Movie title: The Kujus Again
Runtime: 2 hours
Director: Biodun Stephen
Cast: Bisola Aiyeola, Femi Jacobs, Don Jazzy, Bimbo Ademoye, MC Lively, Kunle Remi, Timini Egbuson, Mimi Onalaja, Sophie Alakjia, Chris Iheuwa, and Ronke Odusanya.
Date of release: April 21, 2023
When “Introducing the Kujus” was released last year, it got mixed reactions and received accolades for delivering a healthy dose of family comedy-drama. Then, fast forward to the announcement of a sequel, which caused a bit of tension among viewers because, if there is a common fact about many sequels, they lack the magic of the first.
Fortunately, The Kujus Again is a beacon of hope that makes it possible to believe that sequels can be better. They can overshadow and make up for the mistakes of the original.
With the addition of famous musical icon Don Jazzy, ‘The Kujus Again’ follows everyone’s favourite problematic yet loving family, the Kujus. Last time, we watched them unleash drama at a five-year memorial for the family’s matriarch, but this time, they struggled to organise a traditional wedding ceremony.
One would expect that with a great storyline, such as planning a wedding party, The Kujus would again check all the boxes on what it takes to be a blockbuster. However, its filler scenes, cringy dialogue, and unbelievable plot twist make it slightly below par.
Now, this doesn’t negate the sequel’s good quality. Compared to the first, there is a noticeable growth in scripting, cinematography, and, most significantly, acting performances.
The Tea
We open with the Kujus having a mini party where Mauyon (Kunle Remi) and Lily (Sophie Alakija) announce their engagement. A little misunderstanding ensues among the siblings, causing everyone to leave early. Before bed, Lily begs Mauyon to allow his family members to plan the wedding. She hopes this will mend their differences, thus bringing them together.
Mauyon and Lily relay this new development to their family members, who excitedly jump at it. Maugbe (Timini Egbuson) and Chuks (Folaremi Agunbiade) are in charge of the venue; Mausi (Bisola Aiyeola) is in charge of food; and Maupe (Ronke Odunsanya) is partnered with Lily’s obnoxious brother to select Aso Ebi.
From the interaction, we get to know the aftermath of the events from the last movie: Ebi and Chuks have broken up, Mausi left Otunba, Mautin (Femi Jacobs) and Pamela (Mimi Onalaja) now have a daughter, and Maugbe runs a bar.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: “I can kill you, nothing will happen,” Nigerian soldiers say as they assault two men
Except for the apparent enmity between Lily’s brother and Mausi, everything appears to be going smoothly until Maugbe and Chuks make a grave mistake.
Despite no longer being a part of the family, Otunba (Chris Iheuwa) sends his driver, Barry (MC Lively), to deliver an ATM card containing five million to the family. After collecting the card, Maugbe and Chuks are in a dilemma when they need help recalling the previous day’s events.
Upon realising that the card is still with them, they pay for the hotel rooms and hall for the wedding. Unfortunately, the card is maxed out. This causes Maugbe and Chuks to embark on a quest to find the missing money.
Meanwhile, Mausi bumps into a man (Don Jazzy) who is into her. Following her encounter, she receives gifts, thinking they’re from Otunba.
Everyone is soon aware of Maugbe and Chuks’ mistake as they are indirectly asked to leave the hotel’s premises. Efforts to reach the guys are futile as they have been kidnapped by a certain Don, to whom they owe money.
The boys escape and narrate everything that happened to their family. They remember using the money to bet at a casino.
When the wedding appears to be going downhill, a love interest swoops in and saves the day.
The Good
Let’s start with the acting performances. Everyone brought their A-game, which is expected as many of the actors have gone on to feature in several movies after introducing Kuju. There was noticeable growth, especially in Sophie Alakjia, as she sells the character of Lily to the viewers.
The jokes in the film also achieved their goal; they were funny. The scriptwriter does a great job with the dialogues; they are comedic and leave us wanting more.
Based on the captivating cinematography, Kuju Again optimises its resources to create a world that makes viewers want to be a part of it so badly. As a Gen-Zer, everything looked good, whether the lighting or location.
The Bad
It felt like it dragged on a lot. And by “it”, we mean the movie. There are pretty several scenes that exceed their purpose. For example, the reception scene went on too long; it even had one or two characters repeating dialogue.
The unrealism of some events is another issue with the sequel, as several gaps exist in the plot. In the beginning, we are made to believe that Maugbe and Chuks have no memory of
what happened the previous night, but there is no logical reason to prove why that happened. In the flashback, we saw they were neither drunk nor drugged when betting.
Final Verdict
7/10. The Kujus Again reminds viewers of the importance of family and lives up to the comedic potential promised.
The Kujus Again is showing at the cinemas.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
DonateTEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999