Witness Gospel Movie Reviews

“GOVERNOR’S PLEA” REVIEW

Governor’s Plea is quite a story to watch. It offers a portrayal of the profound depths of evil that can ensnare an individual when succumbing to the devil’s influence. Particularly within the political sphere, Senator, portrayed by Jide Ogunmilade, relentlessly pursues political power at any cost, leaving viewers to question whether the price he pays is truly worth it.”

Accompanied by Nike Owah’s Abike who delivers a stellar performance, she emerges as the shining light of Governor’s Plea. Notably, Owah successfully embodies the role of Mama Gbenro in the Abattoir series, a significantly older character; yet here, she excels in her portrayal of the anti-hero. Credit is due to the makeup artist and costumier, whose work contributes to making Abike’s character credible.

The film heavily relies on flashbacks to gradually unveil Abike’s background and significant past events. The twist presented at a certain point in Governor’s Plea is solid, and the film’s runtime is deemed appropriate, although some road scenes could have been omitted. Similarly, the opening scene invests too much time, action and dialogue that seem less relevant to the overarching story. The theme song, played from the outset, fails to align with the story’s actual direction, setting misleading expectations.

Governor’s Plea serves as a poignant wake-up call for the electorate, highlighting the consequences of allowing stylish bribes to dictate political choices. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for Christians who wish to delve into that arena without compromise.

The link to the movie is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6c4CR9fK4

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

GOVERNOR’S PLEA (January 21, 2024)

67 minutes

Grace Revealer Ministries and Converter Movie Production

Cast

Jide Ogunmilade as Senator

Nike Owah as Abike

Wole Olaleye as Sejedomi

Ishola Stephens as Arole

Idowu Oluwaferanmi as Mama

Crew

Director

Wole Shoyinka

Story

Converter Adeyemo

Screenplay

Ayoola Olutayo

Director of Photography

Quadri Kazeem

Editor

Bolaji Ajala

“LOST IN TRANSIT” REVIEW

Lost in Transit is a part of the Lumiere Series, which comprises short films from the Deeper Christian Life Ministries. The first few minutes of the movie were exciting for me because of the dynamic cinematography and editing that were in play even before a word was spoken. The music in those moments was also well placed. Settling down to the story proper, it tells the tale of a family in crisis that has boiled over to breaking point.

The dialogues that ensue are interspersed by nuggets presumably from Daddy W.F. Kumuyi’s sermons concerning the home. The appropriateness of this in a sense, I think, depends on what the purpose of the video is. In that line, Lost in Transit is an instructive short film on how the family can be successfully run. All parties have their role to play in this. It was particularly touching for me to witness the couple’s daughter’s reaction to the strife in her parents’ marriage, which accurately reflects how the proverbial grass suffers when two elephants fight.

To the couple’s credit, they have a place to run to for help. This is a system that seems to be lacking in many homes. A lot of people just attend churches, but have not yielded themselves by consensus to spiritual authority, preferring to seek counsel from bias third-parties. Lost in Transit does well to project this ideal for Christian couples. With structures like this in place, homes will navigate boisterous winds better and become more mature in the Lord.

Apart from the production outfit names and the fantastic title display though, no other credits like the cast or crew names are displayed. Also, the heavy reliance on telling and less of showing gave it more of an educational video feel than a filmic one. These need to be improved on going forward, because based on what I saw in Lost in Transit, this series of short films has the potential to be somewhat cinematic.

Conclusively, Lost in Transit is a clear example that whatever the stage, God can turn bitter things into better things.

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

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Nigerian Association of Gospel Film Journalists Commences Media Tour, Visits THE NATION Newspaper

The Nigerian Association of Gospel Film Journalists (NAGFiJ) has visited an award-winning media outlet, The Nation Newspaper, as part of a media tour organized to build connections and broaden its influence.

The association’s delegates performed a unique visit on Thursday, December 14, 2023, during which they were given an extensive overview of The Nation Newspaper’s main facilities. Also disclosed were the organization’s working methods.

The NAGFiJ team, led by President Oluwafemi Dosu, gave an introduction to the organization and its mission, which is to enhance gospel film journalism while fostering professionalism and togetherness.

In response, The Nation Newspaper’s News Editor, Mr. Bunmi Ogunmodede, gave the NAGFiJ team a hearty welcome.

He emphasized that the media outlet publishes newspapers in three separate places around the country. Its headquarters in Lagos service the Southwest, the entire North, and the entire South-East and South-South.

Ogunmodede praised NAGFiJ’s ideas and said it would help the group develop. He emphasized the value of online platforms in the current environment and urged the association to keep doing its excellent job in online reporting.

The Nation Newspaper’s Deputy News Editor, Joseph Jibueze, explained everything of the newspaper’s operational processes, from gathering stories to printing them.

Adam Ibrahim, The Nation Newspaper’s Website Officer, shared insights concerning the way the website is run and news is sourced for a news outlet of this size.

Ekaete Bassey, a business reporter with years of experience in the online section of the media house, shared the intricacies of how the online section operates. She guided the NAGFiJ members through key facilities such as the TV Studio, library, printing press, online department, Sporting Life (a sports newspaper publication under The Nation Newspaper), and Gbélégbọ (the Yoruba version of The Nation Newspaper).

Health Reporter Mrs. Chinyere Okoroafo also shared her experience and knowledge regarding the operations of online social media and strategies for improvement.

As a token of appreciation, the NAGFiJ team which also includes Foluke Adebola, Damilare Daniel and Ajibare Abioye presented a framed symbol representing the relationship between The Nation Newspaper and NAGFiJ.

The Nation Newspaper, boasting numerous awards, including Newspaper of the Year 2023 and Editor of the Year 2023, has received recognition both locally and internationally.

“NOTORIOUS” REVIEW

The movie Notorious is an addition to an array of recent films that have to do with area or car-park louts. This one tells the story of Local Master, played by Ishola Stephens. It uses its first scenes to establish his notoriety, carrying out a number of social vices, with his aversion to the gospel well-documented. However, he encounters his match in a street evangelist, with a direct confrontation that gives us insight to his life experience.

Local Master’s backstory makes us see that the only reason men let us down is because we lean on them (pun intended). The only One that can never fail and whom we’re to look up to is Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Also, we’re to strip off every weight that so easily trips us up and run the race with endurance.

While this visit to the past explains a lot, his turnaround is rather rapid, with three-quarters of the movie still to go. On another note, as a gospel movie reviewer, the sheer number of films that I watch is enough for me to constantly be on the lookout for those that have that X-factor. I am a firm believer in the thought that every Christian movie can be special, and as a screenwriter as well, it’s one of the first things I establish about my stories. I just wish Notorious had brought a bit more to the table.

Nevertheless, the movie later on presents Local Master with what would be a very tough decision for anyone to make. And I like the way it’s not made the typical fairy-tale ending.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/UcvqQrO6D8g?si=IweVH52inrxrgA0k

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

NOTORIOUS (November 17, 2023)

68 minutes

Converter Productions

Cast

Ishola Stephens as Local Master

Jide Ogunmilade as Converter

Tolu Adegbo as Apostle Fred

Olumuyiwa Fawole as Bullet

Ayo Jegede as Dagger

Crew

Story

Converter Adeyemo

Screenplay

Ayoola Olutayo

Director of Photography

Quadri Kazeem

Editor

Bolaji Ajala

Soundtrack

Muyiwa Gabriel

Director

Wole Shoyinka

Producer

Converter Adeyemo

“BOPE BOYA SEASON 2” REVIEW

With the debut season of Bope Boya picking up steam in its finale, a second was worth anticipating. This new season fully establishes the dangerous Pastor Paul as the protagonist, devoting a great percentage of runtime to displaying his idiosyncrasies and shenanigans, all well portrayed by the talented Femi Adebile. The performances of his louts are also noteworthy. Furthermore, new foes arise, importantly Teni, out to get Pastor Paul for a past wrong. Another is Apata, whose whole subplot I opine was largely inconsequential and could have been completely omitted for a better-fitting plotline.

Three scenes into Bope Boya Season 2, Pastor Niran’s daughter (whom I claimed in the Season 1 review “seemed to have vanished into thin air”) resurfaces, thereby creating a wider gash in the plot. Her place here is however of a cameo at best, and I sincerely think that the dilemma her father is in – sacrificing her as against running mad – would have made for a more viable story. The theme of how a minister of God might navigate (un)successfully through his challenging circumstances was what drew me to the series in the first instance. It gradually became though, and in this second season, has fully become the Pastor Paul show.

As it turns out, the enigma has no story goal strong enough to drive a series. Consequently, he just shows up in scenes being his brash self and adding next to nothing to the plot. Other characters also just do things in scenes, without the required cause-and-effect relationship that transforms isolated occurrences into narratives with depth and meaning.

I know it is not impossible this series isn’t over yet. If (and whenever) that might be the case, I would suggest the filmmakers critically reexamine the previous seasons to first of all determine IF there’s a STORY that NEEDS to be told, and then ascertain if it’s strong enough to anchor another season.

Pastor Paul’s words at the end of the season are worthy of note, and emphasise the need for children of God to be steadfast in their calling. Yes, challenges of life will come, but our Saviour, Jesus Christ, has assured us that He has overcome the world. So, we can be of good cheer, knowing He’s got our backs.

The link to the full season is https://youtu.be/Oh-A104ROCg?si=afdid6yTrK1jD8N3

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Bope Boya (Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, 2023)
65 minutes/episode (avg)
PREM Film Productions International

Cast
Femi Adebile as Pastor Paul
Moses Korede Are as Pastor Niran
Yemi Akande as Ewenje
Favour Otoji as Daniel
Mercy Afolarin as Teniola
Oluwarantimi Ibiyemi as Apata

Crew
Screenplay
Femi Adebile
Cinematographer
Tobi Areo
Editor
Francis Fashikun
Director
Joshua Oladejo

“UNFORESEEN DOOM” REVIEW

“Unforeseen Doom” seems to be the sequel to a movie released last year, “The Lord’s Prayer” and continues a little while after it. Kunle and Lizzy begin their new lives together, which is what they both wanted from the time we’ve known them. Unfortunately, this desire becomes a disaster soon after. With the introduction of new characters such as Kemi, Timothy and Eben, a related subplot is created through which the other aspects of what is referred to as the Lord’s Prayer are further examined.

If there are things I wish this production had done better, they would be in one way or the other connected to the story. Even before that, two titles are shown within the opening credits at different points, which I must say was rather confusing. At the end of the day, I could only wonder whatever doom it was that was unforeseen in the movie. Also, it was rather unsettling to see the captions on many occasions providing stylistic differences to what the characters were saying, maybe in a bid to correct ungrammatical lines. But then, that was the thing: those dialogues were already correct! Furthermore, there was a preponderance of short scenes, which just don’t help in character or plot development. The lack of ingenuity of sound design in the first movie continues here, and gets more so when The Lord’s Prayer soundtrack plays even in a scene that takes place in a shrine. Importantly too, some of the core events of the story beggar belief.

“Unforeseen Doom” goes to quite some extent to show that there are ancestral battles that occur in the lives of children of God, that only the power of God can set one free from.

“DEAD LIFE” REVIEW

Renowned American film critic, the late Roger Ebert once said that he preferred to evaluate a film on the basis of what it intended to do, rather than what he thinks it should have done. For a movie like Dead Life however, I deem both measures necessary to do it justice.

I would say right off the bat that despite having quite some room for improvement, I believe this movie achieved many things it sought to do. The story itself has got to be one of the best I’ve seen this year. Fundamentally gospel narratives aren’t widespread, but this is one, and Dead Life does as much as it possibly can with it.

A good story cannot result in a good movie without the right talents to act it out. I hereby celebrate God’s grace on Abosede Ilemobola as the female lead of Dead Life. Her Folakemi is quite the compelling character and her performance in itself is a selling point for the movie. She had good onscreen chemistry with male lead Dipo Eltrinati as Francis, whose delivery of weighty lines with practical panache gave credence to the production. Coupled with its intentional cinematography by Kunle Adepoju, this motion picture is a visual delight.

Though I consider Dead Life a very good film as a whole, it could have been truly so in all ramifications (and I say this in order for future film projects to surpass it) with better video and sound editing. Rough and prematurely conclusive transitions, and gaps between scenes disrupted the flow of the narrative at times. Also, too many cuts and unnecessary, repetitive flashbacks could have made its runtime a bit more compact. Finally on a note of propriety, I think the inclusion of a rating system should now be on the horizon for gospel movies; this one for instance contains drug use scenes which may be unadvisable for young audiences.

My major takeaway from this film as a believer is that God is always working behind the scenes for our good. As a metaphor, Dead Life is a great movie, a true gospel, love story if I ever saw one.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/jUutsEXI3Dg?si=K-edru3XN68RTLJb

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
DEAD LIFE (July 9, 2023)
92 minutes
Redemptive Frame-works

Cast
Abosede Ilemobola as Folakemi
Dipo Eltrinati as Francis
Moses Olatundun as Ijoba
Afolabi Dipeolu as Baba Fola
Olufunbi Lasebikan as Chief Kalejaiye

Crew
Screenplay
Mike Ilemobola
Director of Photography
Kunle Adepoju
Editor
Mike Ilemobola
Director
Mike Ilemobola

“HE IS ALL THAT MATTERS 2” REVIEW

So, He Is All That Matters gets a sequel, and it is quite a story. It’s gradually becoming a norm for me to firstly appreciate EVOM-involved films for their excellence in plotting stories. That is because time after time, I see this being done, which makes me know that it is a skill that can be developed and sustained. Thus, gospel films need not lack structure. I would also like to commend Tsitsi V. Himunyanga Phiri Simpito for a tasking story concept that birthed the screenplay of the film. It called for a lot of aptness in its chronology and I believe that was well-executed.

In the first few weekends of next year by God’s grace, I’ll be gracing our screens with compilations of quality in the different aspects of 2023 films. With regard to sound design, the He Is All That Matters movies have a sure place on that list. The underscore in particular, which refers to the musical accompaniment that supports the dialogue and action in a film without overpowering it, used in some of its conversation scenes always enhanced their emotional impact on me. Likewise, it’s beautiful to witness how silence could be so effective in similar contexts. This goes to show that film audio production is more a matter of application, than quantity of music resources.

This second movie opens with what I would consider a paradigm of how fallen Christian soldiers in the battle of life can be brought back on track from their dark moments. I believe that this pleases God because He is very keen on reconciliation and restoration. He didn’t send Jesus to the world to condemn us, but to save us. Church leaders would do very well to watch this movie: with the way Moses’ case was handled, I can only see more people standing firm in the faith, and not them falling away. Not only that, He Is All That Matters 2 reveals hidden pitfalls that could make believers become easy prey to the devil in their earthly race.

Furthermore, I have seen a number of sequels that deviate from the concept of their original movies, very likely because they were in a sense, forced on their predecessors. Nothing shows this more clearly than a seeming irrelevance of the original title to such subsequent movies. I am glad that He Is All That Matters 2 maintains the premise of the first movie. It is a strong enough foundation to carry one or two more films with relative ease. I believe that it’s a virtue knowing when a franchise has run its course and bringing the curtain down on it. I’ve witnessed productions unable to do this gradually lose their way.

Generally speaking, He Is All That Matters 2 is heavy on flashbacks, in a bid to give insight to the backstories of her characters. Inevitably, there was a lot of exposition in this movie, but it was managed through oscillations between visuals of the past and the present.. Such elucidation in movies often risks viewers’ attention, and just at that time for me, I sensed it was building up to something. This livened things up and I must confess that the end it delivered was worth it, especially discovering it before the characters themselves.

This motion picture provides a lot of enlightenment for believers. I learnt that spiritual maturity is in the way we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and fight for us. If truly He is all that matters to us, we won’t have any problem obeying His instructions. That’s simple, but profound, and could reveal where God stands on our priority list. The spirit of discernment is indispensable in living a victorious Christian life, for the enemy would do anything to keep us from constant communion with God.

Finally, it’s sad that those who should be parents over their children’s destinies have become poachers of the same. And that is one of the reasons why this whole world needs Jesus: for every Femi out there who was rescued, there are also Towelas that still find themselves stuck in the mud. If we reach out to people around us with this Good News, we will be like our Father in heaven, who is always in the business of bringing people back into a loving relationship with Himself.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/lUJSUO-lduU?si=oGuNfZtzeeGk5abG

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
HE IS ALL THAT MATTERS 2 (July 21, 2023)
96 minutes
EVOM World Network & Ignite Global TV

Cast
Gbenga Ayoola as Moses
Lara Ayoola as Mercy
Yomi Rotimi as Towela
Esther Taiwo as Eunice (Young)
Femi Olusina as Felix Dabo
‘Shola Mike Agboola as Holy Spirit

Crew
Story
Tsitsi V. Himunyanga Phiri Simpito
Screenplay
‘Shola Mike Agboola
Directors of Photography
Sesan Afolayan
Editor
Seyi Fadiji
Music
Tomisin Agboola and Jesuferanmi Agboola
Director
‘Shola Mike Agboola

“THE WEDDING WEEKEND” REVIEW

Blake Synder, named “Hollywood’s most successful spec screenwriter” explained in his best-selling book “Save the Cat” that a great title must have irony and tell the tale. The Wedding Weekend does just that. The beautiful opening montage sets the pace for this production, but unlike what I regard as Damilola Mike-Bamiloye’s vantage Setup for movies, the bone of contention surfaces in the first scene, a pointer to what unresolved matters in the past could do if they are not brought to light at the right time.

One of the first things that stood out for me in the movie was the dynamics of its dialogue. What could be the uniqueness of female vocal expression, and lovers’ communication styles, which are common phenomena in our society, are typified. These, coupled with batches of quippy lines, make The Wedding Weekend some fun to watch. Similarly, it adopts a technique I don’t think I’ve seen before – using voiceover dialogue in a flashback scene where that dialogue could have been onscreen. I salute this idea because it gave room for something I’ve hardly seen Joshua Mike-Bamiloye as a film composer do: playing the movie’s original soundtrack during the film. Of course, that produced an emotional effect in the audience in what must have been a defining moment in Pastor Daniel’s heart.

What’s more, this motion picture is a testament to aerial shots not being the only way to establish new scenes. With its brace of locations, it seamlessly moves from scene to scene with a handful of dissolve transitions, cuts and exterior shots of the wedding venue, making creative use of limited settings. Speaking of the wedding, I deem it necessary to alert Nigerian viewers in particular that the concept of Introduction in the film’s world is not the one we’re used to, and that context needs to be taken into consideration for proper understanding.

The acting in The Wedding Weekend was credible. Rosemary Adio for one renders her frenemy-esque Valerie with authenticity, showing that ability to switch between contrasting emotions in a twinkle. In a real-life situation, after the wedding festivities were over, Gabby would possibly reach out to her with the offer of salvation. Played by Tumise Falana, she is as strong-willed a female character as I’ve ever seen who constantly faces off with her “I didn’t raise my voice” lover Marvin, whose mother and brother also play their parts in the tense and light-hearted moments of this production.

Marvin is one complex character, and like an onion, the screenwriter peels off his layers to reveal all that is beneath his impulsive and secretive exterior. This offends his father and fiancée at different points and brings them into unforgiveness. It always amazes me that though it’s in God’s nature to forgive, He places so much premium on forgiveness that He won’t if we don’t. True believers should therefore search their hearts and pardon anyone they might have held in that state. I opine though that a visualization of Pastor Daniel’s ill-health at some point in The Wedding Weekend would have concretised the toll bitterness was having on him.

The Wedding Weekend shows the power of new life in Jesus. As the Mary Magdalene character in The Chosen Season 1 puts it,

I was one way…and now, I’m completely different. And the thing that happened in-between was Him.

Only Jesus has that 360 degrees transformational effect on any man. However, it is important that those we may be bringing into our lives are put in the know of the old life. It’s not only because it’s fair to them, but also because our enemy, the devil, has a knack for bringing up the covered/abandoned unpleasant past into our present. There’s also a note of warning when reuniting with old-time friends with whom you might no longer share the same values. Regaining lost trust might not be easy in relationships, but with the Holy Spirit working in our hearts, there’s no broken bridge beyond His mending power.

Conclusively, I loved the end credits that were interlaced with the closing scene we’d all probably wanted for Marvin and Gabby all along.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/YjyTss1fyIg

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
THE WEDDING WEEKEND (July 9, 2023)
73 minutes
Flaming Sword Ministries International and Mount Zion Film Productions

Cast
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye as Marvin
Tumise Falana as Gabby
Rosemary Adio as Valerie
Wole Adeyi as Pastor Daniel
Antonia Orji as Rebecca Daniel
Imuetiyan Omere as Edmond

Crew
Screenplay
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Directors of Photography
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye and Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Editor
Francis Dairo
Music
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
Directors
Wole Adeyi
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye

“SURRENDER 2” REVIEW

In search of the right words with which to begin, I believe Ephesians 1:18-19 (MSG) does it best:

“I ask…the God of glory to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally…so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for His followers, oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us who trust Him – endless energy, boundless strength!”

These expressions just about capture the way I feel about Surrender 2. It’s a movie that I went days off before watching a second time because its theme was so heavy on me that it took that much time to sink in.

The message is a very strong “What would happen if…” a supernatural hypothetical, if I may. One that, according to Robert McKee, a storytelling expert, “floats through the mind, opening the door to the imagination where everything and anything seems possible.” Better than that though, is that with faith in God, it IS possible, and our world will be an infinitely better place if God’s children rise to the challenge this movie poses to us.

One of the things I loved about Surrender as a sequel to 12 Years and A Day was the way it adapted two separate biblical narratives and wove them into each other. I was excited at what New Testament event would be next, but Surrender 2 doesn’t take that route. As much as I looked forward to that, I could only feel a bit wistful but with no melancholy because the film more than held its own with brilliant acting and down-to-earth, easy-to-follow dialogue. I’m saying in essence that Surrender 2 has a lot going for it already with excellence in its message and dramatic credibility.

Personally, I think that character-driven stories are easier to plot than event-driven ones. Surrender 2 however has given me some insight into how to do the latter successfully, without breaking the linear module of time-space continuum. It threads the eye of the needle fastidiously to reach a convergence for its three or more (sub)plots. That was quite a feat in my opinion, knowing how easily my mind picks up the slightest stray strand in any storyline.

As I said earlier, Surrender 2 is a challenge to all believers. It made me realize how much more I need God’s strength and help to make good on His investment of life, light and fire in me. It buttresses and illustrates the application of the move kick-started in David’s room in the preceding movie. I strongly recommend this movie for all Christians, so that we’ll truly experience that level of impact God desires for all His children in Christ Jesus.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/84P0DtpPNYg

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits

SURRENDER 2 (June 29, 2023)
63 minutes
One Goal Academy

Cast
Ifeloju Alakija as Pastor Keji
Presh Talker as Abigail
Oluwatomisin Abiodun as Tinu
Nnanya “Narnia” Agwu as David
Nifemi Akinpelu as Lara
Otunde Olusanya Chris as Baba Matthew

Crew
Screenplay
Dupe Olorunjo
Director of Photography
Aderemi Adebayo
Editor
Wole Ajetomobi
Director
Dupe Olorunjo

You could watch the video of this review below: