Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa continues the journey of the beloved character Jenifa, and the film has certainly managed to capture the audience’s attention with a strong opening. Released on December 13, 2024, the movie raked in a remarkable N45.2m on its opening day, setting a new record for Nollywood.
The movie follows Jenifa, once again played by Funke Akindele, as she faces a new rival, Lobster (Stan Nze), a charismatic newcomer who challenges her popularity in their shared estate. Lobster runs an NGO, but it’s a front for fraudulent activities to scam humanitarian organizations globally. Jenifa’s jealousy of Lobster’s rising fame drives much of the film’s drama, as she tries to expose his shady dealings.
The movie features many of the beloved characters from previous films, such as Shege (Falz), Adaku (Omotunde Adebowale David), and Toyosi (Olayode Juliana), among others. The extensive star-studded cast also includes names like Patience Ozokwor, Destiny Etiko, Lateef Adedimeji, and D’banj.
While Everybody Loves Jenifa is entertaining, there are notable flaws. The shift to Ghana, while introducing an interesting twist involving a dangerous drug dealer, feels somewhat abrupt and more like a marketing tactic rather than a natural progression of the storyline. The movie doesn’t fully address Jenifa’s conflict with Lobster before diving into the Ghana subplot, leaving viewers with a sense of unfinished business.
The acting is a mixed bag, with some performances feeling forced, but Falz’s portrayal of Shege is a highlight, bringing much-needed humor and energy to the film. Funke Akindele, however, shines as Jenifa, fully embodying the character she has become synonymous with. The trio of Jenifa, Adaku, and Toyosi remains the heart of the movie, with their chemistry being a driving force throughout.
Visually, the movie is vibrant, especially during the carnival scene, which is a standout moment. The concert scene featuring Lagbaja adds to the film’s festive atmosphere. However, the overall production quality could have been better, especially given Funke Akindele’s established reputation. The picture quality doesn’t quite match the high standards seen in international films like About My Father.
Overall, Everybody Loves Jenifa is a fun movie with its share of flaws, but it’s still an enjoyable watch for families, offering laughter and lighthearted moments. It is expected to perform well in cinemas and add to Funke Akindele’s impressive box office achievements. Given the audience’s positive reactions, the film earns a solid 7/10.