Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons is a 2018 Nigerian action comedy film written by Anthony Kehinde Joseph, produced by Darlington Abuda and directed by Toka Mcbaror.[3][4] It stars an ensemble cast, which includes: Ramsey Nouah, AY Makun, Jim Iyke, Damilola Adegbite, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Falz, Jide Kosoko, Rosaline Meurer and Nancy Isime.
| Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Toka Mcbaror[1] |
| Screenplay by | Anthony Kehinde Joseph |
| Story by | AY Makun |
| Produced by | Darlington Abuda Patrick Ovoke Odjegba |
| Starring | Ramsey Nouah AY Makun Jim Iyke Damilola Adegbite Richard Mofe-Damijo Iretiola Doyle Falz Jide Kosoko Rosaline Meurer Nancy Isime |
| Narrated by | Ramsey Nouah |
| Cinematography | Rapha Bola |
| Edited by | Patrick Ovoke Odjegba Isaace Benjamin Gem Owas |
| Music by | Kolade Morakinyo |
Production companies | Corporate World Entertainment Gush Media FilmOne |
| Distributed by | FilmOne Distributions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Languages | English Yoruba Pidgin |
| Box office | ₦235.6 million[2] |
Plot
editThe film is set in Abuja. Four rich men (the Merry Men) seduce powerful women, and live a Robin Hood-esque life. They embody the stereotypical description of a Yoruba demon hence the subtitle of the movie's name. They face their biggest challenge yet when they antagonize a notorious and corrupt politician who plans on demolishing a village to build a shopping mall. The four men scheme to save the poor people of the village.[5]
Cast
edit- Ramsey Nouah as Ayo Alesinloye
- Ayo Makun as Amaju Abioritsegbemi
- Jim Iyke as Naz Okigbo
- Folarin "Falz" Falana as Remi Martins
- Damilola Adegbite as Dera Chukwu
- Richard Mofe-Damijo as Chief Alesinloye
- Rosaline Meurer as Kemi Alesinloye
- Ireti Doyle as Dame Maduka
- Nancy Isime as Sophie
- Lilian Esoro as Mrs Anyanwu
- Jide Kosoko as Chief Omole
- Osas Ighodaro as Chidinma (blogger)
- Francis Duru as Inspector Jack
- Ali Nuhu as Bank Client Service Head
- Faithia Balogun as Mama Abdul
- Samuel Ajibola as Abdul
- Segun Arinze as Bank IT Staff
Reception
editAccording to Nollyrated, The plot of the movie was like a basket that leaked everywhere and there were hardly any firm connections in the stories. Also, some of the characters were unnecessary to the overall story. This is nothing against the actors’ skills, but some of the characters added nothing to the story[6]
According to Nollywood Reinvented, The best thing about this movie is the picture quality. The shots are crisp, the sets are luxurious, the aura is sold; but the action choreography is a joke, the lines fall flat, and all the impact is nonexistent. The nearly 2hr debacle is chock full with unnecessary cameos and forced insertion of party music to elevate the mood, but there's barely any cohesion here to drive the movie along.[7]
According to bbfc, Moderate violence includes a man gripping other men's neck, and a scene in which a man is shot, with brief sight of some bloody detail [8]
Sequel
editA sequel titled Merry Men 2 was released on December 20, 2019.[9] This was followed by a third installment, Merry Men 3, which premiered on October 13, 2023.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "merry men: the real yoruba demons".
- ^ "Nigeria Box Office Year Book, 2019". books.filmhouseng.com. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
- ^ "Merry Men: More than Just a Movie Premiere".
- ^ Agbo, Njideka (12 January 2019). ""Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons" Is Showing In These Cinemas".
- ^ Okoli, Uche (2 October 2018). "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons is a brilliant mix of powerful casting and relatable humour".
- ^ "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018) Movie Review – Great Cast; Not So Great Delivery". Nollyrated. Omonikee Adeoti. 25 July 2020.
- ^ "MERRY MEN: THE REAL YORUBA DEMONS". Nollywood Reinvented.
- ^ "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons". bbfc.
- ^ BellaNaija.com (2019-12-04). "Watch the Official Trailer for AY's "Merry Men 2" Starring Falz, Williams Uchemba & Nancy Isime". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2024-01-11). "Adire, Merry Men 3, Dinner, others set for Netflix". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-10-12.