Starring:
Genevieve Nnaji, Stella Damasus-Aboderin, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Zack Orji, Bob Manuel Odokwu & Desmond Elliot.
Written By: Emem Isong
Directed by: Lancelot Odua Imasuen (The Governor)
Produced by: Emem Isong & Rob Emeka Eze for Reemmy Jes Productions (RJP)
Synopsis: Emma (Damasus-Aboderin), Candace (Nnaji) and Yvonne (Jalade-Ekeinde) have been friends since High School and have since settled into their respective lifestyles. Emma lives with her Business Executive husband and kids (Orji) in marital, surburban bliss until a face from the past (Odokwu) stirs up dysfunction in their happy home. Candace is an egotistical, A list-movie star who tests the fidelity of her fiance (Elliott) by thrusting him into the arms of the career-driven stockbroker, Yvonne. Her humdrum life is forever changed by Candace's obscene 100000 Naira bet- "Can you seduce my man?" Can she? Can Emma put out the fire under her roof and if so- at whose expense?
Review: "Why do we play games with people's hearts?" is one of the many questions that Games Women Play poses. The All-Star cast worked overtime on creating a suspenseful and enthralling movie with a fantastic script and powerful yet varied performances. The plot is unpredictable and combines humour, tension and dramatic irony in the most effective way. The performances of actors compliment each other so well that the audience is torn between love, hate, justification and condemnation for the main characters. It explores the dynamics of familial and platonic relationships with a palatable quality. The script is unique and strays far away from the clichés and generic colloquialisms with classic one-liners such as;
"How such beautiful and intelligent ladies could become irritating and indulge in such frivolities!"-Elliot
"What was I supposed to do? ...Mourn you forever?" Damasus-Aboderin
"A man may love you and still cheat on you. It is in their nature to cheat. Men cheat all the time."-Jalade-Ekeinde
An interesting and refreshing film with many twists and turns. 
(4/5)
Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Pat Attah, Chidi Mokeme, Pete Edochie & Florence Onuma.
Written By: Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche & Chuks Obiora
Directed by: Andy Amenechi
Produced by: Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche for OJ Productions
Synopsis: For Edward (Nouah,) it was love at first sight when he saw Kate (Nnaji). For Kate: it was pure irritation. Determined to pursue and woo Kate, the supposed girl of his dreams, Edward goes to lengths of public and private embarrassment both before and while realising that she is the “kid” sister of his best friend (Attah). Their (Edward and Kate’s) friendship grows much to the chagrin of her brother and who jump to the wrong conclusions and try their hardest to put an end to it. However, their love is too strong and too sacrificial to be defeated by kidnap, parental disapproval, jail time, gunshots and unemployment. All the while, Kate’s father (Edochie) does exploitative oil business at the expense of the common man, and plans to use Kate’s marriage to a peer’s son (Mokeme) to cement their relationship and the potential financial gain. In a world of hypocrisy, deceit and brute force; doe their love stand a chance?
Review: Honey is no lightweight movie. Sometimes love is so innocent that it is tainted by its opposite surroundings. Nnaji and Nouah give passionate performances which are matched well by their opposing counterparts. This is easily the most unexpected love story that I have witnessed in Nollywood and manages to be a tearjerker with great credibility. Nnaji shows more sensitivity and vulnerability than usual and Nouah is the caring and unassuming boyfriend every girl wishes they could have (at least once.) I must salute her parents, Edochie and Onuma, in this film as their ignorance and prejudice was astounding. The continuity is of a high standard and the plot thickens to the appeal of the audience. There are many significant climaxes that make this film a well-edited keeper.
(4/5) Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Chidi Mokeme, Jim Iyke, Stephanie Okereke & Ngozi Ezeuno
Written By: Emem Isong
Produced by: Emem Isong and Rob Emeka Eze for RJP
Directed by: Lancelot Odua Imasuen (The Governor)
Synopsis: 19-year-old Sylvia (Nnaji) absconds from the village to avoid marrying a rotund chief to cover her “father’s” debts. Informed by her wise, feminist aunt, she finds out that her real father is alive and she decides to head for the city to find him. She finds an ill but loving man who welcomes her much to the chagrin of his wife and her virile son, Obinna (Iyke.) After enduring abuse and being evicted from her father’s house, a beautiful stranger (Mokeme) offers to help her out and becomes her benefactor and the love of her life. However, love comes not without struggle; in the form of his bitchy fiancée Ann and his formidable mother Tiffany (Ezeonu.) Sylvia’s life collides with her past and she only finds comfort in her best friend Bukky (Okereke.) Surviving in the city proves to be difficult, but she has to, by all means necessary…
Review: Nnaji gives a powerhouse and versatile performance showing the many layers of her character. Mokeme and Nnaji have an undeniable chemistry and create both hostile and sexual tension very well. Ezeono and Iyke give classic “love to hate” performances and Okereke adds much flavour and range to the film with her sass and compassion. The script is fantastic but the editing could be improving such as cutting down the lengthened intermittent scenes. The direction was of a high standard but production quality i.e. sound could be better in parts. The film has emotional depth without wallowing in sentimentality and gives many different perspectives through all characters.
A testament to the labour of love and its defiance to succumb to external pressures(4/5)
Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Richard Mofe Damijo, Stephanie Okereke and Michael Ozuruonye.
Written By: Emem Isong
Produced by: Emem Isong and Rob Emeka Eze for RJP
Directed by: Lancelot Odua Imasuen (The Governor)
Synopsis: Jacqueline (Nnaii) is a prototypical Christian young woman; at 25 she’s is an unmarried virgin and lead choir singer, who lives in her father’s house. Her hardly enterprising fiancé Victor (Ezuruonye) suffered a car accident that left him disabled however she stayed with him as his attitude changed from personable to belligerent. His denial, anger and depression show that he needs the operation – and soon. She works at a gallery with her “best friend” Tamara (Okereke) yet her life takes a drastic turn when in walks esteemed artist Raymond Coker (RMD.) At first site, he is besotted with Jacqueline and his approach can only be described as unwanted, inappropriate and lecherous. Jacqueline successfully resists his affections until he makes an obscene proposition; “Pose nude for a portrait, for 3 million Naira.” The vast sum could be the answer to Victor’s problems or be the source of drama and dysfunction that she is not ready for. Jacqueline’s life is turned upside down by Christian responsibility, societal disapproval, parental expectations and financial pressures.
Review: As is the norm, Nnaji pulls major emotional punches while playing more of a submissive character. RMD gives both his most irritating and reformed character- all in all needing more direction on controlling his eccentricities and “dubious” accent. Okereke is a scene-stealer playing the relentless and multi-faceted bitch and outperforms RMD very well (despite some noticeable diction issues.). The supporting cast is one of the strongest that I have seen in a Nollywood film as her father and their friends Eric and (particularly) Victoria round out the film with their external opinions. The editing is lacklustre in parts and the intermittent scenes are never ending. The film has at least two 10-minute long musical interludes set in the church and the religious rhetoric is repetitive and long-winded at most times. Victor and Jacqueline have opposite endings which puts a finishing touch on this lengthy almost 3 ½ hour film.
Proof that love can grow when flourished and die when not cherished. (3/5)
Starring: Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Bob Manuel Odukwu, Justus Esiri, Alex Usifo, Gloria Anozie-Young, Zack Orji & Shan George.
Written By: Tai Emeka Obasi
Produced by: Rob Emeka Eze & Emem Isong for RJP
Directed by: Lancelot Odua Imasuen (The Governor)
Synopsis: Simba Richards (Ekeinde) and Donald Adams (Udokwu) find themselves fighting in the political terrain for a position in the state house of assembly. As per usual, corruption, backbiting, blackmail and other forms of wahala ensue, turning the political race into a bloody and dangerous one. In midst of the bloodshed, the main contenders use different routes to success; Simba promises her former Supreme Court Judge that she’ll take the dignified route however has an all-female running party that prostitute themselves for information under the guise of journalism/political science etc. Donald uses his father’s (Esiri) previous political reign as senator and influence to eliminate others. Inevitably, their paths cross and the game changes; Donald attempts to woo a resistant Simba although she is relentless in their pursuit of political power. Unbeknownst to both contenders, their fathers have crossed paths in the past as well. Who will defeat the other? Can Simba keep her promise to her father that she’ll do it with humane dignity? What is Donald’s master stroke and will it result in success?
Review: When this film is in full flow it is a four star film, however for the loss of focus and predictable (and ridiculous) ending I had to lower the rating. The script is threat and proverb heavy with key quotes that give the film character. However, the execution of the script is poor with certain supporting cast members. Ekeinde’s performance is very strong as beautiful, intelligent and determined Simba however through no fault of her own, the script diminishes her character by the end of the film and you can’t help but be disappointed. Udokwu gives on of his best performances as the determined and desperate Donald without extensive use of an unnecessary faux-American accent (see Games Women Play.) The chemistry between the male and female lead is very questionable. The parents are cast perfectly, employing great such as Esiri and Uzifo as the father who use and aid their offspring. The continuity is poor as the film loses its thread however the costume for Ekeinde and Udodwu is very impressive and complimentary.
A political drama that loses its’ edge and turns into a “wordy” and arduous somewhat-serious romantic comedy.
(3/5)
Starring: Mbong Odungide, Eric Anderson, Stella Damasus-Aboderin, Rita Dominic, Fred Amata and Desmond Elliot.
Written By: Jeta Amata and Robert Peters
Produced by: Ansa Bassey for Ulzee Films Production
Directed by: Jeta Amata
Synopsis: At 16, Christabel (Odungide) lives in an upper-middle class home with her career-driven, neglecting and forgetful parents (Aboderin and Amata) in Calabar. Sheltered and naïve, she is the product of her environment. Her friends Amina, Yewande and Oby are equally silly in their own right however she has true friendship in Dafe (Anderson.) Her life is forever changed when she and her friends skip school to hang out at Amina’s boyfriend’s house. Left with a guy, Christabel is totally unprepared and unfortunately is trapped by him and raped. Having no conversation with her parents, she becomes depressed and confides in Dafe and subsequently a teacher (Dominic.) It is she who wises Christabel up on life and does her parents’ duty. The “wheel of change” takes an unexpected turn when she attends Amina’s party and her drink is drugged. The path of her life is now askew and she has no choice but to face it.
Review: As a “safer-sex” film, the film does not meet its purpose. Instead of being well-informed and fair it is more a story of the tragedies that befall Christabel. Amata and Aboderin fill the screen with their presence in the few scenes they are in therefore showcasing that their talent runs deep. The casting was excellent as the unknown Odungide and Anderson shows that fresh, young talent dwells. The film starts with a somewhat irrelevant speech from the First Lady of Cross River State and possesses a morbid approach when tackling HIV. The film has what Americans refer to as “heart” which makes it likeable despite its obvious flaws. Dominic impresses in her performance however needs some direction to contain and filter her hysterics. Crediting the audience with intelligence, this film is likely to provoke discussion (on whose should take the blame.)
(3/5) Starring: Hanks Anuku, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Bimbo Akintola, Jennifer Eliogu and Chidi Mokeme.
Written By: Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche and Kabat Esosa Egbon
Produced by: Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche for OJ Productions
Directed by: Kabat Esosa Egbon
Synopsis: Bobby is an actor at work and a manipulator in his spare time, as he simultaneously runs three relationships with; Susan, (Akintola) Jennifer (Dominic) and Vicky (Eliogu.) The player “runs game” on the three rich women by proposing to them all and is advised by his friend Jake (Mokeme) who never questions this debauchery. All three women, despite being affluent and successful, are blind to his many flaws and believe every lie, falsehood and half-truth he serves them up with. Nevertheless, all women learn the harsh truth from external sources and deal with their heartbreak (cue crying scenes.) When driving to set with Jake, Bobby comes across a beautiful young woman Amanda (Nnaji) who has a flat tyre on the roadside. Predictably, Bobby and Amanda get together even though their relationship is built on lies and misrepresentation (from Bobby’s side.) Hoping to marry him, Amanda is encouraged by her father (Enebeli Elebuwa) to study Bobby’s past before tying the knot. Will there be a broken engagement? Will Bobby’s past catch up with him? Will Amanda get the man of her dreams?
Review: Don’t be fooled by the synopsis; this film is diabolical. Poorly directed, Dominic is up to her neck in her uncontrollable hysterics. Eliogu, Dominic and Akintola play the exact same role with different names. The script is terrible; the scenes between Anuku and his girlfriends are so poorly written and clichéd that I mistook it for an American soap. Outdated and poorly executed American slang litters Anuku’s conversations with Mokeme and neither actor gives a performance worth talking about. Halfway through the arduous one-part film; in walks Nnaji. Her innate ability to pick a film out of its slump is to be praised as she makes the second half watching. She cannot save the film, however her on-screen charm and scene-stealing ability makes this film tolerable. This is one to be ignored-trust me. How these same writers came up with “Honey” perplexes me.
A mess that cannot be rectified even by the stature and beauty of Genevieve Nnaji.(2/5)
Starring: Richard Mofe Damijo Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze, Uche Jombo, Gbenga Richards, Kalu Ikeagu and Gentle Jack.
Written By: Felix Odion & Emem Isong
Produced by: Emem Isong for RJP Productions
Directed by: Ifeanyi Onyeabor
Synopsis: Henry (RMD) is a successful businessman, a loving husband to Tessy (Nnaji) and a doting father. Two out of three isn’t bad, right? As part of a gang or armed robbers who rob Peter to pay Paul themselves, Henry and his cronies (Arinze, Richards, Ikeagu and Jack) ambush political top dogs for the mean green. What’s more? Tessy doesn’t know. Comfortable in the suburban housewife lifestyle and discussing the beauty and benefit of marriage with her best friend Alex (Jombo), she is unaware of the evil that dwells under her roof. On his very last “business trip” (as Henry now wants to be legit) he finds more than he bargained for at the chief’s home. Have you ever shot your wife’s best friend to save your own neck? Henry has- and the aftermath proves to be nothing short of explosive. Especially when Alex isn’t so dead after all…
Review: Akin to all two-parters in Nollywood, this film needs about 40 minutes edited from the final cut. However, the Director and Director of photography were well-paired as the camera shots are of a high quality and well-conceived. The fight scenes remind me of blaxploitation flicks; you can’t help but laugh at the phoniness. RMD needs to be directed against being one–dimensional in a scene as he has very few facial expressions and all are held for too long. By the way; why is “You feel me?” his trademark phrase? It is quite an outdated and amateurish idiosyncrasy that was added to his character. Nnaji does not have many scenes in this action flick however she possesses the screen and her presence is felt strongly. One can see that she’s learnt a subtlety that gives a soul to her character. Arinze gives a good and consistent performance and Richards had me laughing (though that wasn’t the intention.) I can’t help feeling that the gang were cast according to their ability to wear suits in contrast to their skills. Collectively they were not overwhelming but adequate, enough if you will. The script makes the women out to be fairly superficial but equally puts each man in his most foolish element at times. The film does not disappoint, nor does it impress. It’s an average all-rounder barely making its rating.
A C-grade action film, partially romantic, partially farcical.