The best time to write a review is always while the taste is still in the mouth. This doesn’t refer to food alone. It covers the entire spectrum of the arts. It’s pretty much like saying, the best time to write an exam is when you have just finished reading.
I thought I already missed my chance to review ‘The Wedding Party’ movie since I didn’t grab my keypad right after watching it. Plus, loads of glowing reviews have popped up on almost every Nigerian blog or website you can think of – even if more than half of them are sponsored. So why add my own mite to the already loud noise? Because it’s been over two weeks I saw the movie and I still find myself burst out in laughter when the scenes replay in my head. Truthfully guys, I just HAVE TO let this out.
Who rang the bell for foolishness? Mo Abudu and Kemi Adetiba have some explaining to do. Do you remember the opening lines of singer Faze‘s once famous ‘Kolomental’ song?
Omo na mental case
Start to dey crase
Na who dey rock in this place
It’s Kolomental
That song must have been playing somewhere in the background of this movie when it was being shot or during auditions. I have never seen Ali Baba so ‘foolish’ (read, silly) all my life; not even at his annual January 1st comedy show. I always knew Ikechukwu had some foolishness (or goofiness) in him and I was so glad Kemi (the director) decided to hand him this script that provided the perfect opportunity to bare it all. Sola Sobowale was tastefully dramatic and this was such a brilliant outing for debutante actor, Banky W; as well as Features director debutante, Kemi Adetiba.
Between spilling blood in club fights and screaming, ‘my name is Ike-chukwu!’, I have always diagnosed martial art expert and rapper, Killz, to be a pleasant next-door guy with a high propensity and deep yearning to be foolish – if society wasn’t so patriarchal and condescending towards men like that. I’m glad he found that liberty in his role as Sola – the bestman. And oh! that Caucasian bridesmaid stole my heart – such a hopeless romantic overly flattered by the prospect of a Nigerian Prince.
Let me tell you about the Banky W we saw. It was the innocent-looking 2008 newly-relocated Banky that came to act in this movie.
The singer channelled his Western loverboy personality – the one that endeared him to Nigerian ladies when he introduced the songs; ‘No regrets’ and ‘Don’t break my heart’ to us and stole our hearts. When he found and reconciled with his runaway bride at the beachside in this movie, I almost heard him break into singing:
You’re the only one for me
Why can’t you see
Girl, I knew it from the start
Don’t break what’s left of my heart
In fact, I will not be surprised to find out that he suggested singing this song but was overruled by the director (who is also his personal friend), while filming this scene.
This beach scene was the only Non-Nigerian element in ‘The Wedding Party‘. I mean, which runaway Nigerian bride escapes to be by herself at the beach with a bonfire in the background? Who helped her gather the sticks?
Ali Baba (Mr Coker) dances with his wife – Sola Sobowale, in one of his ‘silly’ moments. Peep Sola’s manicure…
I could go on and on about this movie. Ultimately, I would say the casting director made excellent calls. Every role was correctly cast and the scripts, meticulously guided. The movie had every opportunity to derail but the director kept it steady on course. I think Ireti Doyle and Emma Oh My God had the best written scripts. Ireti was impeccable in delivery and Emma’s prayer points at the wedding reception was so carefully thought out. Who knew Madam planner, Zainab, could speak such brilliantly intoned Yoruba? And Beverly, she was the classiest bitter slut ever!
The Wedding Party is such a happy movie. I saw it twice in Asaba during the festive season and it put the ‘merry’ in my Christmas. I will see it again in Lagos, once the cinema crowd subsides and I can get a ticket. I hear the Lagos experience is the real deal.
Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts?
loladesowoolu's Blog 
Yes! I absolutely AGREE!
Lol.
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You probably said it all…however I remember tweeting that Ali baba’s casting as Sola’s husband was a bit off, seeing he looks considerably younger..nonetheless his acting made up for it…my opinion though..my 1st Nollywood movie at a cinema. Definitely worth it.
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I didn’t notice that. If he looked younger, that wouldn’t be an anomaly as there are women married to younger men. The gap, if any, must have been very negligible. They were such a smitten romantic Yoruba couple with great Chemistry.
Thanks for dropping by, Eche.
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There chemistry was good… you know, that kind of husband that accepts his wife; warts and all!
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I took the entire Household to see the movie over the Festive period and I have to admit, I wasn’t totally impressed (Wifey and the rest of the Family enjoyed it though). Don’t get me wrong, am all in for our budding film sector and I will still go out and see Naija Movies. Had issues with some of the seemingly “unnecessary” aspects of the movie which I felt didn’t add to the comedic quality of the movie. The Arm Robber slant to the story was fell flat IMO. I didn’t feel the “over drama” of the wedding planner and the sound editing was below par. I felt there are many aspects of Naija weddings that would have supplied enough material for the movie that weren’t touched at all. However, I liked the movie’s attempt to tell a story in and around Naija weddings. Sola Shobowale captured it perfectly. The Groom’s parents entry into the reception was brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Mrs Doyle and Uncle Ali Baba were solid. Hope this doesn’t come off as me trying to rain of anyone’s parade.
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I’m glad you thoroughly enjoyed it despite the shortcomings. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Cheers.
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@Sunkanmi truth is we will always have issues with a naija movie if one is looking for perfection. However what makes this one special is the fact that the majority found it enjoyable ,despite the “hype” ,if any. Its what it is. A feel good movie. The robbery hold-up incident was worth the laughs…and the wedding planner’s overtly being dramatic was just a pointer to let us know she was just being dramatic! Because she can actually get down like the rest of us.
For what its worth the box office figures says a lot about how well the movie performed and it’s no joke. This was one movie i actually remember being a complete sell out at my screening.
Just enjoy the movie jare….
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I completely agree with your thought, Eche. I’m sure @Sunkanmi can reason too. Thanks, Eche.
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Oh and Madam Lolade…good job…also enjoyed reading your blog on adjusting to the current economic realities…quite apt! Especially for the likes us of us running homes in two cities because of job wahala…will be looking out for more of your write-ups…
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You lot running two homes are the real dons of this season. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll try put up more posts along that line. Cheers.
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