Admittedly, I have only watched in full one movie starring Francis Duru, so let me warn you that my opinions on him are not well-informed. After that first movie (the title escapes me, but it was with Rita Dominic and Patience Ozokwor), I have avoided Francis Duru like the plague. Others, please feel free to disagree with me - but for some reason, when I see him on screen…well, let me not insult the poor guy.
However, I decided to be a bit brave this weekend and pick up the film, Total War, which featured my dear friend (please note sarcasm), Francis. Total War features a Nigerian family caught in the middle of the Liberian civil war of the late eighties and early nineties. After putting behind the gruesome events of this war, they come in contact with that awful past in quite the unexpected manner.
Again, like in the previous film I reviewed, I decided to watch it because of other incredibly amazing actors/actresses, particularly Omotola Ekehinde. Omotola is probably one of the more skilled actresses - a skill not based on looks alone - which I cannot say for some other Nollywood actresses (can anyone say, Tonto Dike?…I know, that was low…). Note, that there are some films, which do not play up her good points (think the tragedy that was Beyonce and Rihanna – what an embarrassment for such accomplished actress). Her performance, however, in Total War did not disappoint. Other actresses of note in this film included Uche Jombo who gave an awesome performance, as usual. Another was Maureen Solomon, who seems…well… tired, for lack of a better word. But maybe, to her credit, the character she played was meant to be tired…but to me, it seems like in her more recent roles, there is a lack of interest in what she does.
But back to Francis Duru. If it weren’t for that fake Liberian accent that he used throughout the film, I would have been in a better position to positively rate his performance in the film. I was willing to give him another chance but the accent was so incredibly annoying. “Ya know, I give Gahd glory, mami, I give im thahks, mami….” I have no idea how Uche Jombo was able to put on a straight face while listening to his babble. Now that’s acting, my dears. I mean, seriously, were there no Liberian men available to cast his role? Is there no ‘Lollywood’ from which to get aspiring young actors to perform credibly? The accent was almost as aggrevating as watching Whoopi Goldberg imitating a so-called “African” accent in the 1992 film, Sarafina. A Hollywood example of someone playing the role of another African group well would be Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda (2004).
Francis Duru has his hands in many things besides acting– filmmaking, songwriting, stand-up comedy (huh?) and others. Duru, in an interview, states quite confidently, “I have always kicked against the notion of ‘jack of all trade[s] and master of none’….” My guy, stop deceiving yourself. Focus on one and do it well. Duru and whoever was the casting director for this film did a disservice to both Nigerians and Liberians everywhere. Way to go, Francis.
On a positive note, Akume Akume, gave a stellar performance. It was so hilarious. I sometimes wonder why he is not amongst some of the Nollywood male heavyweights like Jim Iyke (who does not impress me, in the least). I definitely think with more exposure, Akume has the ability to rise high, especially within the comedy genre. I have seen a performance by him that was not as comedic, Lover’s Creek, and I think he may have the ability to stretch himself into other genres and do it well.
By the way, I was about to dismiss this film as a flop because Part 2 ended so abruptly. I later found out that there is a Part 3 and 4, entitled Final War, Parts 1 and 2. However, I don’t think I can get through another minute of Duru’s performance. It’s aggravating. But in all fairness, the film was pretty good, particularly because of the storyline, inspiring Christian message, and historical insight into the tragedies of the Liberian conflict. If you can stand Francis Duru, I would recommend it, especially for non-Africans. I wouldn’t recommend it to your Liberian friends. Personally, if I were Liberian and had to sit through Duru’s fake accent, I would throw a heavy object at the screen.
Big name actors: Francis Duru, Omotola Ekehinde, Uche Jombo, Maureen Solomon
Actors to watch out for: Akume Akume (in my book, he’s a heavyweight), Leo Mezie (he’s cute, but that’s about it - so I would look out for him…lol), Pete Eneh (He’s a heavyweight, but I have never seen him star a movie - there are few lead roles out there for older men who are not funny…poor guy.
Director: Andy Nwakalor
Producer: Christopher Ozoemena
Year: 2007
