The Kingdom

-Story: 3

I started this movie skeptical. Very very skeptical. To me, it was yet another royal movie, starring Van Vicker (an actor I was gradually beginning to dislike). So the plan was to endure 4 hours of torture in the name of a movie…. and then I pressed PLAY. This movie commands attention from the moment you press play. The movie starts as soon as you press play, I’m not talking all those useless royal movies that take 2 parts for exposition. The exposition to this movie was the opening credits (what am I saying? The opening credits were part of the action). All I’m saying is the movie might be in 6 parts but it entertains you every step of the way. I love the character build, I love the story’s frame, I love the entire thing, it makes you want to jump into the screen and be a member of this family.

-Originality: 3

It’s a revenge storyline. But it’s a revenge storyline done differently… arguably. I am so happy this is not an Uche Nancy movie, else it would have lost track from part one. It might not be entirely original as a whole, but in parts it’s a delight.

-Predictability: 3

Really depends on what you’re expecting. I had no expectations for this movie after my previous expectations were squashed, so I let things happen and the only disappointment I can attest to was that the movie is in 6 parts.

-Directing/Editing: 3

I have a general rule with reviews. If it’s in more than 3 parts then it can not make higher than a 3 on directing. If this movie was in 4 parts, I would have overlooked that because every scene was necessary, entertaining and delightful. It’s like the Bollywood movies of old (for those of us that indulge in Indian Cinema), you don’t want to take away a dinner scene here or a gossip scene there because it removes from the homely-family feel of the entire movie. So I was fine with the first four parts, especially since they seemed to fly by (don’t get me wrong, it’s still an hour per part) but there’s no excuse for a six part movie, sorry.

-Acting quality 3

So much to say so little time (actually, I have the time but will you read everything?), so let me start from the very beginning. Van Vicker.
Van Vicker seems to me like the stereotypical Nollywood success (and decline) story, which is probably why I’m beginning to love him less. He got into the industry, wasn’t that great of an actor but was fortunate enough to have a beautiful face and a role that exploited his looks. He fell into the lover boy stereotype and we were more than happy to embrace the oh-so-handsome Van, regardless of whether or not he could act. And as the story goes, eventually some people begin to feel like they can do it all, a couple bad movie choices here and there, a couple failed productions here and there and a couple misplaced statements in the media and you get replaced by Majid. Regardless, this movie reminded me of why I fell in love with Van Vicker in “Beyonce: The President’s daughter”. It’s because we all want to be that girl that Van is telling those sweet nothing’s to in front of the camera, regardless of whether or not he can act.
Annie Macaulay. It is no news that babe can not act. Regardless, she is not that terrible and of late she has been blessed to be part of productions with amazing storylines and roles that do not necessitate actual acting skills (read “Royal Wedding”). Earlier in the movie, I felt this is just the perfect role for her because she won’t be exerted in any way but from scene to scene you can still notice some of her flaws. However, they are easy to overlook (because the story is just that good).
Esther Audu is a fabulous fabulous actress. That did a splendid job with her role. This babe is yet to disappoint in her renditions and just seems to be soaring. The role suited Chelsea Eze and she carried the role perfectly well.
Aunty UK toh badt gan. I can’t see anyone else in this role. Not Ngozi Ezeonu. Not Mama G. Not nobody. She fit the role. She carried the role and most importantly she ‘spake’ the role. (‘spake’ is a reference to Eucharia Anunobi’s impeccable grammar)
I was impressed by Clem, I was impressed by Jibola, I was impressed by the entire production especially Tana Adelana. It’s the first time I’m seeing her on screen and she is set to be in Yvonne Nelson’s production “Single and Married”. She did a fair enough job with this movie. Quite impressive for a newcomer.
Some subpar performances here and there but enough strong performances to carry the movie thorugh

-Setting: 4

Beyond immaculate, you can tell that money was spent. The sets are amazing. Making my country look heavenly.

-Costume/Make-Up: 5

Oh. My. Dayz. You can’t tell me anything, Chiemela Nwagboso is to Nollywood as Manish Malhotra is to Bollywood. Every outfit, every single outfit… ah! I can’t talk too much. Go and watch the movie. The guy piecesed it. Commited fabric murder (in a good way)

-Props and Graphics: 3

On point

-Video Quality: 4

Immaculate

-Audio Quality 3

Good

-Soundtrack: 4

Very well done

-Musical Score: 4

Impressive

Trailer: