Movie Review

                                 Merry Men; The Real Yoruba Demons.

Merry Men is a comedy drama that features a range of interesting actors like: Jim Iyke, Ramsey Nouah, Folarin Falana (Falz the Bad Guy), Ayo Makun (AY), Damilola Adegite, Lilian Esoro and a host of others. AY teamed up with Toka Mcbaror to create this exciting and hilarious tale of the acts of the real Yoruba Demons.  

Merry Men is a tale of four attractive Nigerian youths, Remi Martins (Falz the Bad Guy), Amaju Abioritsegbemi (AY the comedian), Ayo Alesinloye (Ramsey Nouah) and Naz Okigbo (Jim Iyke), who have decided not to be lazy but instead,

keep themselves busy swindling the affluent and transferring their wealth to the impoverished in the country. It is also a film that properly defines what the term ‘Yoruba demon’ truly means.

AY, with this movie, has succeeded in proving to us that he is not just a comedian but a fantastic story teller. Be it standup comedy or a 2-hour long film, AY’s ability to connect with the minds of his audience and tell very relatable stories is commendable.  

The plot of this movie is by no means fresh. The tale of attractive men duping the rich and frolicking with ladies is certainly not new to the Nollywood scene however, the suspense and twists that filled this movie is intoxicating. Each scene will keep you in high anticipation for the next. Do not even bother predicting how it will end because there were shockers all around the movie, like how the movie ended, the proposal, the burial, a whole lot of things!

Now let us talk on production: One word, Top-Notch (or maybe two). No aspect of the production was lacking, from the cinematography, which I believe is the best part, to the dialogue… Beautiful. The drone shots were expertly executed, bringing out the beauty of Abuja. Camera shots were sharp, lightings on point; it is no doubt that this was not a low budgeted movie.

The set designs and makeup were also aspect of this film that I loved. The houses used corroborated the wealthy theme the movie intended to pass. No running makeup at all, everyone looked the part, I loved that.

Unfortunately, amidst all the good, I had one or two issues with this movie. The first thing that displeased me were the fight scenes, particularly the first fight scene where Naz beat up the white man and his cohort, nah! It felt like child’s play; felt like the camera man just wobbled the camera up and down and the editor added sharp sounds of kicks and blows and somehow, we were supposed to believe that that was a true fight. I mean, how can able bodied men fall like withered leaves from one blow and kick? Didn’t look believable to me.

The second thing I didn’t like was the intent to make some characters funny came out really forced. Perfect example was Falz’s character, it was an endless dropping jokes upon jokes and punchline upon punchline that just became too much. 

The characters:

Let me just say that inasmuch as this movie was star studded, every character was rich, well developed and interesting. All through the movie, I struggled with selecting my best act.

Let’s start with Jim Iyke. Where has he been? Because Jim is one actor that understands the rudiment of acting. Playing Naz, the life of the party and an intense player, he interpreted his role effortlessly that one will think that is his real life. He was easy, funny, confident and very likable.

Ramsey Nouah is another good blast from the past that new filmmakers have smartly began to explore. With each scene he displayed his wealth of experience in the acting game. His verbal and nonverbal communication was received loud and clear. I mean, the part when he found out about Naz and Kemi and drove home in anger to meet them, one could feel his anger just by watching him drive. He delivered a flawless performance.

AY the comedian killed it. No force to speak too many English at all, he wore his Warri cloak in a very confident way. Throughout the movie, He dished out wise and funny sayings in pidgin English, I duff my cap for him.

I was also impressed with Damilola Adegbite. After her performance in Isoken, where she struggled with delivering on her role, I had been skeptical about her acting but thank God for Merry Men. She brought her pretty and sweet persona to the character, Dera, in a charming way. I loved it.

Finally, I picked my best: Falz the Bad Guy. The two time AMVCA winner has proven to us that acting is a natural giving for him. Even though he smartly never steps out of his funny, yorubatic persona, he still finds a way to deliver afresh with every movie he features in. As in Jenifa’s diary, Falz was effortlessly funny and interesting in Merry Men. He is one act that you will have no issues falling in love with when you watch this movie.

Then Ireti Doyle, Jide Kosoko, Nancy Isime, Richard Mofe Damijo and every other character in this movie delivered effortlessly, howbeit, I can only talk about a few of them in one piece.

By now, I am sure it is evident that Merry Men is one movie that I am impressed with. On a scale of 0 to 5, this baby girl gives this movie a 4.5, because Merry Men has way more rights than wrongs and we all had a good time at the cinema. I recommend this movie to any and everyone who is interested in a good movie, interesting story line and being proud of the New Nollywood.

Go, see the movie, have fun and tell me what you feel about it in the comment section below. Hopefully, the next time I go see a movie I can get your verbal reaction of what you think about the movie #Wink

Watch the Movie Trailer here.

Full Cast

Folarin Falana (Falz) – Remi Martins

Ayo Makun (AY) – Amaju Abioritsegbemi

Ramsey Nouah – Ayo Alesinloye

Jim Iyke – Naz Okigbo

Damilola adegbite – Dera

Fathia Balogun – Ayo’s Aunty

Jide Kosoko – Mr Omole

Nancy Isime – Obaseki

Lilian Esoro – Priscillia

Rosaline Meurer – Kemi

Osas Ighodaro Adegbite

Ireti Doyle.

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……….Talk2urHommie……….