn when they land in Niger Republic instead of their planned destination, and reality begins to sink in fast.

The acting feels real and emotional. You can see the fear, the regret, and the weight of what they’ve done. The film keeps you watching because you want to understand why they did it, and what happened after.

Hijack ’93 is not just a political film. It’s a human story. One that makes you ask: what would I have done if I were in their shoes?

Cast Highlight

Nnamdi-Agbo

Nnamdi Agbo (Richard Ogunderu), Adam Garba (Kenny Rasaq-Lawal), Allison Emmanuel (Benneth Oluwadaisi), Nancy Isime (Flight Attendant), and John Dumelo (Pilot) didn’t just play their roles, they owned them.

Their performances kept viewers stuck to the screen. No surprise the film pulled over 3.2 million views in its first week.

Why It Still Matters

Hijack ’93 reminds us that history isn’t always about big names, sometimes, it’s about bold young people who dared to speak up.

It’s not just a movie. It’s a mirror that shows us how far we’ve come, and how far we still need to go as a nation.

What do you think? Were the hijackers heroes or rebels? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. I’d love to hear your take.

Tap on the link below to see more of the movie.

https://youtu.be/sqX4ClSvy5g?si=QhsQLuhDlnTY34oL

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Everything You Need to Know About Oil vs. Water-Based Skincare

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Even if you follow a full skincare routine—cleansing, moisturising, maybe adding a serum—your skin might still feel off. One common reason is the kind of products you use, specifically whether they are oil-based or water-based. In Nigeria’s climate, which swings between dry harmattan winds and humid rainy seasons, knowing how these products affect your skin can make a noticeable difference.

What Sets Oil-Based and Water-Based Skincare Apart?

At its simplest, skincare products are either oil-based or water-based depending on their main ingredient. Oil-based products use natural or synthetic oils, often feeling richer and thicker on the skin. They form a light barrier that locks in moisture and protects your skin. Water-based products, by contrast, are lighter and absorb quickly, delivering hydration without heaviness.

The label alone doesn’t tell the full story. How a product feels and behaves on your skin is a better clue. If it spreads like a serum and vanishes quickly, it’s probably water-based. If it leaves a slight sheen and feels more substantial, it’s likely oil-based.

When Oil-Based Products Work Best

If your skin feels dry, rough, or tight—especially during harmattan or after frequent washing—oil-based products help by sealing in moisture. Some oils closely mimic your skin’s natural oils, which helps balance and soothe irritation.

Even if you have oily skin, certain lightweight oils can work without clogging pores or causing breakouts. The key is choosing oils that absorb easily and feel comfortable throughout the day.

Why Water-Based Products Are Ideal in Humid Weather

In hot, humid cities like Lagos, heavy products can feel overwhelming. Water-based skincare hydrates quickly and refreshes without leaving a residue. These products are often the first step in a routine, helping your skin absorb moisture and prepare for what comes next.

For oily or acne-prone skin, water-based formulas reduce shine and minimise the risk of clogged pores. They keep the skin feeling light and breathable throughout the day.

Combining Both for Balanced Skin

You don’t have to pick one or the other. Many find the best results by layering: start with water-based products such as toners or serums, then apply oil-based moisturisers or face oils to seal everything in. This helps your skin retain hydration longer and keeps it nourished.

Adjust this routine depending on how your skin feels or the season—lighter in humid months, richer in drier times.

Choosing What Works for You

Listen to your skin’s signals. If it feels tight or flaky, it needs more hydration—water-based products can help. If it feels dry quickly or lacks softness, an oil-based layer might be necessary.

When shopping, check ingredients for irritants like harsh alcohols or heavy oils that might not suit your skin type. Focus on products that support your skin without overwhelming it.

The difference between oil and water-based skincare isn’t just marketing—it’s about matching your routine to your skin’s real needs and the changing Nigerian climate. By understanding how these products work and when to use them, you’re better equipped to build a routine that keeps your skin healthy and comfortable all year round.

 

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