Movies
“Criminal” 2024 Nollywood Thriller starring Uzor Arukwe
Are you willing to risk it all just to save your own blood from dieing?
“Criminal” (2024), directed by Dolapo Adigun and produced by Victoria Akujobi, is a captivating Nollywood movie that has garnered significant attention since its release on May 31st. With a talented cast, including Funlola Aofiyebi, Uzor Arukwe, and Segun Arinze, this film promises to deliver an intense and suspenseful experience.
Storyline:
The movie’s premise, centered around a principled doctor faced with a deadly dilemma, sets the tone for a gripping narrative.
Uzor (Uzor Arukwe), an ex-convict brings his gun wounded brother to the hospital under emergency. He was told by the assistant doctors that the hospital is occupied at the moment and he might need to take his brother to a nearby hospital for immediate attention which he refused because he had researched prior to when they got to the hospital and discovered that Green leaf hospital run by the principled Dr. Amara Nwachukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi) is the best.
Now, Dr. Amara has a critical case of a pregnant woman in labour to attend to.
She’s caught in between two seas. Who is she going to save? Will Uzor get away with his crime this time? How will the hostages make it out alive? Well, this is the more reason you should see “Criminal” the movie. It has answers to your burning questions.
Three lessons stood out for me in this film and that is; Morality will always win -There’s no gain in living a life of crime. Ethics can be compromised in extreme situations and redemption is possible but requires effort and sacrifice. The saying “You can take a pig out of his sty but you can never take the sty out of the pig” stands true in this film.
Cast performance:
Uzor Arukwe’s portrayal of the dangerous criminal is commendable. He bodied the role so well and delivered. His performance brought depth and nuance to the story. Funlola Aofiyebi shines as the principled doctor, delivering a convincing and empathetic performance. We need more Doctors like Dr. Amara Nwachukwu, her act was stellar.
Technical Aspects:
The soundtrack, a mix of pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies, perfectly complements the film’s tense atmosphere. The set design, capturing the chaos of a bustling Lagos hospital, is commendable. Costume and makeup are also noteworthy, adding to the overall authenticity of the characters.
Criticisms and Analysis:
The pacing could be tighter, with a few scenes feeling slightly dragging. However, “Criminal” is a well-crafted thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie’s themes of morality, ethics, and redemption are expertly woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity.
“Criminal” (2024) is a captivating Nollywood thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and impressive technical aspects, this movie is a must-watch for fans of Nollywood and thriller enthusiasts alike.
Rating: 7.9/10
“The Black Book” is another Nollywood thriller you should see. Check out the movie review here.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” is a hilarious and heartwarming film that’s a masterclass in storytelling, blending humour, and satire. The movie was produced by our box office queen -Funke Akindele. The movie follows Jenifa, a young and vibrant lady from a rural area who moves to the city in search of a better life, navigating the complexities of city life and societal pressures.
“Everybody loves Jenifa” Movie cover
Funke Akindele shines as Jenifa, bringing the character to life with impressive acting skills and spot-on comedic timing. The supporting cast, including Falz, Omotunde Adebowale David, Stan Nze, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola and Olayode Juliana, deliver solid performances that add to the film’s humour and charm.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with thought-provoking commentary on societal issues. The film’s satirical take on the challenges faced by young women in Nigeria is both entertaining and enlightening.
“Everybody loves Jenifa” Movie promotional cover showing the amount amassed at the Cinemas in 3 weeks
Critically speaking, the storyline was barely underdeveloped. There were a bit of gaps that needed to be filled to further buttress the themes of the movie. While some viewers may find the pacing a bit rushed, the movie’s flaws are easily overlooked in favour of its many strengths. With its star-studded cast, stunning cinematography, and unmatched marketing brilliance, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” is a must-see for fans of Nigerian cinema.
Overall, I’d give “Everybody Loves Jenifa” a solid 8/10. It’s a fun, feel-good movie that’s perfect for a night out with friends or family. So, go ahead and grab some popcorn – Jenifa’s got you covered!
Highest-grossing movie of the year
As Nollywood’s most anticipated film of the year, Everybody Loves Jenifa has already made an incredible feat, shattering box office records with a remarkable gross profit of ₦1,466, 852,338 billion and counting and attracting admissions in many countries.
This impressive feat surpasses the previous record held by her 2023 movie “A Tribe Called Judah”, which amassed 1,406, 000,000 billion.
With these mind-blowing numbers, the big question on everyone’s lips is: Can Funke Akindele’s ambitious goal of ₦5 billion in box office revenue for her latest release be achieved?
Suspicion is an action movie different from the regular Nigerian action we are used to.
It begins with the lead actor: Stan Nze who was a regular guy on the streets losing his best friend and his best friend’s daughter. He is pained and moved to seek vengeance.
His quest for vengeance in the movie, suspicion, takes him to the realm where he exchanges his humanity for power. The following scenes show us how he gets into fights that beat the imagination with Stan catching bullets and fighting the oppressors in ways that beats the imagination.
Read Also: Trailer review of a breath taking movie; Flight risk
Subsequently, it looks like the powers he have gotten are backfiring and no longer working for him so he seeks for help from his father, Ron Mgbatuogu which he barely gets. When the going gets tough, his mum, Tina Mba, and his wife, Omowunmi Dada, try to get him to let bygones be bygones.
His relationship with Omowunmi Dada also goes a downward spiral while he insists on going on his “fight”.
This movie directed by Tosin Igho deserves its flowers and is a must watch. It is not the regular Nigerian action you see on a daily. You can watch the trailer from the link below.
https://youtu.be/Tkf_HqX0_Hc?si=N5STZd-YYcXOzAZh
It’s a worthy watch.
The Carpenter Directed by
Garrett Batty invites viewers into an inspiring world where combat and craft intertwine to shape a man’s journey. Oren, an apprentice from Cana, steps into a life-altering path under the mentorship of a mysterious carpenter, whose presence goes beyond mere instruction.
At first, Oren’s aim is simple: to survive, train, and compete, facing grueling fights to earn his place. But as he immerses himself in his mentor’s wisdom, he realizes that true strength comes from a balance of physical skill and inner clarity.
Watch the trailer below 👇
Throughout the movie, Oren’s mentor who hints at something divine in his origins guides him not just in fighting, but in life, urging him to “let his light shine” and to use his talents to uplift those around him. These teachings become Oren’s cornerstone, helping him transform every battle into a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Each fight sharpens him, not just as a warrior but as a person grappling with his own worth, purpose, and the impact he can have on others.
it’s a crucible where Oren’s lessons and struggles reach their peak. Every encounter reminds him that battles in life demand focus and discipline, but also an unwavering sense of identity. Through his clashes with formidable opponents, he learns to balance strength with humility and sees his journey as more than a pursuit of victory. It’s about resilience, faith, and character.
The Carpenter presents a powerful story for anyone who has ever sought to overcome inner doubts or external obstacles. Its blend of spiritual guidance, personal growth, and thrilling action makes it a deeply compelling experience. It doesn’t just show the hero’s journey; it resonates with universal truths about purpose, making it an unforgettable and uplifting watch.
Enjoy your next movie.
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