The long-anticipated Merry Men 3: Nemesis, featuring comedian/actor Ayo Makun, stirred considerable excitement among eager fans. Directed by Moses Inwang and produced by Darlington Abuda, the film finally graced the silver screen on October 13, 2023. However, what it brought with it was a heavy dose of disappointment.
The Ensemble Cast:
Touted as an ultimate crime thriller, Merry Men 3 boasts an ensemble cast of exceptional talent, including Sam Dede, Francis Onwochei, Ufoma McDermott, Nadia Buari, Iyabo Ojo and Caroline Hutchings, with Chidi Mokeme taking the lead as the formidable villain, Dafe. The film depicts the return of AY Makun, Ramsey Nouah, and Williams Uchemba.
An Unnecessary Third Act:
The decision to create a third installment in the Merry Men series is entirely unnecessary. While the characters admirably embodytheir roles, this is to be expected from seasoned actors. The storyline, however is common place. It feels as though the producer had to laboriously craft a plot from the resolved happy endings of Merry Men 2, conjuring a forgotten acquaintance Dafe, who miraculously returns from near death to seek vengeful retribution. Sadly, the plot feels disappointingly basic. Williams Uchemba’s character made the movie bearable though, with his funny feats and comments.
Costumes and Props: A Visual Triumph
On the brighter side, the use of costumes and props in Merry Men 3 is, as expected, topnotch. The attention to detail in the costume and prop design deserves special acclaim. This aspect of the film excels in enhancing the storyline that was already run-of-the-mill.
The costumes in the film play a pivotal role in defining the characters. From the impeccable suits donned by the suave protagonists to the menacing ensembles of the formidable villain, Dafe, each costume is a visual representation of the characters’ personalities and roles in the narrative. The Merry Men, known for their dapper style, maintain their sartorial excellence, while Dafe’s outfits exude power and malevolence.
Additionally, the film excels in the use of props recreating the theatrical props of SWAT teams and law enforcement agencies as seen in the prison break scene performed by Zara, enhancing the realism of the action sequences. The attention to detail in these uniforms helps the movie.
The film also effectively utilizes props to enhance the storytelling. Whether it’s high-tech gadgets used during covert operations or symbolic items that hold emotional significance, the props are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. They provide context, depth, and visual interest to the scenes.
Thematic Preoccupation in Merry Men 3
Merry Men 3 weaves a tapestry of themes that adds resonance to the narrative. As the Merry Men embark on their latest adventure, several key themes emerge:
At its core, the film explores the unbreakable bonds of friendship and unwavering loyalty that bind the Merry Men. Their camaraderie is tested as they face new challenges and adversaries, making the theme of friendship a central pillar of the storyline.
As the antagonist, Dafe, seeks vengeance, the theme of justice and retribution takes center stage. The film delves into questions of morality and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek vengeance for past wrongs.
With new characters and challenges, the theme of change and evolution is evident. The film reflects on how characters adapt to shifting circumstances, both in their personal lives and as a team.
Overall, Merry Men 3 weaves these themes together into a narrative that goes beyond crime and action, delving into the complexities of relationships, morality, and the pursuit of justice.
Cinematography in Merry 3
In “Merry Men 3,” the cinematography stands out as a visual triumph. Every frame in the film is meticulously composed, capturing the essence of the narrative with striking precision. From sweeping aerial shots of the dynamic cityscape to intimate close-ups that convey the characters’ emotions, the cinematography creates a visual spectacle that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
The cinematography expertly showcases the scenic beauty of the film’s locations. Whether it’s the glittering city skyline or the serene natural landscapes, each shot depicts to the audience the world of the Merry Men.
The film’s attention to detail extends to the fashion on display. The cinematography highlights the characters’ distinctive attire with precision, each costume becomes a work of art in its own right.
Conclusively, I will reinterate that a third installment of the Merry Men films is totally unnecessary, the storyline is poor, the change of characters is a downer, the twists added in the movie, totally not thrilling but then the use of props, the characters’ acting and the cinematography made the movie bearable.
This reviewer will rate the movie 5.5/10
