Movie Review: Lara and The Beat

‘Lara and The Beat’ is “Good” as opposed to being “Great” as was promised. It is by no means exceptional as it fails to live up to the level of sophistication it tries to reach. Ordinarily, “trying” wouldn’t be a bad thing; in fact it ought to be applaudable, the only problem is that since many “Great” movies in contemporary Nollywood have succeeded in attaining sophistication without being plagued by the extent of confusion that ultimately hamper this one’s march to greatness, ‘Lara and The Beat’ deserves no applause for trying.

The key problem with ‘Lara and The Beat’ is over-reach. When seeing it, one can’t help but get the feeling that the producers seem to have bitten more than they are able to chew. Propelled by lofty ambitions, they try doing too many things at the same time but are unable to execute any one thing with remarkable finesse; resulting in rough cuts, jumbled scenes and convoluted story-telling that would, at times, leave you feeling almost dizzy.

Nevertheless, the good news is that it is neither terrible nor is it so deficient that it should be avoided. On the contrary, it’s rather endearing. Not because of “the movie” itself, but rather because of the actors- The material is weak, but the acting somewhat makes up for it. And the characters (three in particular) are just so lovable.

Working together, the tripartite of Lala, Somkele and Seyi, manage to lift ‘Lara and The Beat’ out of the doldrums. By their individual talents and the sheer power of their chemistry, they save it from what otherwise would have been imminent embarrassment, winning it a “Very Okay” status only by the skin of its teeth. Meaning; if you do see it, you won’t regret it. But if you happen to have gotten yourself drunk on the hype, better you simmer down. You will not be awed.

Verdict: Good. Watchable. Not spectacular.

Synopsis: Lara and the Beat is a coming of age movie about the young and beautiful Giwa sisters caught in the centre of a financial scandal with their late parents’ Media Empire. The sisters are forced out of their privileged bubble, and must learn to build their own future – through music and enterprise – to salvage their family’s past.

Starring: Seyi Shay (Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua), Vector, Lala Kemi Akindoju, Somkele Idhalama, Toni Tones, Shaffy Bello, Ademola Adedoyin, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Chioma Chukwuka-Apkotha, Wale Ojo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bimbo Emmanuel, Uche Jumbo.

Recommended without gusto.

Watch trailer and get more details below:

Credit: CinemaPointer

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