Witness Gospel Movie Reviews

“NO TIME TO DIE” REVIEW

“No Time to Die” is an instructive production on village evangelism, particularly for youths. More than that, it highlights the need for all believers to die daily to the flesh, so that they would not open their lives up to evil spirits.

It was nice to hear a few lines of dialogue being spoken in Igbo language in the movie. I would also like to commend Peace Adelakun for nailing the character of the mysterious Chinyere. She was made up to look the part and her delivery of lines aided this too.

With great advancements in movie production in the present world, the onus rests on gospel filmmakers to always deliver their best anytime God gives them the opportunity to. The least to be done (and I’m not saying this should be the target) is to get the basics right. The first scene of “No Time to Die” features a troupe dancing out of sync to drum beats most likely placed during post-production; that is not the first impression of your movie you want to create in the minds of the audience. In the long run, that prelude was inconsequential and its insertion is debatable.

Italics are a style of typeface used for special purposes such as to emphasize or distinguish certain words or phrases in a text. Their designation in subtitling is for internal thoughts, emphasis, foreign words, and titles of books or movies. In recent productions from PREM, they are being used for every line of dialogue and description. This is inappropriate and standard subtitling practice should be adopted for subsequent productions.

The role of music in filmmaking cannot be overemphasized. While the score for “No Time to Die” was melodious, its repetition in most scenes is baffling; it made me feel I’d been watching the film for long period of time. It was even used underneath a place where the characters were already singing songs of their own; the result was discordance. The movie was interesting but could have been more with intentional use of music (and this includes silence). Since the song was produced for the film, I believe the editor could have had access to its different components on request, and even if those were the pieces alternated, the end product would have been much better than this.

One key element of screenwriting is structure – the opportunity to build a string of connected characters and events. It is advisable that feature-filmmakers use twenty-five percent of their story to meaningfully set its foundation, which includes character development. While watching “No Time to Die”, I kept wondering who David (the protagonist in my view) was, which shouldn’t be. I’m in no way saying Nigerian gospel movies need to use more time (On the contrary, I opine that if a good number of them have better screenplays, we’d have shorter, more enjoyable films), but attention should be given to constructing a solid Act 1 of their stories.

The movie is right to caution believers about lifestyles that foster the activities of demons in their lives, but I feel its execution could be misconstrued. Covenants kick-started with a complimentary thought? Words consummating a marriage union? These beggar belief, though there might be an element of verity in them.

Furthermore, I must confess that as someone who loves movies, it’s painful to watch how the film medium is evolving into something different in a number of gospel movies. This is a chiefly visual medium we’re talking about here, and I wonder why a film would still need a sermon to tie it together. Similarly, exposition in gospel films ought to be used delicately; else, it usually just becomes a belabouring of the (maybe) obvious.

Conclusively, “No Time to Die” shows us the importance of sensitivity in the spirit and to God’s word per time. We need this so much because there are many things we will never know otherwise.

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

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits
NO TIME TO DIE (May 7, 2023)
81 minutes
PREM Film Productions International

Cast
Femi Akindayo as David
Femi Adebile as Timothy
Peace Adelakun as Chinyere
Kayode Owojori as David’s dad
Afolabi Dipeolu as Pastor

Crew
Writer
Femi Adebile
Cinematographer
–
Editor
Adewole Segun
Director
Femi Adebile

“BELOVED” REVIEW

“Beloved” is a movie beautiful in many regards – the character development, picture quality, aura and music. The opening scene nicely settles you into the lives of its characters, made more credible and enjoyable by the live band’s performance. The cinematography was neat and the settings were well-managed. The make-up was also well-done and as a whole, this is a beautiful production with beautiful people.

The story revolves around Toni, a sweet Christian as can be, whose faith, heart of worship to God and gentleness serve as a catalyst for real change in the lives of people around her. Only a life of selflessness can bring about this kind of impact. The movie also shows the importance of bringing up one’s children in God’s way. Closely linked with this is a nice reveal it makes at the end.

“Beloved” bears a trademark of its writer – using multiple character groups to address a single theme (or similar ones), which actually creates more lessons for the audience to be blessed with. For the sake of the film’s pacing though, I consider it better not to have many B-story characters and/or themes. On this occasion, Pastor Lawrence’s self-glorification, Mama’s idolatry and Toni’s brethren’s loss of hope need not be given priority in scenes and dialogue. Focusing on Toni and her same-compound neighbours might have given a better, tighter plot, and a more organic inciting incident than her sickness. In the latter’s vein, it’s necessary to state that the fact that God used it for His glory should not be taken as Him being the source of it; we simply don’t know how it came about.

Nevertheless, Toni’s maturity in faith, even in the face of her sickness and Michael’s infidelity, causes a chain reaction of good tidings. The arcs experienced by all characters are solid and thus, the movie has a beautiful end. Conclusively, “Beloved” shows that no situation is too much for God to turn around, if we trust Him.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/QNDG28qKftg

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits
BELOVED (April 30, 2023)
129 minutes
Impact Global Ministries

Cast
Adeola Salako as Toni
Daramola Kayode Babalola as Michael
Seyi Pedro-Adetola as Febi
Gbenga Ayoola as Yele
Mosiko Remilekun Erinayo as Fidelia
Moses Korede Are as Pastor Lawrence
Shade Airebamen as Pastor Lovette

Crew
Writer
Damilola Fasesan
Cinematographer
Sesan Afolayan
Editor
Adisa Tijani
Director
Damilola Fasesan

“MELITA” REVIEW

My review of “Melita” is unique because on one end, it does something PRIOR to its release that I believe should be the model for gospel movie releases on YouTube. Hence, this article is a preview and review rolled into one.

Generally speaking, if not otherwise stated, I expect gospel movies released on YouTube to be feature-length. So, whenever they have turned out to be shorts, episodes, parts, or worse still, seemingly having no identity, I’ve momentarily been disheartened. This has been the case on some occasions over the past few years. I’ll be quick to acknowledge the fact that due to the fast pace of our present world, audience retention has become more imperative on YouTube. This includes nailing viewer-engagement as well as the right duration. These have birthed the splitting of Christian movies into two or more parts – an effective method.

The thing about this system though is its threat to the conventional meaning of a sequel. To keep things orderly, I hereby propose that feature movies split should have ‘Part’ attached to them. For instance, a film titled “Bent” will be labelled “Bent Part 1”, “Bent Part 2” and so on. This would be different from “Bent” and “Bent 2” which would represent the original movie and its sequel respectively. “Melita” does just that – it was announced BEFORE release as a four-part film. I regard this as being respectful to viewers’ expectations. Imagine this wasn’t done, and you got to the end of the first part, only to be asked the question you weren’t meant to answer: “What next?” I often feel gobsmacked anytime that happens.

From the outset, “Melita” was billed to be a big production. The large and varied cast, expanse of location, media coverage, publicity and theatrical release corroborate this assertion. I therefore wasn’t surprised by its total runtime. I don’t mind the duration of a feature film much, as long as it’s engaging enough. “Melita” however utilises a loose storytelling structure which inevitably had sequences of the motion picture that dragged.

For me, the movie’s grandness stands out most in its digital settings which were thoughtfully executed. Another highlight of “Melita” was the tremendous amount of classical pieces rendered, making it some kind of musical.

The message of “Melita” is simply JESUS, the One whom no appellations could suffice to describe. A prominent aspect portrayed in the movie is the cost of being His disciple. Though the price might seem high, of greater glory is the beauty of His plans, which unfold as we obey Him every step of the way. When we eventually see what He had in mind all along, we cannot help but stand in awe of this God whose name is Wonderful.

The links to the movie are https://youtu.be/uL6_TDnQgRI https://youtu.be/BfMiyF4mrGI https://youtu.be/pz436-zkFXQ https://youtu.be/KeV915uA9-8

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits
MELITA (April 9 – 30, 2023)
196 minutes
TRECOM Worldwide

Cast
Adeoye Omoniyi as Jogun
Sola Oyin-Adejobi as Samuel
Kolade Segun-Okeowo as Balogun
Seyi Pedro-Adetola as Mary
David Kola-Okeowo as Kedusha
Daramola Kayode Babalola as Prince Aderopo
Emma Mould as Rachel
Funmi Kola-Okeowo as Sarah

Crew
Writers
Tola Bolaji, Daramola Kayode Babalola and Ayo Olaleye
Cinematographer
Ben Ope Johnson
Editors
Gbenga Eniola, Sunday Ojo and Bukola Balogun
Composer
Oluwajuwon Johnson
Director
David Kola-Okeowo

“THE ENCOUNTER” REVIEW

“The Encounter” is a production from the collaboration between the travel agency popularly known as UfitFly and drama ministers now tagged Ufitfly Drama Ambassadors. This is subsequent to the release of “The Wonderful Name” in 2020, and it’s an improvement on that one because of the use of Nigerian scenes to balance out any limitations in cast and crew that might have been. It tells the story of Edward, whose focus on his undesirable circumstances clouds his perception such that even a sponsored pilgrimage to Israel feels like a burden.

Isaiah 40:30 states that even youths will become weak and tired, and this is the state Edward is. The natural emotion is therefore discouragement, but egged on by Yemi Adepoju’s Kennedy, he is somehow in the right place at the right time to receive an encounter with God. It’s not totally smooth sailing because of course, the devil had a pull on him in the wrong direction, and only mercy pulls him through.

“The Encounter” is an encouragement for children of God to be steadfast in their walk with God, for He has promised us an expected end. So, we’d be doing ourselves a big favour by having that expectation. Constantly being on the lookout for what God is going to do is the key to actually encountering Him.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/GXghz0j0xw8

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits

THE ENCOUNTER (April 28, 2023)
42 minutes
UFitFly Drama Ambassadors and Absolute Success Travels and Tours

Cast
Ayobami Adegboyega as Edward
Yemi Adepoju as Kennedy
Kolade Segun-Okeowo as Macaulay
Rotimi Amodu as Pastor

Crew
Writer
‘Shola Mike Agboola
Cinematographers
Sesan Afolayan and Ayobami Adegboyega
Editor
Seyi Fadiji
Composer
Tomisin Agboola
Director
‘Shola Mike Agboola

“JUST ONE THING” REVIEW

“Just One Thing” is a story about Isabella, a widow who has to deal with different challenges in the aftermath of her husband’s demise. The movie is an instructive embodiment for couples’ financial and material relations, as well as for our faith-walk with God.

Though it’s not the most recent of developments, this is the first time I’ve been chanced to commend the new ministry name display of PRODRAM: it’s aesthetically fantastic and is surely one of the best you can find around. There is a way this usually sets the tone for a viewer’s perception of the movie to come, and this one generally offers positive vibes.

“Just One Thing” presents the dire situation that Isabella and her daughter, Omotoke, are in. Much more than that though is the portrayal of what churching done right could look like. Pastor Right’s church assumes a strong support system for them, and even when the totally unexpected happens, Isabella is able to pull through victoriously, holding on to the pillar the clergy provide.

I always ask a particular question within myself whenever a believer is passing through a sorry scenario as this – the relatives of the diseased are so heartless and attempt to reap where they did not sow – and it’s about the place of that believer’s spiritual cover in that circumstance. Many Christian films reflect that children of God only contact their shepherds when the matter has already gotten out of hand, whereby the outcome would have been better if their pastors had been involved earlier. I pray that churches in the world today will correctly represent Jesus in this regard, and I also thank God that “Just One Thing” has accurately conveyed the desirable structure.

Finally, the production highlights the power of thanksgiving, particularly when it would not make sense to any rational being. If believers would get to do this though, they would truly be counted among the most blessed people in the world.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/dI3Ks46-DxY

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits

JUST ONE THING (April 21, 2023)
76 minutes
PRODRAM Productions & Divine Touch Bible Church International

Cast
Ann Oluwatosin Oluleye as Isabella
Didara Adebayo as Omotoke
Ayobami Adegboyega as Pastor Right
Olabimpe Adegboyega as Pastor Mrs Right
Yemi Adepoju as Uncle Ben
Femi Olusina as Francis

Crew
Screenplay
Ayomide Aina
Cinematographer
Sesan Afolayan
Editor
Tunde Ola
Director
Ayobami Adegboyega

“RECITATION” REVIEW

There are certain times that the more I watch a movie, the deeper my viewing experience of it becomes. “Recitation” falls into that class because, for one thing, several different aspects of its production stand out; secondly, it is, in a sense, a dream come true for me. I’ll explain in the paragraphs to come.

Some years ago, while trying to get a feature film to show children at an outreach, there seemed to be a scarcity of productions geared towards secondary school students, for we had exhausted the few at our disposal within a short period. Enter “Recitation” in 2023, a solid production that fills that gap, feeds hungry souls and hopefully, is one of many more children gospel movies to come. Furthermore, its protagonist is a real life teenager, played beautifully by Femi Omidiwura, and was joined by other children ministers in credible performances.

Of course, one of the major highlights of “Recitation” is its cast list that features the beautiful gospel skit couple, The Winlos; what a pleasant sight to behold! Personally, I’d silently hoped we’d see them and Evangelist Osagie Ekhator in the same production someday, being from the same region of the country. My first encounter with him was in “Costly Games” (2009) where he memorably plays Kola. Here, his delivery of lines in pidgin English was spot-on and one of the things that lent credence to this motion picture. Moreover, for the first time in a feature film, I believe, Jay and Josh make a cameo in just the right scene that suits their peculiarities.

I think that the sound design in “Recitation” is a step-up to an already-excellent film music pattern in Mount Zion movies. The scores were robust in composition and gave off an atmosphere of grandeur in application, especially when used with aerial shots of the school setting. I would say this was exemplified by the fact that the “Baba is Here” tune pack was used in contrasting scenes; yet, it achieved just what was needed for each – the pain of rejection and need for hope, and the elation of victory and its attendant relief. I don’t know how that worked but it did. And that score nearly always moves me to tears.

One of my big takeaways from “Recitation” is that when we pray, we experience that there’s nothing God cannot do. Very importantly as well, when Jesus is the One living in us, then, we too are able to do all things. I hereby encourage anyone who doesn’t have the life of Christ in them to invite Him in; He will come and make His nothing-is-impossible power operational in your life.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/0FzSG3eyMnU

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits

RECITATION (April 9, 2023)
88 minutes
Mount Zion Film Productions

Cast
Femi Omidiwura as Testimony
Ohis Ojeikere as Mr Francis
Osagie Ekhator as Papa Osamudiamen
Anwinli Ojeikere as Mama Osamudiamen

Crew
Writer
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Cinematographer
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
Editor
Victor Otegbade
Composer
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
Director
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye

“HE IS ALL THAT MATTERS” REVIEW

I know I must have said this before, but if you want to watch a Christian movie that is well-thought through, well-plotted and well-presented with little or no hassles, EVOM World Network productions are one of the best you could go to. I always appreciate their focused storytelling; even the most knotted plots are usually presented in a comprehensible way and never all over the place. “He is All That Matters” is particularly a special offering because it’s the brainchild of a collaborative effort between them and Ignite Global TV. And the result, I must say, impacts me almost every day.

I think this has been the case for me because its message just seems to provide the solution to every challenge a believer could have. I remember having a similar experience watching “Jailer” (2020) the first time, because it emphasized how every other thing pales in comparison to God’s word and presence, for the obedient. Once any man has these from the Lord, that’s more than enough to get him experiencing God’s peace on every side.

The movie tells the story of Moses and Mercy Ademulero, who seem the perfect couple for good reason – they’re genuine children of God. I wish the opening scene which showed them celebrating their wedding anniversary, reflecting on how they met, had been made juicier by showcasing what must have been a delightful proposal. Their happiness is however threatened when Mercy in particular has to make a choice between truth and falsehood – that’s if she can determine which it is anyway.

This situation delivers a solid conflict that I believe would task any viewer that puts themselves in her shoes, maybe even raising a few eyebrows on the way, especially for those with a merely humanistic standpoint. Nevertheless, as Matthew 11:19 (MSG) says, “Opinion polls don’t count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” That’s Mercy’s testimony at the end of the day.

A word on the technicalities: I was impressed by the neat, varied cinematography employed in “He is All That Matters”. Also, I propose that the full details of the theme music in the end credits of the film is the model for all Christian movie production outfits to follow. It is often said that a movie’s final output is a product of the director, and I must say that this is a well-directed movie.

Saying more than this would likely be giving away one too many details; so, I’d just go ahead and affirm that “He is All That Matters” will engage you and bless you. May the Lord’s blessings continually rest upon the ministries in Jesus’ name.

The links to the movie are https://youtu.be/8iWYmwBIVUs and https://youtu.be/wTj1XPi4Psg

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Film Credits

He is All That Matters (February 3, 2023)
82 minutes
EVOM World Network and Ignite Global TV

Cast
Gbenga Ayoola as Moses
Lara Ayoola as Mercy
Gbenga Adekeye as Bande
Yomi Rotimi as Towela
‘Shola Mike Agboola as Holy Spirit

Crew
Story
Tsitsi V. Himunyanga Phiri Simpito
Writer
‘Shola Mike Agboola
Cinematographer
Sesan Afolayan
Editor
Seyi Fadiji
Composers
‘Tomisin Agboola and Jesuferanmi Agboola
Director
‘Shola Mike Agboola

“THE LETTER” REVIEW

Prophetic Revelation Drama…that is what “The Letter” is. This term refers to a production that is directed mainly at servants of God that minister at the pulpit. As propounded by Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, it’s not common because a producer gets to do it strictly on God’s instruction. Thus, this movie explores in detail different un-Christian acts of ministers of God.

“The Letter” begins with a prologue that on its own could carry a feature-length movie; it ministered greatly to me just by showing workers on a farmland make different choices that would shape their destinies. They were simply living their lives, as we are here, and the viewers are very likely to be able to identify with one or more of the characters. This would therefore call for introspection and make us sensitive to the kind of things that can derail us in the journey of life.

The motion picture then launches into the lives of several ministers of God, with two of them sent by the King to bring the others back on track. To achieve this, “The Letter” engages in a lot of exposition; I wish it had employed the storytelling approach adopted in its prologue, which might have involved focusing on far less minister characters with interconnectedness in plot for a smoother following of events.

The reactions of the different ministers to the letter that was supposed to bring them back into alignment shows the diverse states of the heart one could have. While it’s not the easiest thing in the world to start in ministry, more vital and tasking is finishing well. This is a call for all true servants of the Almighty God to guard their hearts with all diligence as they act as God’s hands, feet and mouthpiece, so that on the day of reckoning, they would not be told, “Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity”. (Matthew 7:23)

The links to the movie are https://youtu.be/raS-zfy708E and https://youtu.be/T3D9MiupmnA

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits

The Letter (January 22&29, 2023)
140 minutes
Impact Global Ministries

Cast
Victor Olukoju as Evangelist Gabriel
Gbenga Ayoola as Daniel
Seun Adejumobi as Theophilus
Emmanuel Oye as Pastor Badejo
Adeoye Omoniyi as Pastor Fred
Wole Olaleye as Holy Spirit
Omolara Ayoola as Kemi Taylor
Tunde Owah as Pastor Lala

Crew
Writer
Damilola Fasesan
Cinematographers
Sesan Afolayan and Biodun Williams
Editor
Remi Oluwafemi
Director
Damilola Fasesan

“LOVE PRISON 5” REVIEW

The “Love Prison” movies (or episodes) finally came to an end in a part where all the ‘conflicts’ see resolution and every mystery is unravelled. Most important of all for me, Kola and Bimpe get to be the couple they ought to have been for a long time, and it was quite pleasing to see her stand up for her husband in court.

That said, the ‘big secret’ between Grandma and Kola reveals a basic loophole in the original plot: it isn’t possible that the first time they met was when she came to plead Bimpe’s case. How could Kola and Bimpe have gotten married and he wouldn’t have met any of her family members? Now, it turns out they’d even met before he became a corps member and raped Bimpe, when he was an undergraduate. It just doesn’t add up and I think this is because “Love Prison” (as some other gospel movies) does not determine what it wants to be from the outset – in genre (love or crime) and form (a franchise, a limited series or a seasonal film) – and this usually affects the plotting of Nigerian Christian movies.

Another key event worthy of note is how the Pastor more actively just comes on the scene and everything falls in place. I’m not saying it’s not realistic but that does two things: one, it shows that every other ‘Christian’ in this movie is spiritually immature and incapable of hearing from God themselves, which shows they don’t really experience any growth or development throughout the movie. Two, it amounts to the movie leaving plot holes as pseudo-clues for the audience (particularly in the four sequels), but at the end of the day, the movie itself fills them up and all we do is watch it ‘do its thing’.

It wouldn’t be holistic not to spare a thought for the plot that drove the last three parts of “Love Prison” – the murder of Okanlawon. A string of arbitrarily arranged events culminates in him still being alive in bad mental shape, and returned to his mom perfectly sane; how did all that happen? Not a lot of credibility is offered in the way of answers to that.

It was good to watch the Behind the Scenes clips, which shows that a lot of work was put into the production of “Love Prison”. I believe that a review of this limited series by the producers would result in great improvements in subsequent productions.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/vM4eY94060o

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits

Love Prison 5 (March 26, 2023)
54 minutes
GACEM Films

Cast
Seun Adejumobi as Kola
Olatunde Omowunmi as Bimpe
Toyin Huvenu as Grandma
Ayo Asiribo as John; Adedeji Adekusibe as Pastor

Crew
Writers
Oluleke Ajagbe and Adeniyi Famewo
Cinematographers
Kehinde Aroke (Eklips) and Paul Faleye
Editor
Kehinde Aroke (Eklips)
Director
Adeniyi Famewo

“OUR WEDDING NIGHT” REVIEW

“Our Wedding Night” on the surface, has a thoroughly interesting premise. Even as I write this review, I’m amused by the sort of commotion presented between the protagonist couple, Collins and Charity. That ‘wedding night dress’ she had on was one for the ages. Rebecca Femi Adebile plays the character’s feigned ignorance of marriage consummation so well that I almost believed her. The importance of openness in courtship about one’s past is clear to see here, and while some of these old events are insufferable, such are still better handled before marriage, rather than to enter the union with any form of deception. This especially should not be the case among children of God. I found that first act of the movie hilarious in concept, and it was a nice setup.

With the introduction of B-story characters, Malvin and Sarafina, the tone gradually changed to one that conveyed the actual gravity of the conflict. However, when these two entities are given physical form, questions about their identity spring up and are left to the judgement of the audience. For me, the story nosedived from this point, as was the monotonous tune that accompanied the ensuing dialogues. I say so because a lot of things point to them being evil spirits; yet, they recall events of our protagonists’ lives as though they are all-knowing, while also convicting them of their deception, which is impossible for agents of darkness to do.

Similarly unlikely and more surprising though, is that the intending couple wake up from the same dream, believe everything in it as true, and want to call it quits because of that. This points to the need for measured character development: if Collins and Charity are spiritual babies, the latter act might not be a shock, but we don’t really know who they are. Likewise, since we don’t know who those spirits really are, it’s better not to even question their motives for what (maybe) was a manipulation of dreams.

A quick word on the subject of dreams in Christian movies generally: I opine that their use be reconsidered where they would constitute a major part of the story. Sometimes, it’s more beneficial for the audience to see in film reality, how characters would navigate their tough situations in a Christian way, rather than the writer pulling them out of it through the dream motif when the going gets tough.

The redeeming force for “Our Wedding Night” was the film’s third act, which contained the powerful target message. That section was enlightening as it gave a balanced teaching on the role of God’s mercy in the affairs of our lives. I believe this would be particularly helpful as children of God make the transition from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/z38_vyolZQM

Till the next article, stay blessed!

Credits

Our Wedding Night (March 26, 2023)
58 minutes
PREM Film Production International

Cast
Asegun Oluyemi as Collins
Rebecca Femi Adebile as Charity
Femi Adebile as Malvin
Glory Adebile as Sarafina
Oluwaseyi Adebile as Pastor

Crew
Writer
Femi Adebile
Cinematographer
Francis Fashikun
Editor
Francis Fashikun
Director
Femi Adebile