In a monumental occasion for Nigerian cinema, the eagerly awaited movie “Sabinus- The Best Man” takes center stage, with Sabinusnassuming the pivotal role of the best man to Emeka. Despite Emeka’s persistent plea to forgo a bachelor’s eve, Sabinus, undeterred, has distinct plans, whether or not the groom is on board.
The debut film, aptly titled “Sabinus – The Best Man,” had its grand premiere on December 22, 2023. This cinematic venture marks the inaugural feature from Nigerian comedian and film actor Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ejekwu, better known as Mr Funny or Oga Sabinus.
Serving as both the executive producer and a key cast member, Sabinus brings his infectious humor to the forefront, supported by a stellar ensemble featuring Tobi Bakre, Lasisi Elenu, Charles Inojie, Osita Iheme, Realsophy, Gregory Ojefua, and Afeez Oyetoro among others.
Renowned for his viral comedy skits, Sabinus transitions seamlessly to the big screen, with “Sabinus– The Best Man” symbolizing a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Under the adept direction of Chiori Daniel Cole, the film promises a memorable cinematic experience that transcends conventional comedic boundaries.
Set in Lagos, the narrative unfolds around Emeka’s impending wedding, a momentous occasion where Sabinus assumes the crucial role of the best man. Despite Emeka’s insistence on foregoing a bachelor’s eve, Sabinus, fueled by his own agenda, orchestrates an unforgettable event.
However, complications arise when the bride-to-be unexpectedly joins the bachelor party without the groom’s presence, leading to her disappearance on the morning of the wedding. In a race against time, Sabinus must locate the missing bride and ensure that the wedding proceeds as planned.
Embarking on this laughter-infused adventure alongside Sabinus are some of Nigeria’s most accomplished actors and comedians. We see Lasisi Elenu, Tobi Bakre, the versatile actor and former reality TV star, joins forces with Mr Funny, the maestro of comedy, and Realsophy, celebrated for her unique perspective, to form a dynamic ensemble cast.
The actors excel in their roles, skillfully guiding viewers through the film although their acts seem exxagerated in some scenes. The humor is balanced adeptly, ensuring it doesn’t overshadow the valuable lessons embedded within the storyline.
Tobi Bakre’s performance stands out, showcasing his versatility as an actor. While accustomed to seeing him in action-packed roles, even amidst a seemingly unserious and humorous cast, he blends in and delivers an exceptional performance.
Despite its comedic nature, the movie imparts meaningful lessons to viewers. It sheds light on the potential downsides of bachelor parties held the night before weddings, especially those involving heavy drinking or smoking. Sabinus, unfortunately, grapples with memory loss due to the influence of cannabis, adding a layer of consequence to the revelry.
Furthermore, the film explores the repercussions of distrust in relationships. The bride-to-be’s skepticism leads her to spy on the events thinking the groom-to-be will show up at the party even though he said he wouldn’t, a decision that thrusts her into the disastrous aftermath of the party.
The film also exposes the deceptive nature of individuals, as Sabinus borrows one million naira from Moniepoint to make a flamboyant appearance at Emeka’s wedding, only to witness his plans unravel in unfortunate ways under the influence of weed and alcohol.
“Sabinus– The Best Man” thus delves beyond laughter, weaving a narrative that addresses real-life scenarios and offers insights into the consequences of certain choices in the intricate dance of relationships.
While the cinematography demonstrates proficiency, there is room for improvement, lacking any particularly striking elements, although the aerial view captured by the camera is notably captivating.
The movie employs music effectively, with top-notch soundtracks that set the perfect vibe. However, a minor setback occurs when the subtitles momentarily diverge from the actors’ dialogue. Nevertheless, the overall production quality is commendable, offering a delightful fusion of comedy and valuable insights.
Boasting a diverse cast of talents, “Sabinus – The Best Man” provides an uproarious cinematic experience. It transcends the realm of mere entertainment; it serves as a celebration of Nigerian talent, humor, and the creative brilliance embodied by Sabinus.
From us at Kemi Filani, it’s 7/10 for “Sabinus- The Best Man”, acknowledging its contribution to the comedic landscape while recognizing areas for potential enhancement.