'The Kujus Again' Is Nothing Like Its Predecessor
An uninspiring sequel idea results in a disappointing cash-grab follow-up to one of the most exciting movies of 2020.
Written by: Mannie Oiseomaye
Directed by: Biodun Stephen
Starring: Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola, Timini Eguson, Femi Jacobs, Mimi Onaloja, Sophie Alakija, Folaremi Agunbiade, Bimbo Ademoye, Ronke Odusanya, MC Lively, and Don Jazzy, among others.
Back in 2020, when we thought the world was going to end, more than ever before, people turned to the things that once comforted, entertained, and reassured them. Movies became a source of solace, helping us navigate those tough times. One such movie was Introducing The Kujus (2020), a delightful family comedy directed by the talented Biodun Stephen.
Introducing The Kujus was the gem we never knew we needed. Warm and inviting, it showcased the dynamics of the titular Kujus family in a way that felt familiar and comforting. Watching their antics felt like watching the shenanigans of one's own family, captured in high definition. The film had heart, offering a cinematic experience that was both timely and relevant. However, all these beautiful qualities are noticeably absent in The Kujus Again, a sequel that fails to justify its existence and comes across as a shallow attempt to cash in on the original's success.
In The Kujus Again, the chaotic Kujus family reunites under one roof once more. Mauyon (Kunle Remi) and his girlfriend Lily (Sophie Alakija) are finally tying the knot [itβs for real this time], and the family gathers at a hotel resort for the traditional wedding weekend. However, they entrust the crucial task of planning the wedding logistics, including paying for the accommodation, to the unreliable Maugbe (Timini Egbuson) and Chuks (Folaremi Agunbiade). Given what we know about these two from the first movie, it's no surprise that chaos ensues. The real question is, how do the rest of the Kujus not see this coming?
The biggest issue with The Kujus Again is its lack of inspiration. To put it bluntly, it's boring and fails to offer anything compelling throughout its runtime. The story it attempts to tell pales in comparison to its predecessor. While Introducing The Kujus introduced us to a charismatic family of six siblings with distinct characters and a wealth of baggage to unpack over a weekend dedicated to their late matriarch, The Kujus Again feels like a lazy attempt to capitalize on the original's success.
The truth is, cash grabs aren't inherently bad. Think of them as an engine that drives the industry forward and provides studios with an option for a solid return on their investment. When done well, like in King of Boys 2: The Return of the King (Aside: I really wanted to use Terminator 2: Judgement Day as an example here, but Nollywood mentions only. Sorry.), they ensure the longevity of said IP. The flip side is that when executed poorly, as is the case with The Kujus Again or the now older but still very much annoying Chief Daddy 2: Going For Broke (2022), they can lead to the demise of a once-promising franchise. If the studio doesnβt kill it themselves, the audience most certainly will at the box office and with their reviews.
The Kujus Again is a disappointing sequel to a film that stood out as a bright spot in a challenging year. Its decline is noteworthy and, perhaps, should be studied at some Nigerian film schools, especially considering that much of the original creative team returned for the sequel. Biodun Stephen, the director of the first film, helmed this one as well. Mannie Oiseomaye, one-third of the original scribes, also returned to pen the script for this one. Despite efforts to maintain continuity, the film lacks the charm of its predecessor. What's particularly puzzling is the apparent boredom of the actors, who seem disengaged throughout. While some actors can elevate weak scripts, everyone in The Kujus Again βreturning and new charactersβ appears uninterested, creating a sense of lethargy that permeates the screen. It's as if they're all eager to finish filming and move on to something else.
While The Kujus Again may have performed well at the box office, grossing over β¦50 million, and secured a streaming deal with Prime Video, it's still a disappointing follow-up to a film that shone brightly in a dark year. Clocking in at 117 minutes, it's not just forgettable; it's likely to leave you frustrated by the time the end credits roll. If you haven't seen it yet, save yourself the disappointment and stick to your fond memories of the original. Trust me; you'll thank yourself. I wish I did.
P.S. 1: The sound quality of this movie leaves much to be desired. Some scenes left my ears ringing due to how unbalanced they sounded. Youβve been warned.
P.S. 2: Why are Don Jazzy and Oli Ekun both playing themselves here?
Rinzyβs Rating: 2/5 (D)
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Another episode of Nollywood and their mindless cash-grabbing. And, cash-grabs are not bad (like you rightly pointed, but why can't they do it right? It is not every story that deserves to be a film.
Thank you for going through it that we might escape. Lmao