Witness Gospel Movie Reviews

“A MILE FOR TEN” REVIEW

Impact Global Ministries have come a long way from their first production I saw – Winds of My Will (2022). There has since been a steady line of improvement in the production value. Their latest entry, A Mile for Ten, is a good film for teenagers and youths. Personally, I wish production outfits would always give a heads up before release regarding the form of their films – a short, feature or series. This one is a short that centres on an Igbo family experiencing tough times financially.

Ada is the protagonist here and was remarkably portrayed by Layomi Adebayo. Furthermore, it was a delight to see drama ministers from both the East and West of Nigeria speak the Igbo language convincingly in my opinion. With a smooth-talking friend like Allison, played by Tomisin Esan, Ada begins to engage in deceit, like a physical child and spiritual baby would, innocently and maybe foolishly, trying to broker a deal with the devil. She thinks she can pitch her tent on the edge of a cliff with no risk of falling off. While some may have escaped in one piece, she unfortunately does not get off the hook.

I believe many can relate with the scenario painted in A Mile for Ten – it may be a struggle to make ends meet, but God knows how to settle His own if they stay true to Him. Ada leans on her wisdom and it gets her just that far. She has some level of warning but refuses to heed. And this should serve as one for us the audience too; we would only be better for trusting God and not worse.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvp2pRtkzDA

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

A MILE FOR TEN

(January 28, 2024)

37 minutes

Impact Global Ministries

Cast

Layomi Adebayo as Ada

Chioma Chukwulotam as Uloma

Tomisin Esan as Allison

Obi Pius as Ada’s father

Crew

Director

Damilola Fasesan

Writer

Olayinka Akande

Cinematographer

Sesan Afolayan

Editor

Adisa Tijani

“THE DEFENDER (OLUGBEJA)” REVIEW

Away from the predominant Nigerian Christian film settings, Olugbeja takes us on a journey into the South-South/East region of the country. Also uncommon is its direction into the theme of widowhood, exemplified by Just One Thing (2023) being virtually the only gospel movie on it last year. For me, films like these buttress my opinion that there are countless original stories that are yet to be told through the lenses of the gospel, as against a gravitation towards endless sequels, even when only bare bones of the original story remain.

The movie narrows in on Bimpe, who is subjected to a traditional system in which she is disadvantaged before she is even able to mount any reasonable defence for herself. This is embodied in Bernard, brilliantly played by Ayobami Adegboyega, making a switch from innocent-looking sponsor to formidable villain. I have always admired his acting range: whether as saintly in the Husband and Wife Series or as devilish in Broken Cross (2017), he always puts in credible performances.

Olugbeja highlights that beyond tribalism, Bimpe’s plight is a cultural attitude to women that makes them culpable for their husbands’ deaths. Best efforts in such a repressive system usually prove abortive, until one meets the Warrior who has never lost a battle. And the great thing about the Defender is that like the robust resolution here, He obtains victory in beautiful ways no human could have orchestrated. Personally, I think this is a call for us to draw near to God as many of us navigate the stormy waters of a presently depressed economic system. He is our only hope.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXY0Qw9IgGA

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

OLUGBEJA

(February 1, 2024)

93 minutes

Victory Drama Group

Cast

Peace Adewole as Bimpe

Ayobami Adegboyega as Bernard

Rotimi Amodu as Elder

Olufemi Olusina as Godwin

Feyi Adepoju as Mrs Usman

Crew

Director

Olufemi Olusina

Writer

Yemi Adepoju

Cinematographer

Sesan Afolayan

Editor

Seyi Fadiji

“STRANDED 2” REVIEW

With an open-ended Stranded, a sequel has come as no surprise. Moving on, new characters are thrown into mix, particularly Sharon an interesting one, and Raymond, well played by Dimeji Oladele. For a sizable period, Stranded 2 feels more their story, but aptly subtitled The Spider’s Web, the writer spins a labyrinth of events that connects the dots.

Unforgiveness is still evident here, but degenerates into more negativity in the home. Jenny and David, and Sharon and Raymond are as emotive as pendulums, fickle in their arcs when the other makes a move the one does not anticipate. Their exhausting back and forth shows that their transformations cannot be trusted just yet, until the bone of contention is thoroughly addressed.

I felt that certain lengthy scenes in Stranded could have been managed better, and in Stranded 2, the coverage of characters walking adds to that need for more compactness. The fact that there might be a third partshows how issues can linger in the home when offences are not quickly dealt with and let go of. The movie instructs that the best thing is to let God fight our battles for us; children of God should have it no other way.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX9S8jA32iQ

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

STRANDED 2: The Spider’s Web

(February 25, 2024)

83 minutes

Mount Zion Film Productions and TKP Drama & Film Ministry

Cast

Tokunbo Jarrett as Jenny

Taiwo Adeniyi as David

Mike Bamiloye as Baba

Kehinde Afe as Roselyn

Oluwatomisin Oluwole as Sharon

Dimeji Oladele as Raymond

Crew

Director

Elvon Jarrett

Writer

Tunde Badru

Cinematographer

Damilola Mike-Bamiloye

Editor

Samuel Obikoya

Composer

Joshua Mike-Bamiloye

“PERFECT GENTLEMAN” REVIEW

What a movie this is! I smile anytime I remember Perfect Gentleman because it is just such a good time. I don’t think any other gospel movie has got me laughing like it…ever! And I’m not even sure it set out to be in the Comedy genre. However, the earnestness with which all its characters delivered their lines and acted out the script makes it down-to-earth and downright funny. It is a light-hearted drama that stands miles apart from every other production I’ve seen from GACEM Films. This is an early candidate for my annual Top 10 Gospel Movies list.

I love the story concept, and sometimes, the dialogues are so sincere that I wonder if they were all scripted. Nonetheless, the screenplay must have provided the film with a solid foundation, and I commend the director for this final product. It is just a pity that the screenwriter is not named; I would urge producers to always ensure that no crew member is left out of the credits.

The acting in Perfect Gentleman is just brilliant. There is genuine chemistry between the main and supporting cast, and they all seemed to be at their optimal best. Gbenga Ayoola delivers the serious and comical aspects of his Tola (Silva?) character remarkably, while the banters between Damilare Adedeji’s Sanya and John Oguntuase’s Jacob are loud and hilarious. Ajoke delivers her lines with impressive ease, while Chioma and Mope are laudable foils for Toluwani Ibitoye Fatola’s Eunice, always setting the platform for social commentary.

The cinematography in Perfect Gentleman was commendable. Furthermore, the selected background tunes were very nice, though a singular use alongside onset music repelled. Sound effects that are commonplace (and often misplaced) in (previous) GACEM movies found a home here, though they were eventually overused too. The movie merits its lengthy duration because there’s hardly a dull moment in it.

At its core, Perfect Gentleman is a love story, and highlights the importance of God’s will in marriage and individuals’ roles in actualizing it. Only because this is a key area of the movie would I now point out that their story could have done with a bit more cohesion. In the early stages, Tola and Eunice seemed to be courting, but later, it appeared Tola had only proposed, with Eunice yet to give a response. The movie oscillates between these two standpoints, and that undermines its theme of waiting on the Lord a bit, as well as the logicality of Tola’s quest to becoming the perfect gentleman. Similarly, the accident event and the second birthday were not credible or even necessary in my opinion, thereby making the closing stages rather untidy.

In conclusion, I recommend Perfect Gentleman for your viewing pleasure and blessedness.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXZbW8gozlA

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

PERFECT GENTLEMAN

(February 14, 2024)

120 minutes

GACEM Films

Cast

Gbenga Ayoola as Tola

Toluwani Ibitoye Fatola as Eunice

Damilare Adedeji as Sanya

John Oguntuase as Jacob

Opeyemi Abiodun as Mope

Bukunmi Samson as Chioma

Crew

Director

Adeniyi Famewo

Screenwriter

–

Cinematographers

Damilare Adegoke and Tobi Awodele

Editor

Idowu Ayinde

“INFERNO” REVIEW

2024 may still be in its early months, but we’ve already had a fair number of movies with good stories. Inferno is one such film, and it is refreshing that gradually, more attention is being given to the solid foundation of a good screenplay. Here, Seye Femi-Akintunde crafted one that just lives its own life, not tethered to an excessive consciousness of an audience watching. Through the dialogue and actions of its characters, it builds a story world that we do not fully understand at first, but one that the audience can follow as it unravels, despite its elements of mystery.

Inferno introduces us to the major players early on – Evelyn, Femi, their mothers, and members of the Sect of Honour. From the outset, there is talk of a certain prophecy nearing fulfillment, thereby giving the conflict a constant sense of danger looming. Consequently, each character flows downstream to achieve one thing – getting Evelyn on board. Interestingly though, she proves one too many for them all.

Lara Ayoola delivers a performance that is as irrepressible as her Evelyn character who lives up to everyone’s description of her. Within herself though, she knows she is not all-sufficient. Tobi Olumyiwa is the second protagonist in Inferno, and he produces an assured performance in consonance with his Dare character. Through him, we see the benefits of a good pastoral authority structure – every child of God needs that true church membership and not merely attendance. Furthermore, every other actor is spot-on in their presentations.

A merit of Inferno is its conscientious writing which results in sound biblical doctrine. Similarly, every seeming gap in the plot was eventually accounted for. The dialogue was good, though a few expositions were a tad long. Also, the subtitles on several occasions appeared on screen way before they were spoken, which is against standard subtitle practice. Contrastively, the sound design had a composure and intentionality uncommon to many gospel film productions. It therefore later came as no surprise when this was credited to music and SFX guru, Joshua Mike-Bamiloye.

Inferno puts on display, in a balanced proportion, the manipulations of the kingdom of darkness, and the power of God in the lives of His children. At a point, Evelyn moots that she just wants to live a normal life; this film accurately shows that Jesus is the only source of a ‘normal life’, and that life is an abundant lifestyle of victory over the world, spiritual sensitivity and divine covering.

Summarily, Inferno is a quite a remarkable piece founded on good screenwriting, so much that even what seems like a cameo scene is meaningful and powerful. I lay emphasis on the writing because as basic as this should be for all Christian movies, it has not been the obtainable thus far. I do hope earnestly that gospel films step up in this regard much sooner than later.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7SROXkWFjQ

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

INFERNO

(February 3, 2024)

108 minutes

Faithlift Productions

Cast

Lara Ayoola as Evelyn

Jide Ogunmilade as Femi

Tobi Olumuyiwa as Dare

Olajumoke Akande as Dolapo Oti

Adeoye Omoniyi as Dele Oti

Isaac Femi-Akintunde as Pastor Israel

Crew

Director

Adeoye Omoniyi

Writer

Johnson F. Odesola

Screenplay

Seye Femi-Akintunde

Cinematographer

Sesan Afolayan

Editor

Abiola Babatola Nattytunez

Music

Joshua Mike-Bamiloye

“EWU (DANGER ZONE)” REVIEW

It is always gratifying to watch a production that understands its identity as a movie, and prioritises storytelling. Ewu adopts a leisurely pace in building and establishing its characters, recognising that the audience would ‘naturally’ grasp the film’s theme. I find this approach advantageous because that way, there is no limit to the lessons that the viewers would learn. This is as opposed to productions that are overly zealous to convey a message, resulting in what I’ve recently coined ‘Christian drama video recordings,’ which transform us from viewers to congregants.

The motion picture narrates the story of Dare, who emerges from humble beginnings but, seduced by the allure of wealth in a materialistic society, embarks on a path that yields more than he bargained for. Abiodun Ogundipe credibly portrays the hapless protagonist, while Seun Obafunsho as Richard serves as a perfect foil, embodying the cool dude persona. Even cameo appearances, such as Seyi Pedro-Adetola’s Mama Ajadi, are notably well-performed.

Ewu effectively portrays the scourge of internet fraud and its unfortunate consequences on victims. It is disheartening to witness the joy some derive from causing unwarranted sorrow to others. More repulsive is the spiritual insensitivity that allows certain men of God to accord respect to such unscrupulous individuals. The film equally depicts the transitory nature of ill-gotten wealth and the deplorable fate awaiting those who choose that path in life.

One observation in Ewu, aligning with the world today, is the escalation of despicable actions committed by those in covenant with the devil. It seems like darkness is thickening on this side of eternity. I believe it is a call for those who claim to have the light of Christ to shine brighter, as the Scriptures declare, so that they will never be overcome by evil.

Despite the movie’s strengths, I believe it deserved a more distinctive title than the generic Ewu. The ending could have been tidier, and the subtitles more standardised. Additionally, some interspersed scenes suffered from choppy editing. Nevertheless, I consider the film a worthwhile watch.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6F3f4mS_8o

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

EWU (DANGER ZONE)

(February 14, 2024)

106 minutes

Hope in Christ Film Productions and Ogongo TV

Cast

Abiodun Ogundipe as Dare

Seun Obafunsho as Richard

Adeyemo Samuel as Baba Dare

Bamike Are as Princess

Adeyemi Adepeter Adekunle as Leye

Crew

Director

Adeoye Omoniyi

Writer

Sunday Jokotoye

Cinematographers

Oluwaseyifunmi Awoleye and Ogunniran Inioluwa

Editor

Oluwaseun Obafunsho (Kamari)

“HATIMA” REVIEW

I want to appreciate the Liberty Rural Development Initiative upfront for coming up with this…well, initiative. Christian movies that centre on children and teenagers are not commonplace; so, it is good to see an entry as Hatima. The movie is quite broad in scope and gives a voice to a number of kids who recount life from their points of view. And indeed, it becomes clear to see that one of the groups most looked down on in the society feels the harshness of life just as much, or even more than those who use the same as an excuse for maltreating them. The motion picture adequately portrays this and does well to direct all stakeholders to the source of any meaningful positive change – the foot of the Cross.

Its runtime is audacious in this social media age where there is so much contention for viewers’ attention. Thus, it is important for productions like this to hit the ground running. Hatima would have benefitted from a better sequencing of the plot because it dragged a bit. The opening scenes for example have almost pointless actions that need not be in them. Nonetheless, the story addresses important issues such as hooliganism and other social vices that lure teenagers and youths into captivity.

*Mosiko Remilekun Erinayo and Olabode Blessing as students*

The movie ends on a high, with Victor Olukoju’s (PVO) powerful performance as Prof Tarry Johnson, an influential man sent by God to the little ones. In the same way, I believe there are people that God has commissioned to make a lasting impact in the lives of students. Hatima could serve as a wakeup call for such individuals and groups to rise and come to the rescue of the leaders of tomorrow. The film should also be a revelation to teenagers who dip their hands into the cookie-jar of sin, which is not without its attendant, undesirable consequences.

If all parties embrace the message of Hatima, many more destinies will definitely be salvaged from the orchestrator of all evil in the world today – the devil.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/tVI_S4NxIJw?si=ns3-3D_mY05tjgP4

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
HATIMA
(January 28, 2024)
136 minutes
Liberty Rural Development Initiative

Cast
Gabriel Tife Osunkorode as Shigo
Kayode Owojori as Principal
Victor Olukoju as Prof Taribo
Wole Olaleye as Mr Thomas
Ajala Emmanuel as Tayo
Mosiko Remilekun Erinayo as Linda
Olabode Blessing as Bode
Temitope Dada as Gloria

Crew
Director
Victor Olukoju (PVO)
Writer
Ugochukwu Uchendu (Dr Ugo)
Cinematographer
Tobi Olumuyiwa
Editors
Gabriel Tife Osunkorode and Olawale Akinwale

“IF YOU KNOW MY STORY” REVIEW

Oh, what to say about this movie! I love it for what it is and what it could have been; I believe both are important in evaluating certain gospel movies. The opening scene of If you Know My Story (an in media res of some sort) warms up my heart each time I watch it. It comprised four children “gisting”, and I was enamoured by the high-pitched, innocent verisimilitude of it. The latter part of the dialogue exchange is delightful, accompanied by aerial shots following the characters and sound production that I would consider a hallmark of this movie.

*Gloria (Jnr) and her friends on a hangout*

A title like the one given to this film already sets the bar high for what the audience can expect – a deeply moving story in this case. This is where my opening statements in this review come to play: Gloria’s narrative is indeed touching but does not reach a good measure of potential here, mainly due to an incomplete bridge linking the film’s past to its present. A more cohesive account could have resulted in a wholesome plot with a memorable climax. Nonetheless, I do appreciate If you Know My Story for what it has done and tried to do.

Young Gloria played by Boluwatife Agbaje gave a good representation of her character’s resilience in the face of life’s hurdles. Other children and adult actors did justice to their roles as well. Like I said earlier, the music production for this project is top-notch. I consider the motion picture a very welcome entry to children-based gospel movies that can motivate young ones to exploits in life. This message is one desperately needed in these financially depressing times when it has been mooted that formal education is a scam.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/BEEtws1dKxU?si=N_0JXCsyeALdbUQS

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
IF YOU KNOW MY STORY
(February 6, 2024)
53 minutes
Vision Drama Missions Outreach International and AGD Conglomerate

Cast
Boluwatife Agbaje as Gloria (Jnr)
Adedeji Adekusibe as Father
Sharon Adedeji Adekusibe as Mother
Yemi Bankole as Rahlia
Tomiwa Samson as Gloria (Snr)

Crew
Director
Felix Bankole
Writer
Felix Bankole
Cinematographer
Felix Bankole
Editor
Felix Bankole

“FACE2FACE WITH GOD” REVIEW

Face2Face with God is a well-written story about Chief Gbenro, played by Kolade Segun-Okeowo (KSO). I appreciate this movie because it clearly originates from a concept, a powerful “What if” question. This often prompts the audience to imagine what they would do if they were in the characters’ shoes.

The writer creates a problem for the protagonist that seems like a dead end, instilling a constant sense of imminent danger — a clever way of preserving story conflict and sustaining viewer interest. Furthermore, (s)he does well to raise the stakes by putting the protagonist in even more dire circumstances, which I find brilliant. However, the credits were inadequate, as the writer’s name was not included, and there were inconsistencies in the pre-crawl and rolling credits.

KSO and Adeola Salako as a couple in *Face2Face with* *God*

Chief Gbenro serves as an example of how many people have drowned out the homing signal in their hearts, becoming insensitive to God’s presence. Similarly, some believers have become so busy that they can hardly be still to hear God speak to them. Face2Face with God shows that when push comes to shove, even atheists would realise that God has always revealed His eternal power and divine nature to every individual. Therefore, no man has an excuse before Him. KSO portrays a character who believed he was hurting the one who had wronged him, unaware that he was doing the same to himself. The movie vividly depicts how one can get trapped in their own craftiness.

The acting in Face2Face with God is commendable, complemented by beautiful cinematography and cool lighting. Aside from what appeared to be a brand placement that could have been more subtle, and some editing issues, such as ill-timed reaction shots and premature depictions of the protagonist’s aloneness earlier on, this movie is a commendable one that is hardly predictable. It also chronicles the fruits of a woman’s efforts for her husband’s salvation, and I believe it will bless you.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/Vp-73Xz9DIU?si=yduQElnYujTPHfN6

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits
FACE2FACE WITH GOD
(January 12, 2024)
62 minutes
HPGMEDIA and Red Rose Production

Cast
Kolade Segun Okeowo as Chief Gbenro
Adeola Adedamola Salako as Susan
Toyin Adekanbi as Chioma

Crew
Director
Bola Akande
Cinematographer
Ololade Dotun
Editors
Ololade Dotun and Bola Akande

LUMIERE SERIES REVIEW:

A Case Study of Hot Pepper, Whosoever and The Stony Heart

The Lumiere Series comprises short videos based on the teachings and experiences of Pastor W.F. Kumuyi. The clips are essentially a dramatization of his sermons, which are themselves occasionally heard at intervals, giving the videos some context. They are therefore visual representations, allowing “the word to become flesh”.

What stands out the most in the Lumiere Series for me is its cinematography and editing. Both are top-notch and robust enough to provide the skit-esque videos with a cinematic feel. Whosoever in particular was impressive from the get-go in the first aspect. It’s almost too beautiful for words to describe, the highlight being the 360^o shot used in a scene depicting a face-off between the kingdoms of light and darkness. The opening shot was well suited as well.

The editing not only deals with shots but also encompasses sound design, which is well-executed. In each video in the series, appropriate sound effects and background tunes are used. This is also reflected in the credits as the opening montage plays. Closely linked to this is the insertion of nuggets from the sermons, either in tandem with what is playing out or providing context for it.

While the acting may be considered sufficient, I believe there is still much room for improvement. Strictly speaking, the plot of each story, such as in the resolution of The Stony Heart, should reflect more cause-and-effect. I acknowledge that achieving this is challenging because the videos are based on sermon excerpts. Nevertheless, the dream-within-dream sequence in Hot Pepper was a brilliant plot move/twist.

In conclusion, the Lumiere Series is a set of videos about living the abundant life in Jesus Christ. They serve as worthwhile instructional materials for biblical teachings.