“Everybody Loves Jenifa”: A Messy Yet Charming Festive Crowd-Pleaser

In “Everybody Loves Jenifa”, Funke Akindele breathes new life into her beloved character, offering a mix of nostalgia, humor, and high-stakes drama.

The film attempts to expand Jenifa’s world beyond the comedic misadventures fans know her for, dabbling in themes of domestic violence, justice, and organized crime. While these ambitious themes add depth to the film’s premise, its overstuffed plot and uneven execution undermine its potential.

The story begins in Lagos, where Jenifa has transformed from her bumbling past into a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.

However, her cheerful world unravels when she stumbles upon a shocking act of domestic violence involving Mr. Lobster (Stan Nze), a high-profile figure and supposed philanthropist. Jenifa’s attempt to expose the abuse pits her against a powerful enemy, turning her life into a whirlwind of danger.

What follows is a chaotic series of events, blending slapstick comedy with an unexpected turn into the crime-thriller genre. Accompanied by her loyal friends Toyosi (Olayode Juliana ) and Adaku (Omotunde Adebowale David), Jenifa travels to Ghana, where they inadvertently entangle themselves in a drug cartel’s sinister operations. The shift in tone from lighthearted comedy to life-threatening escapades is jarring, with scenes that oscillate between absurd hilarity and dark violence.

The film’s ambition is admirable, but its execution falters under the weight of its sprawling narrative. The first act is bogged down by preachy dialogue and sluggish pacing, turning what could have been a compelling setup into a drawn-out morality tale.

By the time the second act rolls around, the plot accelerates into overdrive, introducing half-baked subplots and unresolved character arcs. Toyosi’s potential character development is abruptly sidelined, and the dynamic between Mr. Lobster and his mistress (Destiny Etiko) fizzles out without a satisfying conclusion.

Despite its flaws, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” manages to entertain, thanks to its vibrant cast and Akindele’s trademark humor. Falz, as Shege, and Layi Wasabi, as Rex, shine with their comedic timing, bringing much-needed levity to the chaotic plot.

Jackie Appiah’s portrayal of a no-nonsense Ghanaian drug lord adds gravitas to the story’s darker moments, while Jenifa herself remains as endearing as ever. Her unpolished grammar and naïve confidence provide comedic relief even in the film’s most intense scenes, ensuring fans stay connected to the character they adore.

On the technical side, the film dazzles with its vibrant visuals and energetic cinematography, effectively capturing the liveliness of its Lagos and Ghanaian settings. However, these strengths are often undermined by rushed editing that sacrifices coherence for spectacle. The tonal inconsistencies further dilute the film’s impact, as it struggles to balance its comedic roots with the serious themes it seeks to address.

A comparison with Akindele’s recent project, “She Must Be Obeyed“, reveals a pattern of over-ambition. Both films attempt to tackle multiple genres and themes but fail to deliver satisfying resolutions. In “Everybody Loves Jenifa”, this approach leads to moments of brilliance scattered across a disjointed narrative. The social commentary on domestic violence, while important, feels superficial, overshadowed by the film’s focus on spectacle and crowd-pleasing humor.

Yet, for all its shortcomings, the film succeeds in delivering feel-good entertainment. It’s a festive crowd-pleaser that leans heavily on nostalgia and fan service. For longtime fans of the “Jenifa” franchise, the joy of seeing their favorite character in action again outweighs the film’s narrative flaws. The movie’s open-ended conclusion hints at the possibility of a sequel, leaving room for further exploration of Jenifa’s journey.

As Jenifa evolves from a lovable underdog to a symbol of resilience, her story continues to resonate with audiences. “Everybody Loves Jenifa” may not be a perfect film, but it reaffirms Funke Akindele’s ability to create characters that captivate and endure.

If future installments can strike a better balance between humor and storytelling, the franchise may yet reclaim the brilliance that made Jenifa a cultural icon.

Release Date: December 13,2024

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic Release

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

Directed by: Tunde Olaoye and Funke Akindele

Cast: Funke Akindele, Stan Nze, Nancy Isime, Oladapo Oyebanji, Jackie Appiah, Jide Kosoko, Damilola Oni, Jide Awobona, Chy Nwakanma, Chimezie Imo, Omotunde Adebowale David, Bisola Aiyeola, and Paschaline Alex