Entertainment
Movie Review: A Naija Christmas (2021): A Tug At Our Heart Strings
A Naija Christmas (2021) Synopsis: Determined to carry out their mother’s one wish, three young men scramble to find wives they can bring home by Christmas, as she sets out to plan the most beautiful Christmas celebration ever.
Cast
- Rachel Oniga: Agatha Agu (Mama)
- Segilola Ogidan: Ajike
- Kunle Remi: Ugo
- Efa Iwara: Obi
- Abayomi Alvin: Chike
- Ade Laoye: Kaneng
- Linda Osifo: Vera
- Lateef Adedimeji: Tony Torpedo
- Carol King: Deaconess Fakorede
- Mercy Johnson Okojie: Mrs. Bliss (Sammy)
- Onikosi Bukola Abisoye: Gym Lady (as Onikosi Abisoye)
- Uzoamaka Aniunoh: Cassie
- Jude Chukwuka: Prof. Zeb
- Joseph Jaiyeoba: Javelin
- Imoikor Joseph: Pastor
- Temitope Olaiwola: Taxi Driver
- Alabi Pasuma: Special Gala Artiste (as Wasiu Alabi)
Crew
- Kunle Afolayan: Executive Producer
- Segun Akintunde: Line Producer
- Seun Soyinka: Producer
A Naija Christmas: Review
A Naija Christmas weaves the story of rich boy, poor girl around the story of Christmas. At the same time, it is not your regular Christmas story. Neither is it your regular rich boy, poor girl story, but an eclectic mix of romance, comedy, music, and dance. There is the smiling villain, unrequited love, and Nigerian Christmas tradition. It is the sweet story you didn’t know you needed to watch.
A Naija Christmas
If there is one thing Kunle Afolayan has down to a science and an art, it is tugging at our heartstrings with the right mix of Nigerian flavoured stories that have you smiling, because you recognize yourself in those stories. He also has a way of bringing together his actors, old and young, in a mix that has everyone recognizing themselves in the characters.
The acting in this movie is top-notch, and it is evidence of the skill of the director. Likewise, the cinematography gives such beautiful picture quality, you want to see it again and again.
It is heart-warming to see the late Rachel Oniga in her element, and the tribute to her is sweet. Segilola is a breath of air; she is not your helpless poor girl in a rom-com, but a strong, self-assured woman. I like the portrayal. Kunle Remi, as usual, gives a good report of himself as the incurable playboy, but who wants something and would do anything to have it.
The contrast to him is Efa Iwara; it is interesting to see Efa portray the brilliant and clueless art person, who has puppy love for someone who won’t reciprocate. It is a departure from his usual role of the self-assured man. He has a range that I look forward to seeing more directors explore.
A Naija Christmas takes us from the idyllic Ikoyi, where everything is calm and high-class, to the bubbling Mushin, where you can be obtained if you don’t stand well. You see the beauty of Lagos at night, when it is well lit. You feel the real Naija Christmas spirit, and you want to share it with others.
NollyRated Score: 4/5 (Great Movie)
NollyRated uses a 5-level scoring system, as follows:
- Poor
- Sub Par
- Okay
- Great
- Outstanding