Gossip • 19h ago
Movie review: Love and New Notes is poor on technicalities; genre difficult to pinpoint
**Movie Review: Love and New Notes Falls Short, A Confusing Blend of Genres**
In a bid to relive Nigeria's past, director Kayode Kasum's 'Love and New Notes' takes us back to 1984, but the attempt falls flat in several areas. The movie stars a talented cast, including Ayoola Akinyoola, Eniola Badmus, Odunlade Adekola, and Sophie Alakija, but lacks in technicalities, making it difficult to pinpoint its genre.
The story revolves around Boma and Chisom, played by Timini Egbuson and another talented actor, as they navigate the consequences of a policy that affected our nation's currency, the naira. The plot is a heist presented as an opportunity, but the movie tries to balance it with romance, comedy, and horror elements, making it hard to categorize.
One of the most striking issues with the movie is its attempt to recreate the 80s setting. While the production team tried to give the impression that the movie was set in the past, it fell short. The fake Afro on Timini Egbuson's character, Boma, looked unnatural, and it would have been better to opt for a natural look or a low-cut hairstyle, which was popular during that era.
Furthermore, the plate number on one of the vehicles in the movie looked like a printed sheet of paper taped to the back of the car. A simple visit to a garage with old cars could have provided the kind of plate numbers used during that period. It's also puzzling why vintage cars in movies are always depicted as raggedy, when in reality, there are many sparkling-clean vintage cars parked in Nigeria.
The movie's use of flashbacks also raises questions. The past decades haven't felt any different from the 80s in terms of looks, and even the 80s setting could be misinterpreted. The movie's attempt to balance different genres and time periods makes it confusing and hard to follow.
While 'Love and New Notes' has a talented cast, it falls short in technicalities, making it a disappointing watch. Perhaps with more attention to detail and a clearer direction, this movie could have been a hit. As it stands, it's a confusing blend of genres that fails to leave a lasting impression.