Positive Aspects

1. Visual Aesthetics:

2. Locations and Set Design:

3. Bimbo Akintola’s Performance:

4. Strong First Act:

Negative Aspects:

1. Narrative Complexity and Lost Interest:

Regrettably, as the film progressed, I found myself increasingly bewildered, leading to a loss of interest in the third act. The complex narrative left much to be desired in terms of clarity.Show more

2. Budget and Production Quality:

There are lingering questions regarding the film’s reported $1 million budget. Some elements, such as the artificial sound of a crying baby and the unsatisfactory music, tarnished the production quality.

3. Challenges with Action Scenes:

The poorly shot and chaotic action scenes marred the film’s potential impact. While chaos can be inherent in such scenes, directing and cinematography should maintain clarity.

4. Inconsistent Performances:

Olumide Oworu’s performance, reminiscent of Disney Channel acting, felt out of place. Additionally, the foreign feel of the father-son dynamic left me disconnected.

5. Heavy American Influence:

“The Black Book” often veers into an overly Americanized tone, proving distracting for those expecting a more authentic Nigerian narrative.

6. Overambitious Social Commentary:

While the film’s intention to offer social commentary is noble, it makes the film become bloated.

7. Plot Twist and Unnecessary Elements:

The plot twist involving Vickie and Mr. Edima felt superfluous, and the film’s reliance on excessive explanations and visual effects hindered its impact.

8. Incongruent Title:

The film’s title, “The Black Book,” lacks resonance as it fails to serve as a significant plot device, merely appearing sporadically without substantial relevance.

10. Unexplored Relationships:

The film leaves relationships, such as that between Paulo and Pat Nebo’s character, unexplored.

11. Unnecessary Characters

SUMMARY:

In conclusion, “The Black Book” presents a promising canvas with its visual aesthetics and performances but succumbs to the weight of an overly complex narrative and the influence of American cinema. It misses opportunities to delve deeper into character relationships and societal themes. While there is potential for this film to engage viewers who appreciate Nigerian cinema, its convoluted plot, unnecessary elements, and incongruent title detract from the overall experience. For those seeking a more straightforward and cohesive narrative, “The Black Book” may prove to be a confusing and disappointing watch.

I love the American action scene and it’s unpredictable so for that it’s top notch

Loved the cinematography and the production design. Big ups to Yinka Edward and the late Pat Nebo, (Even though there was the push for it to look so much like Hollywood, consciously or on consciously, I do not know). The story on the other, would probably have excelled better in the hands of a more skilled director and writer.Show more

All in all I think the makers of this film did all fgeu hand in mind and that counts big time!