Muri & Ko

From the trailer(s) released for Muri and Ko, it was obvious the crop of movies this would be; the film clearly embraces a comedy-centric approach that was unmistakably front and center. The question this presented was whether it would deliver genuine laughs, or be a comedy that misses the mark. 

Muri and Ko follows the escapades of its titular characters over the course of a chaotic day sparked by an ill-fated car theft. Muri (played by Kunle Remi), a small-time thief turned carjacker, seizes an irresistible opportunity when he spots an unattended, pristine jeep. His plan goes awry when he discovers Ko, the grandchild of the vehicle’s owner, hidden inside. What ensues is a hilariously unpredictable adventure as Muri grapples with the dual challenge of delivering the stolen jeep to a buyer and safeguarding the boy. Their journey through a series of comedic misadventures forms the heart of the film, blending humor with twists.

Compared to most comedic films released this year, Muri and Ko stands out among the better offerings, despite the generally low standards of the genre. The film’s humor is straightforward and often relies on physical comedy, which, while not entirely slapstick, effectively captures the essence of visual humor.

In a film like Muri and Ko, the dynamic between the lead characters is crucial to its success. The stark contrast between Muri, an unrefined petty thief, and Ko (played by Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga), a well-mannered aje butter (rich kid) child, creates an entertaining duo. Initially, this mismatched pairing might seem like a superficial trope, but Ko’s warmth and innocence gradually bring out the better side of Muri. As the story unfolds, their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and meaningful, transforming what could have been a mere gimmick into a developed dynamic.

The film falters significantly when it comes to its supporting cast. Comedic movies often thrive on a diverse array of secondary characters, but here, the multitude feels excessive and underutilized. These characters end up creating a sense of clutter rather than aiding the story. Additionally, the dynamic between Ko’s parents (played by Bisola Aiyeola and Bucci Franklin), who are burdened with unresolved conflict, is inadequately explored. Their strained relationship, presented as a subplot, is meant to evolve through Ko’s unexpected kidnapping, serving as a catalyst for their reconciliation. However, the film fails to convincingly develop this arc, leaving the parents’ conflict unresolved and their potential growth underwhelming.

Comedy should not only be funny but also resonate with a sense of reality. Muri and Ko aims heavily for laughs, but its reliance on humor often undermines the gravity of its story. The film doesn’t convey a sense of real danger for Ko, lacks tension regarding Muri’s potential capture, and avoids depicting Muri facing serious consequences for his actions. This creates a disconnect between the comedic tone and the more serious implications of the plot. In present Nigeria where issues like insecurity and kidnapping are prevalent, the film’s handling of such themes feels neither poignant nor responsible. The detective’s remark in this movie about ‘Stockholm syndrome’ underscores the problematic takeaway: we’re led to sympathize with Muri, despite his criminal behavior, and root for his escape from justice. While Muri’s accidental kidnapping may elicit some empathy, his thievery and ultimate light punishment raise troubling questions. Are we really supposed to celebrate that he spends only one night in jail, ignoring the broader implications of his crimes?

Muri and Ko excels visually with its portrayal of the rural outskirts of Lagos; the cinematography captures the bustling streets of Lagos with authenticity. Particularly striking is the aerial videography used during the chase scene towards the climax, this effectively enhances the intensity and expansiveness of that sequence. This aerial perspective added to the cinematography of the rural setting, whilst offering viewers a panoramic view that complemented that scene.

The performances in Muri and Ko are notably strong. Kunle Remi, although not entirely convincing as a struggling thug, shines when paired with Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, whose youthful energy and genuine performance elevate their on-screen interactions. Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga’s ability to hold his own against his adult co-star and bring out Remi’s best qualities is commendable, particularly for a young actor. One of the top tenets to judging a skilled actor is by how convincingly they can deliver a crying or heavy emotional scene, and Bisola Aiyeola excels in this regard in this movie. It’s delightful to see Bisola’s evolution from a comedic performer to someone capable of delivering nuanced dramatic performances. Bucci Franklin, while underutilized as the absentee father, makes the most of his limited screen time with a solid performance. Lastly, although given a small role, Bukunmi ‘Kie Kie’ Adeaga-Ilori easily delivers the best comedic moments in the movie, showcasing her knack for humor.

In conclusion, Muri and Ko offers a lively blend of humor and character-driven storytelling that highlights themes of unlikely friendships and personal growth. However, the movie’s treatment of societal issues like crime and family dynamics is underdeveloped, leaving some character arcs unresolved. Overall, Muri and Ko is an enjoyable watch that entertains with its comedic moments, but falls short of fully realizing its potential in exploring the complexities of its story’s landscape.