The Black Book

The Black Book is one of those films with wasted potential, it has an engaging plot that suffers from an absurd number of holes. Different stories seem to enter the main story of The Black Book at inopportune moments, in the end, more confusing than embellishing the plot. I even researched if this movie was based on a book, but I didn't find any substantial information; at least it would explain the various arches, creating an architecture as clumsy as Cubism.

The plot follows Paul Edima, a former hitman for the Nigerian government, who decides to return to his roots after his son is framed to cover up a corruption scheme. Simple but effective, however, marred by a secondary plot about such a black book, a plot that appears out of nowhere in the second half of Act 2.

When Act 3 begins, you're so confused that you end up hanging on until the end in hopes of finding some sense, but you don't. In the end, The Black Book fails to put together the pieces of the complex puzzle it has created.

This movie isn't just mistakes. The theme, given the awesome setting, is relevant and appreciable. The performances of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ade Laoye are commendable. Too bad these pros don't save The Black Book from falling into the pile of movies with good premise but poor execution.