30 Days in Atlanta

Last updated

30 Days in Atlanta
30 Days in Atlanta poster.jpg
Film poster
Directed by Robert Peters
Produced by Ayo Makun
Starring Ayo Makun
Ramsey Nouah
Richard Mofe Damijo
Desmond Elliot
Vivica A. Fox
Lynn Whitfield
Karlie Redd
Majid Michel
Omoni Oboli
Racheal Oniga
Yemi Blaq
Juliet Ibrahim
CinematographyJames M. Costello
Release date
  • 31 October 2014 (2014-10-31)
CountryNigeria
LanguageEnglish
Box office₦163 million [1]

30 Days in Atlanta is a 2014 Nigerian romantic comedy film written by Patrick "Koinage" Nnamani, [2] produced by Ayo Makun and directed by Robert Peters. [3] The movie was shot in two locations in Lagos and Atlanta (United States of America). It premiered on 31 October 2014. [4] It was recognized as the highest-grossing film of all time in Nigerian cinemas in 2015, [5] [6] [7] [8] although the film was met with mixed critical reviews.

Contents

Plot

Akpos wins a month-long trip to Atlanta, Georgia and invites his cousin Richard to come along. Upon arrival, they run into their old friend Okiemute, who takes them out to dinner. Akpos meets the beautiful Kimberly and wishes to ask her out, but Okiemute warns him that Kimberly's father is very controlling. Kimberly, Akpos, and Richard run into each other again at an environmentalism conference, where Akpos makes a few awkwardly funny remarks. Kimberly, however, is more interested in Richard. She gives Richard her phone number and they leave just in time for her father, the restaurateur Odiye, to show up.

Richard returns to the restaurant to anticipate Kimberly's visit, but Akpos shows up unannounced. Kimberly tells Akpos her father enjoyed his comments at the conference and wants to offer him a stand-up comedy contract. Returning home by taxi, Richard realizes he left his wallet behind. When the driver finds out they cannot pay the fare, he kicks them out of the cab. Kimberly and Odiye give them a ride back to Odiye's home, where they meet the family, as well as Odiye's immigration lawyer, Clara. Akpos and Clara begin a romantic relationship.

On a Skype call with his parents, Richard learns that his former girlfriend Ese is making wedding arrangements. He tries to convince his mother that they have ended their relationship and mentions Kimberly. Richard introduces Kimberly to his parents, but his mother insists he should marry Ese. Ese tries to convince Kimberly that Richard will only disappoint her. Ese shows Kimberly intimate pictures of her with Richard. Kimberly becomes heartbroken and drives away from the house in tears.

Akpos becomes involved with illegal street gambling and is arrested. Clara visits him in jail and agrees to represent him. It is discovered that Akpos has violated his visa, making his case more severe and punishable by law. In court, the judge agrees that the total income Akpos has earned will be sufficient as compensation for his legal and visa violation if the money is donated to charity under supervision. In order to avert further violations, Clara takes him to her house, where the two have dinner, followed by sex. Later, Clara overhears Akpos on the phone, implying that his relationship with her will facilitate his green card and American citizenship. Clara becomes furious that Akpos might have taken advantage of her influential position and ejects Akpos from her house.

Richard attempts to mend his relationship with Kimberly, but Odiye orders him to leave his daughter alone, reiterating the bad image many young Nigerian men portray to the Western world. Richard argues with Ese about her interference in his relationship with Kimberly.

Akpos reluctantly donates his earnings to charity. At the airport, as the men prepare to board their flight back to Nigeria, they are surprised to see Kimberly and Clara who have both decided to follow them back to Nigeria and meet their relatives.

Cast

Reception

Critical reception

The film was well received by the general audience, but was met with mixed to negative critical reviews. Most critics note that the film's comedy was filled with clichés and stereotypes, and that the film seemed like a remake of Osuofia in London (2003), the Jenifa franchise, or a hybrid of both.

Nollywood Reinvented gave a 24% rating, commenting: "For the length of the approximately 2hr long movie, there was a competent joke in every part for at least the first hour and a half. But that's about where the greatness of the movie begins and ends. There is hardly any originality or attempt to make it less predictable". [9] The Daily Independent commented that the comedy in the film is filled with clichés and stereotypes, but a proper story eventually emerged. It concluded that "he [Ayo Makun] has sent a strong message with this effort that a good quality comedy film can be made". [10] Wilfred Okiche of YNaija cited that the film has "filmmaking errors and production glitches", but admits to the film being funny. He says Ayo Makun isn't "a rounded actor", calls the film a hybrid of Osuofia in London (2003) and The Return of Jenifa (2011), and concludes: "...there is no single, continuous plot but a series of sketches and happenstances cobbled together to make up a movie. The pacing moves breezingly[ sic ] enough to obscure the lack of a substantial story but it does little to hide the deficiency with continuity as the scenes just clash noisily into the other. The jokes are gold—though failing unsurprisingly only when AY attempts stand up. 30 Days in Atlanta is funny, but poorly made". [11]

Today's Woman magazine gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, commenting: "The beginning scenes were cliche, predictable and reminded me a little too much of Osuofia in London. However, once we passed this phase, the movie was in actual fact hilarious. [12] Babatunde Lasaki on 360Nobs gave 6 out of 10 stars and comments: "A usual story retold in an unusually funny manner. Definitely not a contender for innovation or ingenuity, but I will say a comic relief from the many bland productions of 2014. 30 Days in Atlanta is a fine movie, not a MUST see, but definitely worth two hours of comedic fun. [13] Obehi Bassey of True Nollywood Stories states that Ayo Makun's acting skills is non-existent, says the film is needlessly dragged, but concludes: "30 days in Atlanta remains a movie worth seeing. Entertaining from the get go, it doesn't let go. It's a comedy that is funny without being annoying and melodramatic. Plus it has some really memorable scenes. [14] Kemi Filani comments: "if you are having a bad day and you need something to get you up and alive, 30 Days in Atlanta is the movie for ya....[ sic ]kudos to comedian AY". [15]

Box office

30 Days in Atlanta went on to break all box-office records for 2014. [16]

Awards

The film received 10 nominations at the 2014 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards. [17] [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Davies (actor)</span> American actor

Daniel Joseph "Dan" Davies is an American actor, screenplay writer, and producer. Davies wrote, co-produced and starred in the comedy film Ed Gein, the Musical (2010), about the cannibalistic murderer and graverobber, Ed Gein.

<i>Phone Swap</i> Film dir. by Kunle Afolayan ; starring Joke Silva ... [et al.]

Phone Swap is a 2012 Nigerian romance comedy-drama film written by Kemi Adesoye, directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan. It stars Nse Ikpe Etim, Wale Ojo, Joke Silva, Chika Okpala, Lydia Forson and Afeez Oyetoro, and focuses on a series of events unfolding when two polar opposites accidentally exchange phones. The film was conceived after a brief from an advertising agency to create a movie that would cut across ages 15 to 45. It received 4 nominations at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards which includes the category Best Nigerian Film and won the award Achievement in Production Design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayo Makun</span> Nigerian comedian and actor (born 1971)

Ayodeji Richard Makun, also known by his stage name A.Y, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, producer and film director. Born on 19 August 1971, he hails from Ifon, Ose local government in Ondo State. He is the host of the A.Y live shows and A.Y comedy skits. His debut movie, 30 Days in Atlanta was produced by him and directed by Robert O. Peters. In addition, Makun was made a U.N Peace Ambassador in 2009 and is now the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment Nigeria.

<i>Being Mrs Elliot</i> 2014 film by Omoni Oboli

Being Mrs Elliot is a 2014 Nigerian romantic comedy film, co-produced and directed by Omoni Oboli. It stars Majid Michel, Omoni Oboli, Ayo Makun, Sylvia Oluchy and Seun Akindele. It premiered at Nollywood Film Festival in Paris on 5 June 2014. It received 6 nominations at the 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards and was also nominated in 9 categories at the 2014 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards taking place in October.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adesua Etomi</span> Nigerian actress (born 1988)

Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington commonly known as Adesua Etomi is a Nigerian actress and entrepreneur. She debuted her film career with Knocking On Heaven's Door (2014). Since then she has starred in several films and many awards. Amongst them is the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Robert Peters sometimes credited as Roberts O. Peters is a Nigerian film producer, director, cinematographer, actor, and occasional voice-over artist. He is best known for directing the 2014 Nollywood breakout movie 30 Days in Atlanta, as well as the movies Shades of Attractions (2015), Boxing Day (2016) and A trip to Jamaica (2016) which featured: Ayo Makun, Ramsey Nouah, Richard Mofe Damijo, Vivica Fox, Dan Davies, Lynn Whitfield, Eric Anthony Roberts, Paul Campbell, Funke Akindele, Karlie Redd, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Desmond Elliott, Rasaaq Adoti, and Chet Anekwe amongst others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moses Inwang</span> Nigerian film director (born 1980)

Moses Inwang is a Nigerian film director, producer, editor and screenwriter best known for classic films in the Nollywood mainstream that speak to societal ills and nagging live issues rarely documented in Nigerian films. In 2012, Inwang gained significant recognition for his directorial work in the psychological thriller Torn,⁣ also produced by him, and released in cinemas nationwide in 2013. With multiple nominations, award and recognition bagged from that movie, he went on to direct and produce other hits like Damage, Cold Feet, Stalker, Last 3 digits, Alter Ego, Crazy People, American Driver, Unroyal and lastly Merry Men 2; Ayo Makun (AY)’s blockbuster film, which emerged the 2nd highest-grossing movie of 2019 in Nigeria with a sum of 240 million.

<i>A Trip to Jamaica</i> 2016 Nigerian comedy drama film

A Trip to Jamaica is a 2016 Nigerian comedy drama film directed by Robert Peters starring Ayo Makun, Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim and Dan Davies (actor). The film tells a story about the adventures of a newly engaged couple in their relatives residence outside Nigeria, and how the secrets of their host led to the eventual breakup of their union amidst the culture shock of the new country and living with upper-class citizens. Though a huge box office success, breaking the record set by 30 Days in Atlanta for the highest-grossing Nigerian film, it received mainly mixed to negative reviews from critics.

<i>American Driver</i> 2017 Nigerian film

American Driver is a 2017 Nigerian comedy film directed by Moses Inwang and starring Evan King, Jim Iyke, Anita Chris, Nse Ikpe Etim, McPc the Comedian, Emma Nyra, Laura Heuston and Ayo Makun.

<i>10 Days in Sun City</i> 2017 film directed by Adze Ugah

10 days in Sun City is a 2017 Nigerian romantic action comedy film which premiered on 17 June 2017. It is executively produced by AY Makun, who is also a lead character in the film. It is directed by Adze Ugah, written by Kehinde Ogunlola and produced by Darlington Abuda. The film is the third installment in the Akpos Adventure franchise and was shot at locations in Lagos and Johannesburg, South Africa.

<i>Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons</i> 2018 film by Toka Mcbaror

Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons is a 2018 Nigerian action comedy film written by Anthony Kehinde Joseph, produced by Darlington Abuda and directed by Toka Mcbaror. It stars an ensemble cast, which includes: Ramsey Nouah, AY Makun, Jim Iyke, Damilola Adegbite, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Falz, Jide Kosoko, Rosaline Meurer and Nancy Isime.

<i>The Millions</i> (film) 2019 Nigerian film

The Millions is a 2019 Nigerian comedy thriller film directed by Toka McBaror and written by Tunde Apalowo. The film stars Ramsey Nouah, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Toyin Abraham in the lead roles. It was one of the most expensive films to be made in the Nigerian cinema with an estimated budget of whopping ₦62 million. The film had its theatrical release in Nigeria on 30 August 2019 and received positive reviews from the critics. The film became a box office success grossing ₦12.5 million worldwide and was the second highest grossing Nigerian film in September 2019 after Kasanova.

<i>Kasanova</i> 2019 Nigerian romantic comedy film

Kasanova is a 2019 Nigerian romantic comedy film directed by Oluseyi Asurf and produced by Eddy Young with Faith Ojo as its Executive Producer. The film was primarily shot in Lagos, Nigeria. It stars Wale Ojo, Iretiola Doyle and Toyin Abraham in the lead roles. The film was premiered at the Filmhouse Cinema on 11 September 2019. The film had its theatrical release on 13 September 2019 and opened to highly positive reviews. The film became a box office success and was the highest grossing Nigerian film in September 2019. The soundtrack “Don’t Let Go” was performed by British-Nigerian artist Mr DiL

<i>Merry Men 2</i> 2019 Nigerian film

Merry Men 2: Another Mission is a 2019 Nigerian crime action comedy film and a sequel to Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons. It stars Ramsey Nouah, Ayo Makun, Jim Iyke, Falz, Ireti Doyle, Damilola Adegbite, Ufuoma McDermott, Rosaline Meurer, Nancy Isime, Alex Asogwa and Linda Osifo.

Rosaline Ufuoma Meurer, is a Gambian-born Nigerian actress and producer. She is most known for her 2014 role as Kaylah in the TV series Oasis and 2018 role as Kemi Alesinloye in Ayo Makun's Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.

The Accidental Spy is a 2017 Nigerian Crime comedy film directed by Roger Russell and produced by Darlington Abuda with Nosa Aghayere Dag as its executive producer. The film stars Ayo Makun, Ramsey Nouah, Henry Morris, Agatha Ezzedine, Miguel A. Núñez Jr. Alibaba Akpobome and Daniel Eghan. It was released on 1 December 2017 and premiered on Netflix on November 29, 2019.

Made in Heaven is a 2019 Nigerian romantic drama film directed by Toka McBaror and produced by Darlington Abuda. It features Nollywood's Richard Mofe Damijo, Jide Kosoko, and Nancy Isime, Ayo Makun, Toyin Abraham, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Lasisi Elenu, former Big Brother Naija housemate - Kemen, and others. The film shows its central characters seeking spiritual help in their daily lives.

30 Days in China, is an upcoming Chinese–Nigerian comedy film co-produced by Corporate Entertainment World and FilmOne Entertainmen along with Chinese HuaHua Media. It is the first-ever China-Nigeria film in the world.

<i>Omo Ghetto: The Saga</i> 2020 Nigerian comedy film

Omo Ghetto: The Saga also known as Omo Ghetto 2 is a 2020 Nigerian gangster comedy film co-directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz. The film stars Funke Akindele, Chioma Akpota, Nancy Isime, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Thomas, Deyemi Okanlawon and Mercy Aigbe in the lead roles. This was the second film in the Omo Ghetto franchise and it was also the sequel to the 2010 trilogy film Omo Ghetto. The film had its theatrical release coinciding with Christmas on 25 December 2020 and was opened to extremely positive reviews from critics. The film became a box office success and surpassed Fate of Alakada as the highest grossing Nigerian film for the year 2020. As of 26 January 2021, when the film grossed ₦468 million at the box office it surpassed the record of 2016 film The Wedding Party to become the highest ever grossing film in the Nigerian film industry.

Christmas in Miami is a Nigerian comedy film released on December 24, 2021, and directed by Robert Peters.

References

  1. ↑ "AY's '30 Days In Atlanta ' Bags Highest Grossing Nigeria Movie Of All Time AY's '30 Days In Atlanta ' Bags Highest Grossing Nigeria Movie Of All Time". 360nobs.com. 20 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Conversation with Patrick "Koinage" Nnamani by Insiders' view of the African film industry". Anchor. Retrieved 2022-07-23.
  3. ↑ "AY shoots first movie '30 days in Atlanta' featuring Vivica Fox". Kokoma 360. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "Watch Lynn Whitfield & Vivica Fox in Trailer for Nigerian-Produced '30 Days in Atlanta' (The Plight of the Black Actress)". indieWire. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "AY's '30 Days In Atlanta ' Bags Highest Grossing Nigeria Movie Of All Time AY's '30 Days In Atlanta ' Bags Highest Grossing Nigeria Movie Of All Time". 360nobs.com. 20 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  6. ↑ "Movie breaks box office record, grosses N76M". pulse.ng. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  7. ↑ "Photos: Comedian AY's '30 DAYS IN ATLANTA' Breaks Nollywood Box Office Record". informationng.com. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "Amazing success of 30 Days in Atlanta thrills AY -How the movie grossed N76 million in 42 days!". encomium.ng. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  9. ↑ "30 Days in Atlanta". Nollywood Reinvented. 13 February 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  10. ↑ "Movie review: 30 Days in Atlanta". Daily Independent Newspaper. November 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ↑ Okiche, Wilfred (22 November 2014). "Movie review: AY's 30 Days in Atlanta is funny but poorly made". YNaija. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  12. ↑ "tw Magazine Reviews: 30 Days In Atlanta". Today's Woman Magazine. 20 February 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  13. ↑ 1 December 2014. "Movie Review: '30 Days In Atlanta' A Movie Buff's Take". 360Nobs.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ↑ Bassey, Obehi (11 December 2014). "30 days In Atlanta Review: Take This To The Bank". TNS. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  15. ↑ Filani, Kemi (November 2014). "KFB Movie: Guys, '30 Days In Atlanta' is one crazy movie!!!" . Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  16. ↑ "Ben Bruce Applauds AY's Record Breaking Movie "30 Days in Atlanta"". Ben Murray-Bruce. 13 January 2015.
  17. ↑ "2014 nominations". GIAMA. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  18. ↑ "Ay's Movie "30 Days In Atlanta" bags 10 nominations in Giama in America". Ebony Life TV. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.