Category: Nollywood

Movie Title: Merry Men 3: Nemesis

Release Date: 13 October, 2023

Director: Moses Inwang

Runtime: 2 hours, 11 minutes

Cast: AY Makun, Ramsey Nouah, William Uchemba, Sam Dede, Chidi Mokeme, Francis Onwochei, Ufoma Mc Dermott, Nadia Buari, Caroline Hutchings, and Regina Daniels.

The exclamation “What the heck” is almost a natural statement when watching the 2023 action thriller drama Merry Men 3: Nemesis.

Nigerians’ affection for homegrown cinematic productions was rekindled with the introduction of Merry Men in 2018. This resurgence was primarily attributed to the film’s pioneering embrace of action sequences and the inclusion of both seasoned and emerging talents in the industry, such as Ramsey Noah, the iconic Jim Iyke, and the rapidly rising star Falz.

Despite the initial film in the Merry Men trilogy having its flaws, audiences willingly overlooked them as they were caught up by its Yoruba Demons narrative that sparked numerous social media challenges and discussions.

The reception to the announcement of the second film was mixed, as viewers pondered whether the producers would learn from the shortcomings of the first instalment or succumb to the tired narrative common in many action film sequels: a character seeking revenge.

Judging by the minimal buzz surrounding the release of Merry Men 3, it seems evident that the producers might not have heeded the lessons from the past.

Merry Men 3 yearns for a touch of originality; various elements in the film appear as if they were tacked on as an afterthought. From the overall storyline to the characters’ actions, the film gives the impression of what unfolds when a writer draws inspiration from too many action films without putting in any creative spin.

The Plot

The third chapter in the trilogy continues the narrative from the previous film, unfolding Ayo and Kemi’s wedding preparations. However, the joyous occasion takes an unexpected turn when Dafe, Ayo’s presumed dead former best friend, disrupts the ceremony.

The backstory reveals Ayo and Dafe’s shared history in a past gang. In a fateful operation, Dafe is wounded, and Ayo, abandoning him, becomes the source of deep-seated resentment for Dafe. Years later, Dafe orchestrates a coup, leading a new criminal organisation in America with a singular motive: revenge against Ayo.

At the wedding, Dafe delivers a devastating blow by informing Ayo and the Merry Men of the deaths of Naz and Remi. This tragic revelation fuels their collective thirst for vengeance, leading them to a mission against Dafe.

As the Merry Men continue, they uncover Dafe’s grander scheme to eliminate top politicians and frame them for the killings. The group, enlisting the help of familiar allies like Dame Maduka and Zara, formulates a plan to thwart Dafe’s nefarious agenda.

In a dramatic face-off, Ayo falls victim to Dafe’s lethal shot, only to be unexpectedly resurrected. Amidst a shocking betrayal, the group is compelled into a final confrontation with Dafe, leading them into a perilous war where impending doom looms large.

The Good About Merry Men 3

Merry Men 3’s cinematography sets a high standard for future Nollywood action films with its good lighting, excellent camera shots, and beautiful yet practical locations. The sound accurately enhances the cinematic experience.

The casting choices, particularly Ireti Doyle as Dame Maduka, were excellent. She convincingly portrays a self-centred, evil, and intelligent villain ready to use any means to destroy everything. Chidi Mokeme‘s portrayal of Dafe is outstanding, with his body language and facial expressions perfectly suited for the villainous role.

The action scenes in the film are intense and well-executed. The characters display mastery of stunt moves, complemented by impressive special effects.

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The Bad About Merry Men 3

Merry Men 3 falls short as a sequel because it lacks innovation; the plot seems like a repeat of the second film. The concept of a new character seeking revenge on a previous main character has been overused, as seen in the Fast and Furious franchise. While not a terrible narrative, Merry Men 3’s execution lacks nuance, feeling too straightforward.

The film could have benefited from unexpected twists, like concealing Dafe’s identity for a more dramatic reveal. For instance, creating uncertainty about Ayo’s survival and having him return later to aid the gang would have added intrigue. Unfortunately, the writers stuck to a predictable path, making the film uninteresting.

Several actors contributed to the lacklustre feel, delivering lines with poor tones and bland facial expressions. Even in scenes mourning Naz and Remi’s deaths, the characters appear unaffected, making it hard for viewers to connect with their grief.

The abrupt deaths of Naz and Remi raised questions, as their characters were killed off due to actors not returning for the sequel. A more thoughtful approach, like having one character drift away and potentially return in a future film, could have added depth.

While Dafe is a competent villain, his motivations lack sufficient strength for his actions. Dafe’s grudge against Ayo for leaving him when he was shot in the head feels weak, especially considering a headshot typically results in a quick death. A more compelling backstory or avoiding a direct connection between Dafe and Ayo in the past could have strengthened the narrative.

Final Thoughts

Merry Men gets a 3/10 rating.

The trilogy, which started strong, disappoints in its third and likely final instalment.

You can watch Merry Men 3 on Netflix.

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