Movie Review: Bank Alert is good but falls short of greatness

Despite having a fantastic cast lineup, Bank Alert, which hit cinemas on November 24th, falls into the category of being good but not quite reaching the level of greatness.

Co-produced by Okey Bakassi and directed by Akay Mason, the ensemble cast of the movie includes new and established artists such as Okey Bakassi, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Nwite Conrad, Ebube Mbgeahuru, Victory Eyong, Ejiro Onojaife, Juwon Agoola, Oli Ekun, Taiwo Hassan, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bolanle Ninalowo, Uzor Arukwe, and Tina Mba, amongst others.

The storyline revolves around a former banker, played by Okey Bakassi, who discovers a whopping N500 million in his dormant bank account, instantly placing a target on his back.

The actors delivered impressive performances in their respective roles, with standout hilarity coming from characters like JantaManta and Modestus, portrayed by Ninalowo and Uzor Arukwe, even though they are thugs and villains respectively.

Their antics drew abundant laughter, adding a humorous touch to the film. Additionally, Ejiro Onojaife skillfully embodied the role of a female thug within Jantamanta’s group, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the movie.

The inclusion of fight scenes in the movie seemed unnecessary, giving the impression that the producers aimed to inject some action to prevent it from being labeled as dull or mediocre. Unfortunately, the fighting sequences were poorly choreographed, and the confrontation with the villain lacked intensity, making it too straightforward and lacking in impact.

The cinematography effectively captures the essence of life in the ghetto, particularly showcasing Jantamanta’s residence and interactions with his gang. The chosen settings for various scenes are commendable, offering valuable insights into the characters. However, despite these strengths, the storyline itself is somewhat straightforward.

Primarily, Bank Alert explores familial challenges that, if unattended, can result in divorces. The film also delves into the attitudes and perspectives of individuals when faced with sudden wealth. Notably, in contrast to the character Mosquito’s actions in the movie “A Bag of Trouble,” where sudden wealth leads to certain behaviors, Samuel opts to invest the money for potential growth. While spending unidentified funds is discouraged, it serves as a portrayal of the diverse behaviors exhibited by different individuals in similar situations.

From us at Kemi Filani, it’s 6/10 for Bank Alert.