Movie: Passport
Cast: Zubby Michael, Linda Ikoko, Emeka Nwagbaraocha,Jim Iyke, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Jide Kosoko, Adedimeji Lateef.
Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes +
Director: Dimeji Ajibola
The movie Passport may not have been heavily promoted or hyped on social media, but there’s something about its poster, synopsis, and cast lineup that grabs your attention and makes you want to watch it.
Unfortunately, the film fails to deliver on its promise, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and dashed hopes. This is particularly true given the intriguing premise of the movie, which bears some resemblance to the 2018 Hollywood film Game Night.
Despite its interesting concept, Passport struggles to keep the audience engaged and entertained. The film’s inability to craft a suspenseful narrative means that viewers are left feeling uninvested in the story and its characters.
This is further compounded by the movie’s lack of humor and complex layers, making it feel like a shallow and unfulfilling watch. As a result, Passport becomes one of those Nollywood movies that you can’t wait to end, rather than one that you’re eager to see through to its conclusion.
One of the few redeeming qualities of Passport is its willingness to explore some meaningful themes. The film touches on issues such as the quest for identity, the importance of family, and the social class system, which are all relevant and timely topics.
However, the movie’s execution falls short, and these themes are not explored with the depth and nuance that they deserve. This makes it feel like the film is only scratching the surface of what could have been a rich and thought-provoking narrative.
Plot
The movie begins by introducing Oscar, a privileged individual who has never had to work a day in his life, played by Jim Iyke. Oscar’s life is turned upside down when his girlfriend rejects him and he receives news that his mother is ill, prompting him to plan a return to his home in London.
However, his journey is halted when he is robbed by two teenagers on his way to the airport, who steal his passport, a crucial document for traveling abroad.
This sets Oscar on a mission to retrieve his stolen passport, which leads him to seek the help of his uncle, played by Jide Kosoko.
Oscar’s uncle helps him track down Kopiko, played by Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who is related to one of the teenagers involved in the robbery.
Initially, Kopiko is reluctant to assist Oscar, but eventually agrees to help him find his passport. As they embark on their quest, they are forced to put aside their differences and work together.
Their journey becomes even more complicated when they discover that they have a common enemy, known as the Terminator, who poses a threat to their mission.
This unexpected turn of events adds an element of suspense and danger to their quest, making their journey even more challenging.
As Oscar and Kopiko navigate their way through the obstacles in their path, they are forced to confront their own biases and prejudices.
Despite their initial reluctance to work together, they begin to develop an unlikely alliance, driven by their shared goal of retrieving the stolen passport.
The movie takes the audience on a thrilling ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns, as Oscar and Kopiko face off against the Terminator and work towards achieving their objective.
Will they be able to overcome their differences and succeed in their mission, or will the challenges they face prove too great to overcome?
Positive
“Passport” boasts an intriguing premise that, while not entirely new, is given a fresh Nigerian spin, making it relatable and local. This unique perspective sets it apart from other films with similar storylines, allowing audiences to connect with the narrative on a more personal level.
The cinematography is a standout aspect of the film, with visually appealing scenes that capture the viewer’s attention. Although there are moments where the lighting feels slightly off, the overall effort is commendable.
The film’s locations are another notable aspect, particularly the “ghetto” areas where many key events unfold. It’s clear that significant effort went into scouting and selecting these locations, adding to the movie’s authenticity and grit.
The cast, comprising talented individuals like Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, and Jide Kosoko, is also a major strength. While they may not deliver their absolute best performances, they excel in portraying their characters, bringing depth and nuance to the story.
Despite some minor flaws, the film’s technical aspects and cast make it an enjoyable watch. The combination of local flavor, engaging storyline, and strong performances makes “Passport” a notable addition to Nigerian cinema.
However, it falls short of being an exceptional film due to some missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Nevertheless, the movie remains a commendable effort, showcasing the talents of its cast and crew, and leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Negative
The movie “Passport” falls flat due to its lack of depth, layers, and higher stakes, making it feel like a drawn-out, boring comedy skit. Each scene is anticlimactic, and the editing seems to have removed any potentially exciting moments.
The predictable actions and dialogues of the characters further contribute to the film’s dullness, with the only unexpected event being a character getting shot in a cringeworthy and cinematically pointless scene.
Additionally, the casting choices are questionable, with issues such as a poorly faked British accent, lackluster chemistry between leads, and an unconvincing villainous performance from Zubby Michael.
The script is the primary source of the film’s problems, with terrible writing that fails to engage viewers. Many dialogues are repetitive, contribute nothing to the plot, and feel like filler.
A significant portion of Mercy Johnson’s lines to Jim Iyke are particularly guilty of this. The producers’ failure to invest in good writing is evident throughout the movie.
The excessive product placement is jarring and feels like an annoying advertisement. While sponsorships are understandable, the over-the-top placement in “Passport” detracts from the viewing experience
Verdict:
6/10
