Prime Video’s departure from the Nigerian market in 2023 was swift and unexpected. However, before their exit, they added a considerable amount of Nollywood content to their library. We’re talking a content avalanche. This influx of films left viewers with a mixed bag of experiences, ranging from genuinely entertaining works to somewhat confounding narratives.
Look, normally, new flicks are a good thing. But this random assortment left us scratching our heads. So, we decided to be your personal streaming sommelier and wade through the murky Prime Video Nollywood waters, so you don’t have to. Buckle up, because we’re rating every flick, from the ones that deserve a permanent spot on your watchlist, to the ones that should’ve stayed locked in the digital vault.
L.I.F.E
One of the more surprising gems released by Prime Video is L.I.F.E. Despite initial promotional materials that may lead viewers to expect a horror film, L.I.F.E. stands out as a well-executed body-swapping comedy. The story follows a hilarious case of mistaken identity, with stellar performances that keep you glued to the screen. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and even Willy’s bizarre outfit can’t take away from the solid storyline. Rewatch value? High. This is a movie you can revisit with friends for a guaranteed laugh riot.
A Green Fever
More like A Green Mystery, am I right? A Green Fever presents a captivating premise but struggles to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The film has a complex storyline that leaves viewers with more questions than answers. While the acting is commendable (big ups to the cast), the open-ended nature of the resolution may leave viewers feeling frustrated and needing some Paracetamol. Honestly, A Green Fever’s rewatch value is dependent on the viewer’s tolerance for ambiguity. The performances are great, but you might spend the entire viewing yelling at the screen for answers.
It Blooms in June
It Blooms in June sounds sweet, right? Like candy floss and puppy playtime. Well, the sweetness is there, but the romantic chemistry between the lead couple, Mira and Ebisinde? It’s giving free Wi-Fi in Lagos traffic – you can see it, but it’s not working. In fact, we’re talking negative sparks here. Honestly, we were rooting for the relationship to crash and burn. It Blooms in June falls into the coming-of-age genre. While the film explores themes of father-daughter relationships and personal growth, the romantic subplot between the lead characters fails to resonate emotionally. Viewers seeking a strong central romance may be disappointed. Still, if coming-of-age stories are your jam, and you dig healthy-ish father-daughter dynamics, then this might be a one-time watch. Just mute Ebisinde’s flirting attempts, trust us.
Hotel Labamba
Remember Yhemolee, the hypeman from that sketchy hotel room club video? Yeah, he’s back, and this time, he’s starring in… Hotel Labamba? Look, the director of this movie, Biodun Stephen, is a Nollywood legend, but even legends have off days. This “murder mystery” (air quotes intended) is riddled with plot holes, flat humor, and an underwhelming reveal. Despite Biodun Stephen’s established reputation, Hotel Labamba is unlikely to be a favorite among viewers. Still, we love Biodun, so we forgive her this one. Rewatch value? Unless you enjoy watching beautiful people make questionable decisions, this one’s a hard pass.
Small Talk
Small Talk features a large cast of popular Nigerian skit performers. While the film caters to those who enjoy skit-style comedy, the humor can be repetitive and predictable. We’re talking forced humor and punchlines that hit about as hard as wet tissue. But hey, if that’s your thing, then knock yourselves out. Just don’t blame us when you spend the rest of the day groaning. The rewatch value of Small Talk is subjective and depends on the viewer’s preference for skit comedy.
Japa
Japa? Now that’s a plot that feels fresh for Nollywood. But listen, the newness wears off fast. Still, it was mildly funny, and hello there, Adesua Etomi! We missed you after Gangs of Lagos. Japa (a Nigerian slang term for emigration) falls short on its promise to deliver a solid story. The plot development is thin, leaving viewers with a sense of incompleteness by the conclusion. You’ll be wondering what exactly you just watched. Unless you’re the biggest Blossom Chukwujekwu and Adesua stan on Earth, this one’s a skip.
The Bloom Boys
The Bloom Boys sounds promising, right? Wrong. This movie will test your patience. The plot’s recycled and cliche, and the moral lesson they try to shove in halfway through feels forced and messy. Think leftover jollof rice reheated for the third time. But hey, there’s a tiny spark of watchable content. We gotta give props to Kemi for schooling her abusive partner. Girl went to jail, but at least she showed him who’s boss first. Now that’s a scene worth a rewind. Otherwise, this movie’s rewatch value is about as high as the chance of Eko Bridge being car-free during rush hour. Big yikes.
So, there you have it, folks. Prime Video’s Nollywood fire sale, dissected and delivered. We got some gems, some duds, and a whole lot of “wait, what just happened?” moments. Here’s the takeaway: if you’re looking for something truly binge-worthy, you might have to keep scrolling. But if you’re down for a Nollywood roulette session, with a mix of laughter, confusion, and maybe even second-hand cringe, then dive right in. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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