Witness Gospel Movie Reviews

“SHADOW CHASE” REVIEW

Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of Shadow Chase, conceived by Gladys Ehis Ogbe, written by Joshua Bamidele, directed by Adeoye Omoniyi and produced by Femi Adebile. It was YouTube-released on May 22, 2022, and tells the story of Dorathy, a vibrant worker for Jesus Christ, whose courtship has a big question mark behind it.

I believe in the supremacy, so to say, of Story; that is, the core element of any film is the story. You may not have the technology to do computer-generated imagery (CGI); you may not have the recent de-aging techniques; you may not even have adequate resources to realise your movie concept exactly the way you pictured it. The one thing however, that shouldn’t be faulty, the one thing that must stay strong in spite of them, is the story, and with regard to that, I must say that Shadow Chase does give us a solid one.

We follow Dora, played by Gloria Oyinloye, as she tries to navigate her way, desperately trying to cling to the world in her boyfriend, Kunle, played excellently by Tolu Adegbo, while attempting to hold on to her Christian values. As far as God is concerned though, you’re either for Him or against Him; you’re either serving Him or serving money; you’re either His child or the devil is your father. An impossible place to be in reality is the middle of the road where one can easily get run over. The temperature God can’t tolerate is “lukewarm degrees Celsius”, and He spits such out of His mouth. That is the struggle Dora experiences in Shadow Chase and we see how futile such a pursuit is.

Going forward, I would say that music is an aspect that needs to be greatly worked upon by Nigerian drama ministers and film producers. There are too many possibilities in the musical art form than to continue repeating an original soundtrack at the beginning of almost every scene. That’s a no-no for me any time of the day. Also, we need to learn how music (or the absence of it) can be used to aid our storytelling. For example, using the same kind of tune in both tense and comical scenes could be distasteful and does the audience’s enjoyment of the movie a disservice. So, the diversity of sound has to be explored. I pray that God will help all drama ministers to seek mastery in this area.

In conclusion, Shadow Chase is worth your watching and you’ll be left to ponder on some ironies of life and the importance of letting Jesus Christ be Lord over all, and not just over some.

The link to the movie https://youtu.be/IccZF9Bcsyk

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“SPOKEN 2” REVIEW

As paint on a plastered building, “Spoken 2” beautifies its original movie more.

Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of Spoken 2. The movie is a good example of how to write a Mystery. While there is a question to be unraveled, it doesn’t leave any holes that keep the audience questioning the plot. The focus is laser-like and there is only one answer we seek. This is beneficial because it affords the viewer the opportunity for self-examination. You wonder what you would do in the characters’ shoes and how your decisions and actions measure up in the light of God’s word. What a blessing gospel movies are!

The conflict in Spoken 2 is an amplified version of the first. I was kept on the edge of my seat almost throughout the film. The theme of this movie is so well grounded that at the end of nearly each scene, the words on my mind were “This is serious”, and the verity of my thoughts was buttressed when a new character, Pastor Biyi, played by Evangelist ‘Shola Mike Agboola uttered the same words towards the end. The plotting was orderly and easy to follow. Also, the music, particularly the introductory tune, was very good.

Since Spoken 2 was only just released, I’d like to keep this review spoiler-free, not giving away any plot details. While watching this film, I remembered the director narrated on Instagram, how it was God that inspired this sequel; so, it came to my heart that if we regard this film as God speaking to us and we believe His message through it, then we will be empowered by His word in it.

One thing is certain, Spoken 2 will deeply bless you, and shows us that God can bring us out of the knottiest circumstances. If you’ve seen it, please share your thoughts with me in the comments section. The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/3ZEh70lBync

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“ROD OF WAR” REVIEW

Our weapons of warfare are not carnal…

Rod of War is a 2022 movie from PREM Film Production International that illustrates the importance of this knowledge to our walk with God.

Bamidele (played by Kayode Owojori) is a father who wants to initiate his three sons (played by Femi Adebile, Timileyin Adebayo and David Balogun) into a fraternity known as the Supreme cult, headed by Rotimi Amodu’s Supreme. He however is unsuccessful because his sons are rooted in Christ and they recognise what the battle is, where it’s to be fought, and the weapons we have as children of God in overcoming the devil.

In lieu of improvement, movies with occultism as a theme need to do more to portray what the cult is about, the deceptions that might have attracted its members to join, and what should be a fairly large membership. Going forward as well, the sound design needs to be better. Better music production, variety of, and appropriateness of background tunes, and smoother transitions (rather than sharp cuts) between tunes, scenes and periods need to be adopted. Opening scenes also should be made more catchy. Likewise, more than the linear “Join-the-cult – No” plotting that drives the 72-minute movie, there are more elements that should be inserted to make our movies more enjoyable. The importance of accurate subtitling as well cannot be overemphasized.

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“ROUGH ROAD” REVIEW

Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of Rough Road, directed by Ayobami Adegboyega. It tells the sincere story of Apostle Samson Turga, whose best days of existence and ministry seem to be behind him and he is constantly plagued by unrelenting sermons from the devil.

The strength of Rough Road lies in the quality of the filmic choices it makes. In characterization, Jide Ogunmilade depicts Apostle Turga, a humble man who is clearly in a battle against discouragement and depression. The battle is real and fierce; it’s on the battlefield of the mind where he faces a bombardment of untrue factual thoughts. His wife, played by Tosin Ann Oluleye, is up to the task, and provides the encouragement he desperately needs. Yemi Adepoju’s Rev (Dr) Adams is portrayed as an inverse to Turga – both have lost their ways due to prosperity and poverty respectively.

In a similar note, it’s commendable that Turga’s bad thoughts are given a personality – Segun Bamidele’s Mr D – who does a fantastic job at it. Too much exposition usually dulls a movie but Rough Road brilliantly uses Mr D as a functional character too, because he serves as the vehicle through which most of Turga’s backstory is conveyed.

Next, the plotting in this film is symbolic. Nearly half an hour takes place in one scene and firmly roots us in Turga’s plight. This is also illustrative of his life since the accident – static, stagnant and immobile. This contrasts with his numerous past engagements. Likewise, Rough Road uses silence underneath dialogue in his present to contrast the ovation in his past. We literally see the highs and the lows of Apostle Turga and that caused me to wonder at the transience of nature and celebration, maybe even in ministry.

The most exciting part of Rough Road for me was when Apostle Turga received a call, back to the camera, and the caller introduced himself: “My name is Pastor Right”. The name Pastor Right signifies hope, if you’ve been following the Husband and Wives Series. I like the way PRODRAM has been creating some sort of film universe with characters from its series and feature films. Pastor Right’s introduction to this film changed the narrative of Apostle Turga’s life extensively.

Rough Road is thought-provoking and challenging. You’d wonder where the brethren were in Turga’s trying times. We’re shown how to make it through them though, primarily by filling our hearts with whatever would build our faith and restore our hope. Discouragement is one of the obstacles we’d encountered in the pursuit of purpose, and it’s a time that makes recalling God’s past blessings difficult. For everyone on assignment however, the Gospel should be preached everywhere, whether in the palace or the prison.

Alright, that’s my review of Rough Road. Have you seen it? What did you think about it? Please let me know in the comments section below. The link to the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxhhk6Hyjl0

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“NIGHT AFTER PARTY” REVIEW

I believe that the proof of a good actor is the ability to portray contrasting roles equally convincingly. This is what stands out for me in Night after Party, a movie from the stables of Hope in Christ Ministry and Film Production,and Ogongo TV. Here, this introductory statement refers to the Abattoir Series’ Baba Gbenro, played by Moses Korede Are, whom we’ve seen play that godly fatherly role in a number of movies, and puts in a ‘menacing’ performance as Prof Williams. The makeup done to make him younger in a flashback, also, is worthy of commendation.

Night after Party tells the story of Barrister Femi, played by Adeoye Omoniyi, a successful lawyer who fails to acknowledge God and is then subjected to the schemes of the devil whom he glorifies. The movie teaches that only God’s power can sustain a man in any sphere of life. It also illustrates how the opposite options offered by two different mentors can make or mar the rest of one’s life.

In lieu of improvement, the producers should avoid using a single soundtrack throughout a film, which usually has the undesirable effect of dullness. Also, characterization should be better done because the audience always needs a protagonist whose plight they can feel and whom they can root for.

Link to the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zitFjlSwb5U

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“QUEEN ON THE STREETS” REVIEW

Hey folks! I hope you’re all doing well by God’s grace. You’re welcome to the review of Queen on the Streets, a movie written by Femi Adebile and directed by Adeoye Omoniyi. It is an adaptation of the popular book of Esther in the Bible.

When a story of this nature is produced into film, it’s not out of place to compare it with the original events. In that regard, Queen of the Streets does well to adopt a rural setting, while staying as true as possible to the source material. That said, I think the accompanying use of English, a foreign language, mostly spoken in a polished manner by the characters, does its credibility no favours.

The movie remarkably starts with an ink splash transition for the opening credits. I was impressed with the casting of the teenage and adult versions of the protagonist, Gift, which makes use of identical persons. The time-lapse transition used to denote a jump in years, further accentuates the propriety of this choice.

Abiola Ojelabi shone in her Queen Vashti as Regina’s role as she really portrayed that peacock-pride that only bowed at the jaws of death. Seun Oni depicts an ever-hopeful Uncle Fred, while Rebecca Femi-Adebile’s Gift should have been given more to do, considering the fact that the theme song tells us some things about her we don’t see portrayed on screen.

The role of Femi Adebile as the Narrator, or more accurately, a commentator, grew in purpose with each appearance and climaxed at the end of the movie. The plotting of the story however, only allowed for the same tone throughout the film. I think a bit of the grandeur found in Esther Chapter 1 applied to the set design, costumes and scope of the story would have elevated Queen of the Streets to epic proportions.

I appreciate this movie because it gives insight into how to worship God under tough physical circumstances. Also, a vital theme that blessed me from this film is the fact that as followers of Jesus, we have a God who sees us as His children. He hears us when we call, He answers our prayers and amazingly, He actually speaks to us. Surely, there’s no god like our God.

Alright, that’s my review of Queen of the Streets. Please, let me know your thoughts about it in the comments section. The link to the movie is below.

Till the next article, keep shining for Christ!

‘ABATTOIR S3 E2’ Review

Abattoir Season 3 Episode 2 is special for a number of reasons, first among which is the audience being able to sing along the introductory ‘New Dawn’ song of the series, as the lyrics were captioned and impressively well-formatted. The aerial shots of Excellence University used in this episode were all nice, the first of which was followed by a cool press conference setting organised for the leadership of the university. The Registrar, whom we’ve been told is the voice of the institution, expresses his ire against the scourge of kidnapping in the school, which is a sad reminder of the current insecurity in the nation.

My first highlight of Episode 3 was that Flora’s girl-on-a-mission sequence; it was brilliant as she looked so different. Since the end of Season 1, I’ve been looking forward to Flora and Martins meeting again and that prospect drew nearer as for the first time, Flora acknowledges the wrong she did to Martins. She’s now presented herself to be used by God in the way that He wishes, which is a delightful contrast to her initial attempt. I’ve come to the conclusion that only Jesus can give that kind of newness that she’s experiencing. We later see her diplomatic father for the first time this season, once again played by Tunde Oreniyi, who makes comical attempts at tactfulness.

Kazoo is an interesting new character as it’s clear he didn’t like the life he was living but was helpless against it because perhaps, he hadn’t heard the word of God that produces faith. And it is Dele that has been chosen to speak those words. Unfortunately, he flees at the first sight of trouble and ends up in the den of cultists.

In Episode 2, we see more of Rambo, whose quest for power I initially doubted. Here, it’s shown that he is the go-to guy for blood and now rubs shoulders with the high and mighty in the Registrar and former Inspector General Gbade.

Lastly, everything falls through for Durosanya, and Martins on the other hand, is being told to go deliver him. For a second there, I wondered whether Martins had really learnt his lesson after being though the hard knocks of unforgiveness. Perhaps, Durosanya and Martins will meet again physically after over fifteen years, in the next episode which comes up tomorrow, March 20th, 2022. I can’t end this review without talking about that last scene; it was just wow. Indeed, every tongue raised against us in judgment shall be condemned by God.

Till my next article, stay blessed.

“BOTTLED UP” REVIEW

Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of Bottled Up, from Victory Drama Group. It is a film that contains great wisdom for ministers of the gospel, particularly men, in their relations with female counselees. Jide Ogunmilade plays the role of Kunle, who is not sensitive enough to apply the breaks on a relationship fast displaying impropriety till it’s rather too late.

Bottled Up makes it clear in its 44-minute runtime that the boundaries that come with relating with those one ministers to are not to hinder the work, but to ensure that the hedge of fire God has placed around godly marriages does not get broken. I see it as: ministry should not override the machinery of marriage, but should rather respect it. If there is one form of caution or the other from one’s spouse, the least you could do is to consider it carefully. After all, the injunction in the scriptures for believers to be watchful does not exclude men of God.

I like how Bottled Up breaks the gospel films cliché of having male pastors intervene in marital issues. Pastor Dorcas here is effectively played by Evang. Feyi Adepoju, demonstrating a calm and reassuring presence. She emphasises the need for not just prayers, but for patience in dealing with a misbehaving spouse. The film portrays the role of an authority figure over Christian marriages, which makes for accountability and should not be seen as a third-party influence. When Kunle begins to defy that authority, we see that his actions begin to defy logic. The hardness of his heart zones God’s voice out and he becomes a prey for slithering snakes and ravenous wolves.

Thankfully, the church family comes to the rescue and God is able to do what He alone can do in the lives of men – the pleasant sight of deliverance.

Alright, we’ve come to the end of this review. Bottled Up will surely bless you, especially if you serve God by ministering to people in some capacity. The link to the movie https://youtu.be/CPKbSGVt9i4.

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“THE BOND” REVIEW

Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of The Bond, YouTube-released on February 9, 2022. Without mincing words, I’ll describe The Bond as a filmmaker’s delight. It’s been a while that I’ve seen a gospel movie so well-evenly paced, making for a smooth viewing. Everything was well done in its production and this is fast becoming a trademark of films from the Vision Carriers, after the release of the wonderful Laide’s Note in 2019. You can check out its review here: https://witnessgospelreviews.movie.blog/2019/09/11/laides-note-review-a-profound-message-to-christian-ladies/

I can’t remember watching a gospel feature movie in recent times with so much dynamism in its cinematography as this one. Its scenes make use of pans, zooms and tilts to help keep the story moving, making it a real mo-vie. The Bond exemplified that you don’t always need an aerial view as an establishment shot. There was also this wipe transition that made use of a lady walking; something like that shows that the filmmakers are conscious of the need to utilise elements that spice up a movie from time to time.

The acting in The Bond is brilliant, and the characterization is just so beautiful. The protagonist is arguably the group and not just one individual. It gives every major character enough screen time for us to see and understand their plight, and that’s not an easy task to accomplish. The dialogue was down-to-earth and the sound design was well done. I like it when a movie makes use of the power of a montage and The Bond does it brilliantly.

I’m an English Language instructor, and while marking some essays, I would need to keep my red pen perpetually over them because there would be one error or the other to correct, but for some others, I can simply sit back and enjoy what I’m reading with only occasional corrections. The Bond is like the latter that just flows from beginning to end. I kept wondering to myself, ‘Who wrote this beautiful story; who directed this movie?’ Then, the end credits came up: Chioma Chukwulotam directed this work of art and Goodness Adegbola, the teenage Martins in the Abattoir series, wrote it for the screen. I was wowed, but not long after, on my first viewing of the movie, I asked myself what ‘the bond’ then meant. I always watch movies to the very end of the credits, and voila! The verse from which this title was gotten stylishly aligned with the title! Then I understood the movie better and felt blessed the more.

I could wax lyrical on and on about this movie; really, it’s a very good one. It gets its message across with just the right quantity of exposition, which was just perfect. It also treats a variety of relevant themes, especially in a Christian setting – challenges youths go through, self-esteem issues, leadership, hypocrisy, religion, tears behind the altar, the power of prayer, victory by God’s Word, and love and unity as the language that really matters. The Bond is an amazing movie that I would recommend for your viewing pleasure and blessedness.

Alright, we’ve come to the end of the review of The Bond. Is it just me or this movie is as I’ve made it out to be? Please let me know in the comments section below.

The link to the film https://youtu.be/AmSGu9shGPQ

Till the next article, stay blessed!

“MAGDALENE” REVIEW

Hey folks! You’re welcome to the review of Magdalene, directed by Evangelist Mike Bamiloye. It tells the story of Edward and Magdalene, whose marriage seems to have been built on the faulty foundation of deceit on her part.

After a rather slow and long first act, Magdalene picks up pace when the door to the couple’s home opens. The fact is that Edward is flat out disappointed; he’s completely disillusioned that everything he thought he knew about his wife has gone out the window in the first month of his marriage, so much that he does the unthinkable by physically abusing her. However, after a counselling session almost crippled by an avalanche of insults traded between the couple, Edward displays remarkable patience and gentleness to communicate with his wife. This breaks the wall of ice between them and gives her the platform to open up on any other dirty secret she might have.

Magdalene emphasizes the importance of transparency and truthfulness in both courtship and marriage. The truth here is portrayed as a weapon which can silence enemies of godly unions. In my view, the movie gives answers to the question raised in the Scriptures about what the righteous can do when the foundation is destroyed: you rebuild on Christ, the Solid Rock, the Chief Cornerstone; you can set boundaries as Magdalene does for her mom. The genuine love that Edward has for Magdalene eventually covers her multitude of wrongs.

Some things worthy of commendation in Magdalene include the slightly more dynamic cinematography than in recent Mount Zion productions, the cameo of Olasunkanmi Solomon from JATEM Global Network, the turned tables at the end, the credits rolling as the movie’s curtain falls, and the film’s soft soundtrack – “Take me as I Am”.

In Magdalene, Patience stills the storm, Truth breaks the shackles, and Love wins in the end.

Alright, we’ve come to the end of the review of Magdalene. Have you seen it? What did you think about it? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.

The link to the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3QF4p1KG14

Till the next article, stay blessed!