Title: PIRATES OF THE NIGHT (1 – 4)

Starring: Majid Michel, John Dumelo, Prince David Osei, Gavivina Tamakloe

Synopsis:
A group of friends achieved financial success thanks to a spiritualist but in order to maintain it, they had to abide by the “golden rules” or suffer the consequences.

Review:
Hakeem, Mike, and Justin were friends through thick and thin. Hakeem (Majid Michel) graduated at the top of his class but four years later he still couldn’t find a job. Life spiraled downhill when he was put in prison after beating up his girlfriend for cheating on him. When Hakeem was released from prison he rejoined his friends, Mike and Justin (John Dumelo and Prince David Osei).

Unfortunately, Hakeem was back in the same boat – unemployed. Mike and Justin had jobs with Chief Titus (Abieku Segoe), who was an internet scammer but they were unsatisfied with their share of the profits and started their own operation. They invited Hakeem to join them, and although he was reluctant to partake in illegal activity, he was tired of being broke so he went for it.

But money wasn’t rolling in the way it did under Chief Titus and they were advised to get a “spiritual cleansing.” They visited a spiritualist and the ceremony ensured each of them a life of success but there were certain rules they had to abide by.

Business was suddenly flourishing and the guys took care of their families and purchased cars and homes. It wasn’t until life turned a sour note that they realized they sold their lives for wealth.

Let’s Talk. This is another one of those dramas where a spiritualist held the keys to the lives of those that he blessed with riches. The guys made the right move in getting an education but finding jobs eluded them and they resorted to a quick fix that produced quick results.

There were other subplots but here are a few story related issues.

1) Throughout most of the movie, Justin’s girlfriend was always by his side. They even had their own side scam going on. Then he ditched her for another woman without reason. Suddenly, he labeled her a “junkyard” which was off-putting for her as well as for the audience.

2) The four million dollar withdrawal. Who withdraws that kind of money? This should have raised an eyebrow with the bank officials. Speaking of which…

3) The guys never came close to getting arrested for all the fraud they committed. How perfect.

4) When money was flowing, the guys naturally had a number of splurges but too bad not one of them had the inclination to save or invest.

5) Hakeem’s sister was hit by a car and hospitalized. Supposedly, she was “fighting for her life” yet she walked out of the hospital a few days later without as much of a bandaid.

In addition, some scenes were excessively long. For instance, did the audience really need to go shopping with the characters? What a waste of time! The movie probably could have been told in three parts had it been put together more efficiently.

The positive areas of the movie was the actual story. It’s all too real that some graduates can’t find jobs. After a significant investment of money and time on an education, it’s a disheartening state to be in. 

The story also puts life into perspective. What’s more important, money or life? Money or family? Is money everything? How about our faith? Do we place it in God or spiritualists? Those questions were the spirit of the movie.

Performances were pretty good. I can’t complain about the actors that played the key roles. Majid Michel aced it as a man that desperately wanted to provide for his family. John Dumelo rocked as the ambitious bad boy and ring leader – plus he’s so fine…Lordie, Lordie. 🙂 Prince David Osei and Gavivina Tamakloe had good performances too. 

Video quality was decent and sound was okay.

Despite its faults, “Pirates of the Night” was very entertaining. I had gut wrenching laughs at scenes that probably weren’t intended to be funny but laughter is always, always, always, a good thing.

The most significant line came near the end when the evil spiritualist said to the pastor “so you have your Lord yet he (Hakeem) came to me for wealth?” We must trust and believe that God is totally capable of providing our needs and desires. RECOMMEND