Since Mauritania’s Timbuktu made the list of nominees for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014, it’s been cricket sounds for African films at the Oscars.

The nomination announcement yesterday saw no African film on the list of movies nominated for the Best Foreign Language film and we really don’t know why.

Although the category is mostly dominated by European films (they’ve won 56 awards since 1947), several amazing movies have been produced by different African countries since 2014 and the absence of all those films is mildly disheartening.

See a list of all the movies that have made the list below.

1969- Z (Algeria) Won
1975- Black & White In Colour (Ivory Coast) Won
1995- Days Of Glory (Algeria)
2004- Yesterday (South Africa)
2004- Tsotsi (South Africa) Won
2006- Days of Glory (Algeria)
2010- Outside the Law (Algeria)
2014- Timbuktu (Mauritania)

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/african-films-miss-out-on-2017-oscars.html

Ace movie producer, 2016 most bankable actor and the only one to be featured in the top three highest grossing movie in Nollywood history (30 days in Atlanta, a trip to Jamaica and the wedding party).

Setting his own records and breaking them himself. A few days ago, Ay Makun announced his next movie project, christened "10 days in sin city", a trip to South Africa. Not until yesterday was my attention drawn to the fact that just few days to his announcement, had i written up a post about the three possible location AY could take his fictional character of Akpos to.

Adventures of Apkos: After Jamaica where next?

I name dropped Brazil and Hollywood California, but choose...............

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/ay-makun-is-very-predictable.html

Following the Ibibio-set Ayamma is another costume drama set, this time, in a Yoruba community; King Invincible. The first 2017Nollywood film to show in the cinemas,King Invincible gives us a refreshing and unfamiliar story that kicks off the year well.

In this small village called Ayipada-oba is a King, Aderopo, who is strong and valiant. When the people of Atupa, a neighbouring village, steal from his kingdom, he doesn’t care that he is advanced in years, but goes out to war with his men, including his grandson Adetiba and a slave, Taari. Aderopo returns wounded, and his son, Adewale must rule in his stead. Because Taari was brave at war, saving the lives of his people, Adewale adopts him as his son, and gives him his daughter, Princess Morenike’s hand in marriage. Everything seems to be going well until greed and lust set in, and then there is a curse that puts Taari’s life in shambles and a quest for power that threatens to destroy Adetiba.

The opening scene welcomes you to something promising. The conversation seems very traditional but unforced, and it leaves you smiling, rubbing your palms together with glee at what is about to be a tasty feast. You are taken away from that to a different place for a while, and then you are returned to it, and the dots begin to connect till everything is made clear. King Invincible manages to be unpredictable, following a completely different route from what the audience would naturally expect.

The love between Morenike and Taari is one of the things that stand out in this film. It is pure and innocent and would plant excited butterflies in the pit of your stomach. Omowumi Dada as Morenike is graceful. She renders her character love struck and creates raw chemistry with equally impressive Tope Tedela, who plays Taari. There is a moment when they touch without looking, and both their eyes are closed but connected in such a way that melts your heart. Theirs is a love you not only see, but feel. It is a love you remember.

Bimbo Manuel is King Aderopo. Mike Abdul, who makes his film debut and remarkably too, is King Adewale. Gabriel Afolayan plays Adetiba, the prince. Jude Chukwuka gives an incredible interpretation of his role as Priest. Toyin Alausa plays a rather insignificant role as the queen. Peter Fatomilola plays Adeyemi, and Segun Dada plays Kolawole, his son. Every one of these actors gives stellar performances in their rights, and makes the entire film convincing.
However, Peter Fatomilola forgets his lines one too many times.

While one applauds the ingenuity of Femi Adisa’s story (which I hear was conceived about thirteen years ago), one is made to wonder at its disappointing and somewhat rushed resolution. There are no gaping plot holes that aren’t properly explained (well, perhaps the distance from Adeyemi’s home on the outskirts and the village itself is taken for granted on several occasions), but the expectations of the viewer is cut short, leaving him with a frown on his face when the credits roll. Perhaps this is because, while Oba Airi (who undoubtedly is God) is often regarded as loving, he is portrayed as vindictive and unforgiving. I think that, in a bid to make the movie unpredictable, Femi may have shot himself in the foot, passing a message that is the direct opposite of what was intended. Or perhaps it is the intended message alright: that Oba Airi does not forget. One is hardly sure.
Its faults notwithstanding, the film is a delight. It carries with it a faith-based undertone that isn’t shoved in your face, and can be enjoyed by all and sundry alike. The stunts coordinator(s) have done a fantastic job of making all the fight scenes utterly believable. And enjoyable. For the first time in a long (and I mean, really long time), I clap at the authenticity of the fights in a Nollywood movie.

King Invincible shines brightly story-wise and performance wise. It is entertaining (there is some over-stretched humour in there somewhere by Emmanuel Ilemobayo who is cast as the village drunk) as it is rich, its many eulogies and fitting cultural music splattered all over it. The costume and makeup is commendable, and so is its sound and picture quality. King Invincible is a good movie to begin the year with, and we can only hope that the coming movies keep up the momentum
70%

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/movie-review-king-invincible.html

"Star Wars" saga has a title: Episode VIII will tell the tale of "The Last Jedi"

Lucasfilm on Monday released the title without additional explanation. The film, directed by Rian Johnson, is due in theaters on December 15, 2017.

"We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: Star Wars -- The Last Jedi," the studio said in a statement.

Episode VIII is due to pick up the action where 2015's "The Force Awakens" left off -- with Rey (Daisy Ridley) handing Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) his light saber on a remote mountaintop.

That begs the question: who will the Last Jedi be?

The unveiling of the title immediately prompted speculation among fans: would it be Skywalker, Rey or both (as Jedi can be singular AND plural).

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens," released in late 2015, earned more than $2 billion worldwide, according to boxofficemojo.com.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," a standalone movie in the saga released late last year, has so far raked in more than $1 billion at theaters around the world.

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/next-wars-film-has-title.html

There is a very thin line between a good film and a mediocre one and most films easily find a home on either side of that line. Either the acting performances are impressive or they leave a lot to be desired. The story is either captivating or makes you roll your eyes to the back of your head. On only a handful of occasions does a film tow that line perfectly and with the grace of a tightrope walker. Those films find themselves in a very rarely charted grey area that boggles the mind. Films like this just leave you confused, because you find yourself simultaneously applauding and groaning at it.

Ayamma is a film that finds itself in this grey area. It is at times a good bit of story telling and at other times, a convoluted mess. Sometimes the characters seem well rounded, but then just go ahead and betray their very being. It is a film that annoys you and impresses you at the same time; it leaves you loving it and hating it in equal measure. Such is the internal conflict that arises from watching Ayamma; a film with a star-studded cast of award-winning actors and produced by Nollywood heavyweight Emem Isong. It shouldn’t make me feel this way, but it does..............................

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/movie-review-emem-isongs-ayamma-is.html

Originally scheduled for July 21, 2017 release, Universal Pictures have set a new date for the release of the musical movie.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES RECENTLY SHARED A BEHIND THE SCENE VIDEO FROM THE SET OF THE UPCOMING 3RD INSTALLMENT OF PITCH PERFECT

The video goes behind the scenes with the cast as they kicked off shoot of the movie on January 23, 2017.
The behind-the-scene video features the Barden Bellas as they rehearse their choreography for the film.

Previously scheduled to be released on July 21, 2017, the musical comedy sequel will debut in theaters on December 22, 2017.
Written by Kay Cannon, who penned the first two films, upcoming sequel will be produced by Elizabeth Banks.

"Pitch Perfect 3" is expected to see the return of Anna Kendrick, Britanny Snow, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Katey Sagal, Ester Dean, Kelley Jakle and Hana Mae Lee.
It will also feature Ruby...................


http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/the-bellas-are-back-in-new-video.html

2016 was undoubtedly a year in which Nollywood witnessed remarkable improvement not just in the quality of films produced but also in terms of box office revenue.

Nigeria’s filmmaking industry also got massive recognition in the form of a City-to-City feature of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) where seven Nollywood films screened to sold out audiences in Toronto, Canada.

Twice, in the period in review, the existing Nollywood box office records were broken while revenue from Nollywood cross the N1 billion revenue mark despite the economic recession being witnessed. First by AY Makun’s A Trip to Jamaica which usurped another AY film, 30 Days in Atlantabefore surrendering the position to ELFIKE Collective’s The Wedding Party – a film that has crossed the N200 million mark in revenue.

The hefty box office figures means that several questions are being asked about what really went “good”. Was it down to the quality of films? Was it because these films are comedies? Did cinema goers pay more to watch these films? Have Nigerians finally woken up to the goodness of Nollywood?.............

http://abspad..com/2017/01/how-much-nigerians-were-willing-to-pay.html

Following the Ibibio-set Ayamma is another costume drama set, this time, in a Yoruba community; King Invincible. The first 2017Nollywood film to show in the cinemas,King Invincible gives us a refreshing and unfamiliar story that kicks off the year well.

In this small village called Ayipada-oba is a King, Aderopo, who is strong and valiant. When the people of Atupa, a neighbouring village, steal from his kingdom, he doesn’t care that he is advanced in years, but goes out to war with his men, including his grandson Adetiba and a slave, Taari. Aderopo returns wounded, and his son, Adewale must rule in his stead. Because Taari was brave at war, saving the lives of his people, Adewale adopts him as his son, and gives him his daughter, Princess Morenike’s hand in marriage. Everything seems to be going well until greed and lust set in, and then there is a curse that puts Taari’s life in shambles and a quest for power that threatens to destroy Adetiba.

The opening scene welcomes you to something promising. The conversation seems very traditional but unforced, and it leaves you smiling, rubbing your palms together with

http://abspad..com/2017/01/movie-review-king-invincible.html

76 is a period film set around events that led up to and came after the failed coup attempt of 1976 in Nigeria. In order to cast light on this, we are told the fictional story of Captain Joseph Dewa, a disgruntled soldier who recently arrived at an army barracks in Ibadan to reunite with his very pregnant wife, Suzie (Rita Dominic).

He is also welcomed by his old friend and fellow soldier played by Chidi Mokeme who gives a surprisingly impressive performance as Major Gomos. Gomos takes Dewa out for a night in the town where they discuss their mutual dissatisfaction with the country’s military and Gomos invites Dewa to meet him for a secret meeting later that night. Little does Dewa know that he won’t be attending just any odd meeting: he’ll be attending a meeting to discuss a military coup and the assassination of numerous high value targets including the military Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed. Thrown into this coup plot, through no fault of his own, Dewa tries to escape being implicated and expose it, but with even his closest ally a part of it, he’s left not knowing who to trust or who to run to in this truly thrilling story.

There’s a duality to the story told in ’76. Some could say that it is two separate films in one: The first, a thriller about a patriotic soldier unknowingly getting wrapped up in a coup attempt. The second, a drama about the wife of this soldier ..........................

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/w-e-are-in-dimly-lit-prison-cell.html

Mike Ezuruonye outdoes himself on this one, stepping away from the Nollywood fine boy stereotype he has been stuck in for many years. It is brave, especially because doing comedy in Nigeria is super dicey. First, people already have a perception of you, and when you go outside that, their expectations go through the roof. But then again, if you excel at this, like Rita Dominic in The Meeting or Funke Akindele in Jenifa, you earn their respect for a long long time. Mike must have realised he had to go hard or continue to wait for the next fine boy role he has handed down to him, so he took the plunge and produced his own movie.


Directed by Charles Uwagbai and co-created by Mike Ezuruonye and Juliet Ochieng, Brother Jekwu is the story of a village champion from South-Eastern Nigeria dissatisfied with his village life. He begs his cousin, Nwakaego (Angela Okorie), to ‘show him how to catch fish rather than give him fish’. She obliges him and takes him to Kenya. He has to go through the unthinkable, which include joining a criminal gang, going missing, becoming a maid and landing in a psych ward just to keep body and soul together. In the end, he returns to Nigeria a different man, but with just the same terrible English he has always had................

The story bears an insane similarity to AY’s A Trip to Jamaica, and in some ways Osuofia in London and Jenifa. In all of them, a ‘bush man’ goes to a different, more enlightened city, bad English, mannerisms and all, to try to find a life for themselves. Just like the character Akpos, Jekwu gets obsessed with some girl way out of his league. He gets involved with a dangerous set of people who are set to take his life. Of course, in both films, the culprits are apprehended, and the protagonists get to keep the girl, even though Jekwu’s is a different one from the one he is obsessed with. In both, they get to chant something (In Akpos’ case, ‘Warri’ and ‘Their Father’, in Jekwu’s, ‘Happy Happy!’ and ‘Sadam and Gonnoreah’). And let’s not forget the famous ‘dream scene’, where both of them see their crushes sashaying out of a body of water towards them in a swimsuit.

Brother Jekwu starts out very funny. It doesn’..............


http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/movie-review-brother-jekwu.html

2016 film Dinner, directed by Jay Franklyn Jituboh, follows a pattern of movies that showcases an event where things start out well but begin to go wrong all of a sudden. Movies such as this are faced with the risk of being too fabricated or overly contrived, and this is where Dinner fails, but I am getting ahead of myself.

Ade Jnr and Lola are getting married. Ade decides to invite his two closest friends for a pre-wedding dinner. Mikey flies in from Abuja with his girlfriend, Dianne. He would be the best man. Richard ‘Richie’ Boyo is in Lagos with them, and works for Ade’s father’s company. He comes alone. Lola probably has no friends; she probably doesn’t even have a maid of honour, but that’s none of my business.

At the door, Dianne is introduced to Ade and they stare at each other like they have seen their favorite cake smeared with shit flavor. It’s obvious they have history. Richie comes in next and there is that look yet again, and who does he share it with? Dianne! He calls her phone......

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/movie-review-dinner.html

Following his outing in the 2016 movie "The Grudge," Odunlade Adekola is starring in a new comedy movie titled "A Million Baby."

The upcoming comedy drama stars Adekola alongside Ada Ameh, Ayo Binta Mogaji, Tony Akposhere, Moradeke Adegboyega, Seun Akindele, Omobola Akinde, Ibukun and Ire Salako.

Produced by Moradeke Adegboyega and Olakunle Oni, the movie also introduces newcomer Tayo Oluoti.

pla
"A Million Baby" was shot by Jeleel Adegbite and directed by Sunshine Olawore for Just Distinguish Productions.

The movie which would make its debut in cinemas tells the story of Janet (Moradeke Adegboyega), a comfortable family woman who loves to give and help the needy.

A simple mechanical issues lands her in the company of Morufu (Odunlade), Mama Oyinye (Ada Ameh) and Johny (Tony Akposhere).

However, Janet fails victim of her goodwill.
pla

Odunlade is a talented Yoruba actor popular for movies like "Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo," "Baba Super," "Ila Owo," among others.

No official release date has been announced.

Ralfoosha:


I read the blog and I must say you are right. It's a strategy that works in Nigeria.
It's rather sad that it's only in Nollywood we need to have star-studded movies to make a hit in the cinema as against having 2 top billed actors, but again, hey, this is Naija. I just still can't phantom a trip to Jamaica sitting in some Amvca award categories... smh for both of them.

the issue is that AMVCA is based on the intrest of the people, what the audience buys into. so until Nigerians start showing interest in others genres of movies we might be stuck with this mediocrity for some while.

DangotePikin:
You people should leave this minor alone!

she should stop giving people a reason to talk about her..........

Its no news again that Kemi Adebita's film "The Wedding Party" is the Nollywood film that is presently topping the charts and making rave in the cinemas at the moment. Such is evident in the fact that my two last post before this has been solely about the movie making this it's third straight single post.

In this post we will be analyzing the reason as to why Kemi Adebita The Wedding Party was able to over throw Robert O. Peters A Trip to Jamaica (spoiler; or not so much of a spoiler again: The Wedding Party has grossed over 200 million Naira in just 16 days). First get the facts straight, no other genre of movie besides comedy will be able to perform well ( in terms of reaching and surpassing the 100 million mark) in the present Nigeria situation.

Its understandable to an extent. with all the challenges Nigeria is faced with at the moment, its understandable why an average Nigerian person will prefer to pay to watch a comedy flick that will relive him of the burden of the Nation for a few hours than pay for a movie just for the sake of its all round awesomeness. (evident in Kunle Afolayan's CEO movie that premiered just months within the same time The Wedding Party and A Trip to Jamaica did).

Ay's movie have been holding up to the no 1 spot for two years now, performing the trick with two movies back to back until The Wedding Party came calling. Now this two block busters are both in the comedy genre, so what did The Wedding Party do right?

It's a simple trick that Don Omope and Ijeoma Agukoronye knows that Ay Makun refused to apply in his movie. You see when a Nigerian........

http://abspad..com/2017/01/fall-of-mighty-why-trip-to-jamaica.html

Unionised:
Happy for her.

Na husband remain...

lolz, not always tho, theres still alot she can do...

The Wedding Party, a 2016 Nigerian romantic comedy drama film, directed by Kemi Adetiba that premiered on 8 September 2016 at TIFF Toronto and on 26 November 2016 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos and started showing on cinemas in Nigeria from 16 December 2016, has grossed over Two Hundred Million Naira after just sixteen days of showing in the cinemas against a Sixty Million budget.

The Wedding Party has over thrown AY Makun's A Trip to Jamaica, which previously held the record for the highest grossing movie in Nigeria with a record One Hundred and Sixty Million plus.

The Wedding party follows the shenanigans that go on during the planning of a wedding in Nigeria. Dunni a 24 year old art gallery owner and only daughter of her parents, Engineer Bamidele and Mrs Tinuade Coker, is about to marry the love of her life, IT entrepreneur Dozie the handsome son of Felix and Obianuju Onwuka. The couple took a vow of chastity and are looking forward to a ground -breaking first night together as a married couple. Between matchmaking attempts on the bridal train, a wedding planner on a mission to succeed, the unruly behaviour of some ‘village’ guests much to Tinuade’s horror, Dunni's uncertainty about her new husband's faithfulness during the time of their courtship, amidst colourful aso-ebi, eclectic music, small chops, and souvenir drama, we begin to wonder whether Dunni and Dozie will get through their wedding reception unscathed.

Directed by Kemi Adetiba, Produced by Don Omope and Ijeoma Agukoronye

The wedding Party is still showing in cinemas. I guess the Guinness Book of Records will have to withdraw the Accolade bestowed on A Trip to Jamaica.

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/the-wedding-party-gross-over-two.html

We all know (or maybe just a few of us) the story of one of Hollywood's hottest teen, Kylie Jenner, daughter of Kris and Catilyn Jenner and the last born in the Jenner-Kardashian clan.

She has everything a teen and even some adults can only dream of having, she rolls with the big guns and and plays in the big boys game from photo shots, to covers of magazines, to butt implant surgeries and it kind, to back it up she has the support and backing of her mama Kris Jenner, but this post isn't about her, its about a Nollywood version of her that might be in the making.


Regina Daniels, daughter of Rita Daniels, Chairman of Delta State Actors Guild of Nigeria. Regina Daniels is probably the most sort out teenage actress presently in the Nollywood scene, charging a whooping sum of five hundred thousand naira per movie from four to ten thousand range she was charging when was just starting out in the game....................

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/regina-daniels-nollywoods-kylie-jenner.html

So in 2014, we saw comedian Ayo Makun take his on-screen fictional character of Akpos along with his millions of dedicated and loyal fans on a trip to Atlanta in a 30 days holiday trip in which his on screen character won from the MD of Lekki Gardens.

It was an hour + of compelling and thrilling masterpiece of a film, breaking records and setting new ones, winning awards and putting Nollywood on the map outside Nigeria.

Last year we were treated to the adventures of Akpos in Jamaica, a movie that shattered box office rankings set by its predecessor. Billed as one of the best movies to come out of Nollywood last year.

Akpos has been to Atlanta and Jamaica, it now begs the question, where next will this witty, unorthodox character go? There are so many options for the ace producer and comedian in which he can drive this character to but i will streamline it to the three possible locations in the world that will most likely prick the interest of the Warri born character....................


http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/adventures-of-apkos-after-jamaica-where.html

unclezuma:


You want them to ##### my style up in Nairaland...

What do u mean?

unclezuma:

na true na, abi?

"Rogue One" which tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star, has grossed over $800M..

Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" has grossed a worldwide sum of $801.9 million.

Currently the number two release of 2016 domestically, the movie is behind "Finding Dory‘s $486.3 million, and is currently the 7th highest grossing movie of 2016...................

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/movie-passes-800m-mark.html

2017 is shaping up to be one of the best years in the movie industry worldwide and with such we are ushered into the year with a sequel to Fifty Shades of grey; the movie adaptation of EL James best selling, intriguing, erotic BDSM novel Fifty Shades Darker.

Like they did before and they will do again, these are the top three reason why The Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board will ban Fifty Shades Darker from showing in Nigeria cinemas.

They have no work to do

When you think about it, most of the movies that make it to the Nigeria cinemas don't usually contain a heavy content of sexual activities, those that do, don't make it to the big screen. So they see Fifty Shades as an avenue to exercise.....................

http://abspad..com.ng/2016/12/crackers-with-brain-three-reasons-why.html

Yes, Disney fans, the rumors are true: There is a connection between Frozen and Tarzan — and it’s exactly the connection you think.

Frozen co-directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck blew everyone’s minds in a Reddit AMA when Jennifer revealed that Anna and Elsa’s parents — the King and Queen of Arendell — didn’t exactly die on the boat at sea as the film’s opening montage suggests. Instead, "They got washed up on a shore in a jungle island. The queen gave birth to a baby boy. They build a treehouse. They get eaten by a leopard…...................”

http://abspad..com.ng/2017/01/frozen-director-confirms-tarzan.html

By God's grace, my audio message with the above title, will be broadcast tomorrow. Expect it latest between the hours of 2am and 3am, Nigerian time.

It will be my new year gift to you. So that henceforth, you will always remember your dreams and know how to prepare for them.

Add me on your WhatsApp with this number to receive on your device, the audio message and other messages on dreams, interpretation of dreams, deliverance messages etc.

+2349059270030.

SHARE THIS POST TO ALL YOUR CONTACTS.

The movie was titled The Fate of the furious. This name looks and sounds to long compared to the previous names that was given to some of the previous installment such as 2 fast 2 furious, fast five and the lastest addition in furious 7.

https://abspad./2016/12/20/trailer-review-five-things-i-dont-like-about-the-fast-and-furious-8-trailer/