Crippled Kingdom

-Originality: [2 out of 5] From the synopsis, you can tell that the movie starts off headed for ‘the same old, same old’ path, only this time with a couple added twists (that we’ve, for the most part, seen before).  I do, however, think that the new quadriplegic angle was nice and did much to add to the ‘flavor’ of this movie.

-Predictability: [1 out of 5] For the most part, the movie was very comme ci, comme ca as regards predictability. The one thing I didn’t see coming, however, was the end. I definitely expected that Yul would somehow stand up and walk and suddenly be healed (as is common with most other Nollywood movies)

-Directing/Editing: [1 out of 5] The camera man needs to be arrested and shot… I mean, he needs to be held captive for this “mmegheli” (misbehavior). It was really annoying to see such amateurish camera work for a story that held so much potential. The mediocrity of the directing, tainted what had the potential to be a decent movie. Sometimes the camera would just be shaking aimlessly, other times there was something blocking the camera, other times it was zooming about like an epileptic… it was really just generally frustrating. Aside from suffering from a severe case of confused camera work, this movie is also suffering from several bouts of overly prolonged scenes. Haba! There are honestly some things that no one needs to know/see. The igbo wasn’t subtitled in the movie. The lip synching was terrible.

-Acting quality: [3 out of 5] Apart from the quadriplegic twist, the other most impressive thing about this movie was the acting.

I usually get on Yul’s case for refusing to play any other role aside from that of a prince. Yet, even though he played the role of a prince in this movie I am still really impressed by his work, especially as a quadriplegic. I mean, not once did this guy move any other part of his body in this movie other than his head. Chei! Nna, I commend you though. It isn’t easy!

Mercy Johnson did an amazing job, as she’s known to. Solomon Akiyesi is an amazing actor. I see David Ogbeni progressing as an actor and getting stronger from scene to scene. I absolutely loved Eve Esin’s role in this movie. The extras were not that horrible of actors, so I’m thankful. 

-Setting: [3 out of 5] Ok

-Costume/Make-Up: [2 out of 5] The queen’s attire at some point looked like she had rolled up in multi colored bedsheets in the name of royal costume. I get that Uche Nancy is trying to get creative but somethings are just downright comical. Asides from that, most of the guard’s attires and individual costumes were on point.

-Video Quality: [3 out of 5] Fair

-Soundtrack: [0 out of 5] If there was one single aspect in which this movie vexated me, it was music. Just the absolute ‘wrongest’ selection of songs. It was just a disaster. Using Mat Andasun’s “De la luna” for scenes where you should be playing Melanie Fiona’s “It kills me”. Or just that horrible nonsense where they were playing some rubbish Hannah Montana concoction during the car-ride scene. 

The official soundtrack for the movie was ok

-Musical Score: [3 out of 5] Ok