RattleSnake: The Ahanna Story

Despite being someone who typically doesn't bother with local movies, I opted to give this a try because of the hype and found it (reasonably) entertaining. The storyline left me in awe because I usually don't expect to see any plot twists or ingenuity in Nollywood flicks. But this movie soared in that aspect.

While I watched, there were questions (such as why would Ahanna's mom leave him behind in the village etc.), and then I would realize shortly after, as the story unraveled, that they were deliberate plot elements. In simple language, my questions were answered and this was a good thing.

As much as I liked the plot of this movie, however, I hated a large number of the cast. Very subpar acting, even from the veterans. Some were downright atrocious. Half the time, I couldn't help but cringe. I honestly can't name one person who really stood out in their role. But that's just one problem. Here's another; the writing suffered in some places. For instance, the scene where Ahanna first visits Nze and Amara in Lagos, they're hardly done exchanging pleasantries before Amara unloads all of Nze's crap on Ahanna. I mean, who (in real life) goes, "Welcome," and then, "Should I tell him or you will?" All this, to someone you literally haven't seen in years. Absolutely ridiculous.

Meanwhile, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the Ramsey Nouah scene. What was the point of it? For a second there, I thought the movie was gonna go the mystic route but alas...

Nonetheless, I found the movie quite entertaining and was able to watch it right till the end. My verdict: By Nollywood standards, this would be an 8. By international, however, this would be a 4 or 5 due to the shallow, uninspired acting, and perhaps (insipid) directing.