Starring: Eddie Watson, John Dumelo, Kalsoume Sinare

Synopsis:
A man accused of murdering his wife bestows his fate to an authority higher than the courts.

Review:
Johnson (Eddie Watson) came home one evening to meet his wife murdered. They had argued earlier and the police arrested him believing he had motive. His imprisonment had a huge effect on his mother who had a fatal stroke.

While in prison, Johnson shared a cell with a mysterious man who only spoke the word of God. The man later vacated the cell leaving behind an eerie emptiness and a Bible. The death of his wife and mother along with the judge’s decision persuaded him to release his turmoil to God.

Let’s Talk. This is a crime movie constructed to deliver key messages. It starts off with a level of intrigue as the main character, Johnson, arrived home to meet his wife brutally murdered. He magically became the prime suspect without any evidence, circumstantial or otherwise.

There were story issues. 1) Typical procedures that follow a crime did not take place – at least not for the audience to see. If we had seen the detectives close off the crime scene, take photographs, and at least mention the words DNA evidence, it would have brought a level of authenticity that the story lacked.

2) The detectives claimed they found a diary that Johnson kept. He replied these words, “I never kept a diary.” So if he knew he never had a diary then it was planted and therefore he was set up. This realization should have shifted his dialogue from the constant “I didn’t do it” to “who set me up?” He was too much of a victim and didn’t ask enough questions. 

3) It was difficult to muster up empathy for Johnson since we only saw him one time with his wife before he was arrested and that was when he was threatening to kill her. We never saw what a loving husband he was. There wasn’t even a flashback.

But not everything was what it seemed and motive and other suspects bought about subtle lessons surrounding trust and friendships. In addition, the story shed light on the cold reality of prison which, was an environment of gloom with every man for himself. Religion in prison is a reality as God becomes an anchor for many in these circumstances.

Ultimately, Johnson’s imprisonment served as his route to the teachings of God and the story reminded us to have faith during times of despair. We saw Johnson exercise this ideology when faith was all he had left. He was guided down a path to exoneration after he accepted Christ Almighty.

Casting consisted of the usual suspects from Venus Films and a few other less than talented actors. I have difficulty believing Jose Tolbert in serious roles. I can’t seem to get that picture of him out of my head where he sat with his pants down on a toilet in “My Husband’s Secret.” 

Eddie Watson played the lead role and he was able to display a certain level of agony. I don’t question his commitment to the character but there were times that I questioned if his tears were manufactured. His best scene was the monologue toward the end and his scenes with Pascal Amanfo were spot on.

Kalsoume Sinare played Johnson’s mother-in-law and while I can respect her longevity in the business, she seems to play the same character over and over again. Love her but just sayin’…. Speaking of which, for as long as her career spans, you would think Venus Films would finally get the spelling of her name correct.

As for technical stuff, the sound of dialogue could have been crisper and clearer.

In a nutshell this is a story about personal tragedy and a journey to vindication. Director, Pascal Amanfo strived to inspire the discouraged and who can blame him for being God’s advocate? This movie isn’t a masterpiece but Pascal’s call for salvation is signed, sealed, and delivered. RECOMMEND