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Reviews
Mpakani (2022)
It's just nonsense
Mpakani tries to string a story together over its lengthy runtime but fails at every turn. Character development is non-existent. The plot, while promising, falls flat on its face thanks to stiff actors who go through every line as though they're being held at gunpoint.
I was looking for positives throughout my binge watch, but could only find very few and they were very far in between.
Ultimately the effort can be applauded, especially given what a massive risk Netflix took on a country that frankly isn't known for its film prowess. But what was delivered at the end of the day was lazy writing, stiff acting and an illogical portrayal of what being in the military is like.
Shanty Town (2023)
You've finally found a use for the 'skip' button on your remote control
There are some key issues that prevent this series from accomplishing its goals and here they are broken down:
1, Action sequences
They are baaad. One move somehow is chopped into 4 different cuts with outrageously bad sound effects. This would be find on its own but in the opening salvo there are literal anti-tank mines going off all over the place seemingly for no reason!
2, The premise
It suffers from horrible character development and a lack of agency from any of the supposed leads. Instead of having one or two characters drive the story, you have a mess of underdeveloped would be protagonists all pulling in different directions. By the end you're as confused as you were when the E1 started.
3, Effects
The sound doesn't work, if anything it irritates you and pulls you out of whatever engagement you're able to cultivate - but it pales in comparison to the mediocre visual effects. I will concede this is a Nollywood film so you're not exactly expecting much but even by those standards it manages to disappoint.
If you can get over those issues, which I had a hard time doing then you're in for literal torturous viewing.
The Queenstown Kings (2023)
An instant classic
This is an easy to watch film that steers clear of the typical glitz and glamour we've come to expect on Netflix when it comes to South African content. Its ease and straight-forward plot do not rob it of some much needed drama, however. Fantastic performances from the actors and it's always refreshing seeing some legendary footballers gracing the screen.
It wouldn't be as good without the complementary score that elevates the action just that much. If you're considering giving it a watch, absolutely go for it. There's hardly a Netflix movie that explores relationship dynamics as well as this does, especially one from the African continent.
Far from Home (2022)
Might as well call it Ishaya and friend, because that's all it is!
I get it, this is the first true 'teen' drama to come out of Nigeria so they don't have a formula yet. But as always they brought in South Africans and Americans and put them in positions of power. People who don't understand the country, the culture and what makes Nigerians tick.
It's not good. The main character has no moral compass at all. And the same pretty much is true for everyone. There was so much potential to create a beautiful teen flick. But we ended up with the tale of a man who'll do absolutely anything to get ahead, even betraying his best friends and we're supposed to root for him.
If there is a season 2 I hope they at least make some of these characters somewhat likeable so we have a reason to want to see them succeed.