Movie by movie Nollyood has continued to grow into the world and is poised to cause yet another stir with the Obi Emelonye-directed Money Miss Road, which hits cinemas globally Friday 22 July.
Shown to the media in Lagos Tuesday 19 July, the director, who spoke to the gathering via recorded video, said the movie journalists, and indeed, all who come to see it in the cinemas, were in for a treat. And the award-winning film director, whose creative imprints are in Nollywood blockbusters like, Last Flight to Abuja, Mirror Boy, Oxford Garden and BADAMASI was right on the money, as the 98-minute film is not just chuck full of rib cracking comedy, it also has many a hair-raising action scene that ties well into the storytelling that elevates a small budget feature into a classic for the ages.
There is still much more as the film starring legendary entertainer, Charly Boy Oputa alongside Swanky JKA (Jide Kene Achufusi), has a sex scene that is more titilating than risque unlike it has ever been done in Nollywood. The scene is so well curated and expertly brought to fruition that it is better seen than words can describe it. But those who come to see Money Miss Road will glory in the full package of good storytelling, of the exchanges between the characters, the action that is well executed, the brilliant work of cinematography as well as the twists, turns and an unexpected but thought provoking denouement. They wil also be amazed by the range of all the actors who can switch from providing exhilaration to giving laughter in a heartbeat. It is a film to watch particularly in these times when much is bleak and there is little to gladden the heart.
Also part of the cast of the movie filmed in locations at Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, which captures the struggles, dreams and drive of downtown existence, highlighting the lives of two friends, whose chance encounter with a ruthless criminal kingpin would set them up for a life of luxury and misery as their rat race for survival unravels, are Josh2funny (Josh Alfred), Oma Iyasara, Melvin Oduah and Anthony Monjaro,
Set for the global release in cinemas across Nigeria, UK, USA and Canada, Money Miss Road is produced by Joy Efe Odiete, the CEO of Blue Pictures. Odiete, who is behind the highly-acclaimed film, Gone, said that lovers of comedy and action movies, can check the websites of their favourite cinemas to keep abreast of the running schedule of Money Miss Road at their areas.
“It opens on Friday, July 22, 2022 and the schedules can be found on websites of your favourite cinemas. It is an action-comedy film; a combination rarely seen in Nigerian cinemas as seen from the trajectory and history of the box office. ‘Money Miss Road’ is a buffet served with a lot for everyone to chew on, seeing all what have been going on in the country today,” she said.
Emelonye, who is also the script writer, spoke on the choice of the title, saying it was deliberately picked with the intention to localise it to gain global attention.
He said the inspiration for the movie was generated from one of his movies shot in 2005 titled Lucky Joe. Eagled-eyed viewers will find a sort of Easter egg that links back to the earlier film in this reboot.
Explaining the technical depth of the film, Obi Emelonye said: “The film was shot on an Arri Alexa mini using high quality prime lenses. The Director of Photography was Biola Oke. With most of the action in the film happening at night, we wanted to use that to create a really dark cinematic mood to the film, although the subject matter is light and comedic. This played into the thriller elements of the film and the tense, edge of your seat rhythm of the chase scenes. All in all, I wanted to do a more physical, more action comedy instead of the talky drama that we are used to. If you liked films like Rush Hour and Bad Boys then you’ll love Money Miss Road.”