“Small Talk” Delivers Big Laughs, Despite Its Flaws

“Small Talk” stands out as a riotous cautionary tale about the perils of idle gossip and loose lips. Directed by Biodun Stephen, the film takes a refreshing approach by embracing the stars of the skit-making world, delivering a hilarious and relatable romp that will leave audiences in stitches.

The film follows the misadventures of Baba Dee (Mr. Macaroni), an overzealous chauffeur whose loose lips land him in hot soup after his boss, Seyi Bodeorin (Timilehin Ojeola), is robbed shortly after returning to the country. With circumstantial evidence pointing towards Baba Dee’s involvement, he must retrace his steps and confront everyone he inadvertently disclosed information to, in a desperate bid to clear his name.

From the outset, “Small Talk” establishes a lively and infectious energy, thanks in no small part to Mr. Macaroni’s endearing portrayal of the lovable and talkative Baba Dee. The comedian’s natural charisma and impeccable comic timing shine through, infusing his character with warmth and relatability. His ability to seamlessly transition from broad physical comedy to earnest emotional beats is a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Complementing Mr. Macaroni’s performance is Lasisi Elenu’s turn as the hapless Officer Okoh, a self-proclaimed private investigator with a shady past. Elenu’s portrayal teeters between hilarious and over-the-top, but his commitment to the role and natural chemistry with Mr. Macaroni elevate even the most outlandish moments.

The supporting cast, featuring familiar faces like Lizzy Jay and Korexx, delivers solid performances, although some characters feel underutilized or relegated to one-note caricatures. Nevertheless, the ensemble’s collective energy and comedic timing keep the laughs coming, even when the plot veers into predictable territory.

Stephen’s direction is confident and assured, deftly balancing the film’s farcical elements with moments of genuine heart and pathos. The screenplay, while not reinventing the wheel, manages to weave a clever narrative that effectively explores the perils of excessive chatter and the importance of discretion.

Where “Small Talk” truly shines is in its ability to mine humor from the most mundane situations, elevating everyday banter and interactions to laugh-out-loud hilarity. The witty dialogue crackles with energy, and the film’s brisk pace ensures that the laughs keep coming at a steady clip.

However, the movie is not without its flaws. At times, the humor leans too heavily on exaggeration and broad physical comedy, sacrificing subtlety for over-the-top antics. Additionally, some technical issues, such as audio-visual synchronization problems, disrupt the viewing experience and pull the audience out of the narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, “Small Talk” remains a thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing addition to the Nollywood comedy canon. Its reliance on skit-makers as its leading stars may raise eyebrows among purists, but the film’s infectious energy and genuine laughs make a compelling case for this new wave of comedic talent.

In comparison to other recent Nollywood comedies, “Small Talk” holds its own, delivering a consistently hilarious and entertaining experience. While it may not reinvent the genre, it succeeds in showcasing the comedic prowess of its leading stars and leaving audiences with a smile on their faces.

Ultimately, “Small Talk” is a proof to the evolving nature of Nollywood comedy, embracing a new generation of talent while staying true to the genre’s core values of humor, heart, and relatable storytelling. It’s a flawed but thoroughly enjoyable romp that cements Biodun Stephen’s reputation as a comedic force to be reckoned with.

Release Date:  March 1, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes, 25 seconds

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Director: Biodun Stephen

Cast: Timilehin Ojeola, Mofe Okorodudu, Moet Abebe, The Korexx, Isbae U, Debo “Mr. Macaroni” Adedayo, Blessing Nze, Taye Arimoro, Greg Ojefua, Lizzy Jay, and Lasisi Elenu.