Sele Got’s latest heist thriller”Charlie and the Boys,” made its much-anticipated debut on September 29th, promising an engaging cinematic experience. This 1-hour and 45-minute rollercoaster ride was brought to life by producer Bem Pever and writer Emil Garuba, in collaboration with Damn Good Studio.
Ensemble Cast
Featuring a talented ensemble cast, the movie boasts good performances from Kanayo O. Kanayo, Tina Mba, Seun Ajayi, Lantana Ahmed, Erica Opia Bale, Marten Skog, Fredrik Skog, Ozioma Onodigbo, Folake Akinfewa, Peter Sivler, Gloria Lemmy Johnson, and Sani Mu’azu among others.
The Plot Unfolds
The storyline revolves around Charles Omokwe played by Kanayo O. Kanayo, freshly released from prison after serving a mere 13 months of a 7-year sentence for a botched heist. With a thirst for vengeance and a heist to reclaim stolen artefacts on his mind, Charles is determined to outwit the law.
Standing in his way is Officer Philomena Fashood, plate by Tina Mba, who also happens to be his sister-in-law. Charles faces the additional challenge of financing his daughter’s wedding, despite his dire financial situation upon release.
Will he carry out a successful heist? Will he be able to single-handedly finance his daughter’s wedding as he promised to do? Will he get his family and life together post-jail? You can head over to the cinema to find out.
Standout Performances
Several cast members delivered commendable performances. Kanayo O. Kanayo, known for his poise, embraced his role with finesse. Tina Mba embodied the character of Officer Philomena Fashood, although slightly nosy.
Special mention goes to comedian Loud Voice, portraying Badmus, who injected humour into the movie, preventing it from feeling unnecessarily dragged. However, some characters felt a bit one-dimensional or static in their roles.
The Heist and Storytelling
“Charlie and the Boys” boasts a compelling storyline, with the revenge heist to counter the first heist being a standout element. The plan is cleverly executed, though the movie does suffer from pacing issues, making it feel dragged at times. While the heist is well-thought-out, it doesn’t bring much uniqueness to the table, falling into a somewhat predictable narrative.
Themes of Betrayal and Family Dynamics
In “Charlie and the Boys,” the themes of betrayal and complex family dynamics are skillfully portrayed. The movie offers a compelling exploration of how individuals betray each other, driven by greed and ambition, particularly in the Nigerian context.
The character of Chief Diko’s betrayal of Charles Omokwe serves as a stark example of the consequences of betrayal in the shady world they inhabit. Betrayal and greed are also depicted in the Dubai setting, which shows that the shady world is also filled with greed and betrayal.
Moreover, the film sheds light on a relatable aspect of Nigerian culture—the handling of wedding finances by the families of the couple about to be married. This theme adds depth to the story, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a more personal level.
Additionally, “Charlie and the Boys” provides insight into life after incarceration, addressing the challenges faced by ex-convicts as they strive to reintegrate into society. This exploration adds a layer of realism to the narrative, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals attempting to pick up the pieces after serving time in prison.
The film successfully weaves these themes into its storyline, contributing to its overall depth and complexity. While “Charlie and the Boys” may have some pacing issues, it excels in its portrayal of these themes.
Cinematography in “Charlie and the Boys”
In “Charlie and the Boys,” the cinematography plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life, albeit without reaching the heights of cinematic excellence. The film’s visual storytelling effectively serves its purpose without delivering any particularly striking or innovative shots.
The camera work generally adheres to conventions, with standard framing and composition throughout the movie. While this approach ensures clarity and coherence in storytelling, it does little to elevate the film’s visual appeal beyond the ordinary.
There are instances where the cinematography shines, such as during the heist sequences and select action scenes. These moments exhibit competent camera work and editing, ensuring that viewers remain engaged in the unfolding events.
However, the film lacks memorable visual motifs or signature cinematographic techniques that would have set it apart as a cinematic masterpiece. It leans more toward functional cinematography, focusing primarily on conveying the narrative rather than pushing creative boundaries.
“Charlie and the Boys” offers serviceable cinematography that effectively supports the storytelling but doesn’t leave a lasting visual impact. While it fulfils its role adequately, it falls short of delivering a visually arresting cinematic experience.
The film’s props and costumes serve their purpose. The cinematography in the movie is adequate, though not particularly groundbreaking, and the movie looks rushed towards the end, it looks like a lot of time was spent on the heist, and then after the heist, we go straight to a wedding and then reconciliation between Charles and his wife.
“Charlie and the Boys” is recommended for fans of heist-themed movies, despite occasional pacing issues.
This reviewer assigns the movie a rating of 6.5/10.
