White Waters

-Originality: [4 out of 5] I hear people saying they got a “Forrest Gump” feel from this movie and… I personally did not even think that until someone else pointed out which to me can only mean that it was not that much like Forrest Gump. I mean come to think of it, they both veer off different directions and have different focuses. I feel like it was the first of it’s kind and I haven’t seen an equivalently amazing movie in… ever!

-Predictability: [2 out of 5] Just like any other sports movie that starts off with an awfully depressing focus, we all expect, know and await the happy ending. Now the difference is that, for most happy ending movies, the happy ending is piled on through out the movie until it fills up. What do I mean? In most happy ending movies, there are little aspects of good news that develop and stay through till the end at which point the ultimate good news comes in… resulting in a “happy ending”. But for this movie, it wasn’t as such. The happy ending truly only came at the end. Unlike most others, 15 movies to the end of this movie one is still shedding tears (I mean… why did he drop the baton? Darn you scriptwriter!!!)

-Directing/Editing: [4 out of 5] The day I find fault in Izu Ojukwu eh? That will be the day (see review for “The Child“). I’d have to define Mr Ojukwu as the standard in cinematography for African cinema. The guy did not start today and only get’s better with time (like RMD’s looks… haha). The beauty of this movie was that not only was it like a typical movie with a great storyline, awesome control of camera movements and generally breathtaking cinematography, it also had little recurring motifs throughout the movie. This is not one of those movies where you “leave your brain at home” before you go to the cinema. You berra bring your brain in tact (and if yours is not that efficient then go and borrow) else you’ll miss some little things (which, though not essential for general enjoyment of the movie, still makes you feel smarter for noticing and makes you appreciate the movie more). For instance, the ‘goldfish’ which was a physical representation of Melvin’s loneliness. And also the significance of the ‘coach’ not only was he the driving force in Melvin’s life, he became the father figure (something Melvin never had and a space even his grandmother could not feel no matter how hard she tried. Obviously, even Grandma realizes this as is evident in her standing back when the coach comes to reprimand Melvin). As the goldfish grew, so did his loneliness and when the goldfish died (you can guess what died too)….. Who is that person that can contend with Izu? (bring in the Leila’s, the Shirley’s and whoever else you can find) Izu Ojukwu is a force! A force to be reckoned with. Some note that there might be discrepancies like for instance how no one explains why Melvin has the picture that was taken on the stolen character, in his room! I personally feel like it could have been pre-planted by those who stole it. And then the question arises as to why Melvin himself never noticed the picture before and I say…. Hello!!! The kid is ‘special’. 

-Acting quality: [4 out of 5] Standout performance? Joke – O.C.- Rita – Hoom – and everyone else. Joke Silva is a breathtaking actress. I dare you to disagree. But the real treat is O.C. Ukeje. This was his first time on screen and I don’t think I’ve seen him in anything else since this (except the upcoming “Two Brides & a baby“). To notice his true abilities you have to recognize how many lines he really has… for a lead actor, this guy has less lines than supporting actors…. but yet! His presence is beyond felt. With his motions and gestures… there really is no question about his capabilities. Only one word I can use to describe him in this movie and that is “Breathtaking”. Breathtaking in more ways than one (i.e. breathtaking as per beyond looks o… free me). Hoom Suk! Hia omo feel the name. Gbam! Gbam!! But I swear I officially hate him, he should not be misfortuned to see me on the road one day because I might take mistake and punch him. That’s how good he was. Extremely convincing. Extremely annoying! Rita D. There is a reason why she was awarded Best Actress AMAA 2012… because the babe can act. No contention there. Most did not see her as the perfect fit for a sporty role. I say… she wasn’t fat… she was just big boned/thick/normal… AFRICAN! Granted… that was not the most convincing jump ever but she gave the role her best. Loved the coach (Tony Ofili Akpon). The only weak act really in my opinion was the lady who played Melvin’s mom (even the stepfather who was on screen for less than 2 minutes was better than she was). The problem with amazing movies with amazing casts is that they have no tolerance or space for ‘good’. You must be equivalently amazing in order to match up… (Did I say problem? Omo that is the kind of problem I wish we had in every movie then)

-Setting: [4 out of 5] Amazing setting. Amazing scenery. Africa is truly beautiful. It was done in such a way that the environment was noted but the environment was not overly emphasized. No distractions from the main focus of the movie. Yet! The details were not entirely ignored.

-Costume/Make-Up: [4 out of 5] Wow!

-Video Quality: [3 out of 5] Even for a 2007 movie, it was great.

-Soundtrack: [4 out of 5] It was such an amazingly breathtaking soundtrack (that just motivates anyone who was previously sobbing to start weeping). Amazing job. Some things that help you note a good movie is that they credit everything from P.Square to Usher in the ending credits. Unlike, the other movies whose only soundtrack is a Destiny’s Child song and yet at the end they don’t even denote it.

-Musical Score: [4 out of 5] 10 over 10