THE BLACK BOOK
The black book is a Netflix movie
STARRING Richard Mofe Damijo. Ade Laoye. Alex Osifo. Patrick Doyle. Sam Dede. Shaffy Bello. Iretiola Doyle. Olumide Oworu. Bimbo Akintola. Norbert Young.
The movie storyline speak about An ex- assassin and soldier's son who was killed and framed for a murder he did not commit. His father now has to meet up with old enemies to clear his name.
Cinematography, Location and Costume was well done, though I kind of think more of the budget went into acting. I also like the idea of using a Location that we do not really see, that is, Kaduna.
The idea also to use women in the fight sort of brings back memories of the Aba women's riot and the recent struggles by women to right the wrongs in our society.
The use of the acronym S. A. K. S in view of recent happenings in Nigeria was also a good one. It helps keep these battles in mind.
Nevertheless I notice somethings which the Nigerian movie industry should work upon
It's an action movie and not a lot of action was seen.
The background story seemed not to be adding up and the suspense the movie had looked like a way to cover the plot holes.
Should we talk about story development and progression? No we won't because it was a bit under developed.
The complexity of the plot brought a little bit of confusion and left a whole lot of threads hanging.
Acting was not an issue in this movie as most of the top cast were acted by veterans and actors who know their onions.
The little problem just seemed to be in the story and the way the director wanted to portray it.
Why make Paul a Pastor? I think that sort of took away the aura and enigma that was supposed to surround someone with his pedigree and background.
That scene where he came back to the house and Victoria was there, for a man of his pedigree wasn't he supposed to sense it and fish her out immediately?
Some scenes were also abruptly cut short, like that scene where Paul saw his dead son. It was an emotional scene that was supposed to be longer and heart wrenching than that.
I preferred the fighting and gun duel at the ending than that near confusion that was the beginning.
The trajectory of the film was focused on one man, which gave off vibes of Hollywood thrillers. Much as we see in movies like John Wick, Jason Bourne and The Equalizer.
Highlighting Nigeria's history of drug trafficking and with an impressive production budget. The Black Book aimed to set a standard and I'll leave you to decide if it did.
The Black Book didn't do much and didn't do less, like the theme of the review says it's an official attempt to create something like this and they did well, very well if I might add and the not so good parts can only be improved upon in subsequent attempts.
Richard Mofe Damijo as Paul Edima was the right and good choice, but making him a Pastor wasn't a good fit.
Alex Osifo was giving me goosebumps with his voice. It was great watching him, I had many nostalgic moments.
Ade Laoye, save for her facial expressions, was good.
Bimbo Akintola is a Class Act.
Shaffy Bello does it effortlessly.
Sam Dede doesn't need to break a sweat for roles like this.
Norbert Young acted in a few scenes, but we love to see our Veterans anytime.
Olumide Oworu did very well.
Pat Nebo of Blessed Memory acted in a few scenes and also was Production Designer.
The Black Book is a Nollywood movie with a story that is not regular so we forgive all trespasses and hope for better next time.
I rate this movie 7/10
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