“Onye Egwu” (2024) A film by Uche Jumbo

“Time doesn’t close a book; it only reveals the beginning of a new chapter” The above quote from the movie has sunk deep into the hearts of every viewer of this film. What do you do when you discover that everything you have worked hard to accomplish over the years is abruptly coming to an end just when you felt you just started? This is the case of Alex Mbanefo A.K.A Onye Egwu (Zubby Michael) in the movie – Onye Egwu. “Onye Egwu” is a sports drama film directed and produced by Uche Jombo, released on July 18, 2024 The movie tells the story of a football star, Alex Mbanefo, who faces challenges that stop him from playing the sport he loves, but a chance encounter with Nedu, a rising star, reignites his passion and changes his perspective. The film boasts a rich narrative, effectively blending comedy and satire to create an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. The cast, including Zubby Michael, Kayode Ojuolape, Ini Edo, Chioma Akpotha and Uche Jombo, delivered standout performances that brought the story to life. The film’s pacing ensures a smooth flow of the narrative, keeping the audience engaged. The movie explores themes of perseverance, familial bonds, and unseen forces shaping our lives, offering an unfiltered exploration of human resilience and the pursuit of dreams.

Criticisms and analysis:

–Underdeveloped plot points: The film falls short in fully portraying the athletic struggles of the injured Alex, leaving a part of his story needing development. –Predictable plot points: The movie succumbs to clichés and predictable plot points, feeling like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities and triumphs of the football world . – Inconsistencies: Inconsistencies in style, plot, and performance hinder the film from reaching its full potential.

Technical Aspects:

– Soundtrack: The movie’s soundtrack is a mix of contemporary influences, such as an obsession with football, the world of social media, western education, and age-old values. – Set design: The film’s set design effectively captures the contrast between the world of football and the realities of everyday life in Nigeria. – Costume and makeup: The costume and makeup in the movie were all in agreement with the roles portrayed. A mild and not too luxury wear for the antagonist and a moderately bespoke outfit for the protagonist. “Onye Egwu” is a good watch that blends comedy and satire, offering entertainment and thoughtful commentary. While it falls short in some areas, the film’s charm and insightful narrative make it a worthwhile viewing experience. You can watch the movie on prime video. Rating: 5.9/10 Interested in watching Nollywood thrillers? Here is one -“Criminal” read the movie review here.