Title: MEN IN LOVE (1 – 3)

Starring: John Dumelo, Tonto Dikeh, Muna Obiekwe        

Synopsis:

Charles and Whitney’s marital problems take a turn for the worst when Charles has a secret relationship with a man. 

Review:

“Men In Love” is the sequel to the films “Secret Shadows” and “Love Alone.” The saga continues and Whitney fights for her marriage as a man manipulates her husband into a sexual relationship. 

Let’s Talk. As the title implies, “Men In Love” contains sexual situations. Actually, it’s not clear which movie came first, “Secret Shadows” or “Men In Love” but based on the story it’s feasible that “Secret Shadows” marked the beginning of the drama.

As for story issues, first off, Muna Obiekwe played Carl, Charles’ confidant in the first series (Secret Shadows & Love Alone). Here in “Men In Love” Muna is introduced as “Alex,” Charles’ associate who is gay. This is jarring for viewers who have followed the prequels and saw these two play heterosexual “homeboys” that dished the dirt on women.

Secondly, it’s hard to accept John Dumelo in a gay role, especially as the passive partner. It’s safe to surmise that no man will ever screw John Dumelo or any character played by him. Period. He’s too manly. If anything HE would be doing the screwing, not the other way around.

In order for Dumelo to have sold the audience his performance in this role, he would of had to dig deep into his soul to find the flaming b*tch within and bring that to the character.

If the producers had cast Muna in the passive role of the relationship it would have been more believable. No disrespect to Muna or Dumelo. They’re both talented in their own right, however, Muna has an edge about him that could have pulled off both sides of the homosexual relationship. 

Also, when Charles (John Dumelo) discovered that Alex raped him, that punch in Alex’s face didn’t come fast enough. He should have instantly decked him. Instantly. No words necessary. Any real man would have beaten his a**.

Furthermore, it’s a cop out to use supernatural influences as the reason for Charles’ gay relationship. Here the writers missed an opportunity to get real about gay love and explore the human element and complications of it.

As for acting, there’s something about Muna Obiekwe that is soothing and calming to watch. He brings a remarkable level of confidence to the screen. Dumelo is a fantastic actor but this is not his best role. Kudos to him for going beyond his comfort level, though.

Tonto Dikeh was excellent at playing the wronged wife and did so with ease.

At the end of the day “Men in Love” was most certainly a page-turner on film. RECOMMEND

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