ABOUT LAST WEEKEND: Lost In London and Filmhouse IMAX Lekki

Kay and I had a long Saturday. From shopping to laundry to working into the midnight, the last thing I wanted to do was go out on Sunday after Church service. But go out we did. Phew! We took the long drive to Silverbird only to find out Lost In London wasn’t showing because there was a problem with one of their screen rooms, and no, they didn’t tell us when this screen would be fixed. My jaw has been on the floor since Sunday! Story for another day. On Monday, Kay and I left the office early and headed over to Filmhouse Imax at Lekki Phase 1. Let’s just say that immediately I stepped in, I knew the tickets would leave a dent in our bank accounts. We were there early because in this Lagos, we’ve realized that it’s better to be too early than to be stuck in traffic. We approached the guys behind the counter, and boy could any group of people look more confused. From the mistake in the ticket price, to the confusion about the seating arrangement, it was all it took not to have us head out the door in irritation. I wonder, were they all new? They seemed not to have a lot of their info straight. Anyway, we eventually got the tickets and decided to go to the bar/restaurant at the rooftop. We’ll tell you all about that experience there later.

When it was time, we got our popcorn and headed for the screen room. The girl at the inner bar by the screen room displayed even more confusion. Wait here…, no here…, no not you, you… Kay and I eventually perched by a chair dazed from the commands. We were finally let into the screen room and OH MY GOD I immediately forgave the staff for all their sins. It was the Signature Screen and it took my breath away. The space, the chairs… Oh God the chairs! You can recline the chair, have the leg rest raised, cuddle with your partner… Mmmm. I was swooned! I closed my eyes, lead on Kay’s shoulder and dug into my tasty salt popcorn. It was heavenly! The way Jay snuggled up to me, I was already having a good evening, movie or no. Anyway, flashing screen lights and the thunder of good cinema speakers interrupted our moment with the movie trailers. And then the movie started. First, let me make it clear that making a movie ain’t no small feat. I’m sure the lousy videos we shoot with our mobile phones, and post on social media to the dismay of all our contacts is a testimony to this fact. So well done to Uduak Isong Oguamannam and co. for putting up a most commendable effort to move our movie industry forward. In a nutshell, Lost in London is about these two Nigerian men Okon and Bonaventure (Bona) who both got an opportunity to attend an exchange program in London. The movie deals with the chronic desire of Nigerian young men to flee the shores of this country at any given opportunity, and the price they’re willing to pay to achieve it. What the movie lacks in plot, it makes up in bursts of hilarious accounts as the two men deal with culture shock, unplanned inconveniences, and the struggle to survive in a hostile environment. The story tried to touch on everything; love, job and personal security, sexual preference, mixed race relationships and a world of other issues. What I do like about the movie is the message. Every story has a message on which it was built and the message of Lost In London is clear. If you’re into movies with thick twisting and complicated plots, then this may not be a good fit for you. But if you’re looking to kick back and have a good light laugh, then please do get to see Lost in London. It promises you just that. Starring: Ella Bates, Alex Ekubo, Ime Bishop Umoh. Genre: Comedy. Director: Sunkanmi Adebayo. Writers: Anthony Kehinde Joseph, Uduak Isong Oguamanam. Cost (Naira) Tickets: 3,000 (Per person) for Signature Screen (Mon-Thurs) Popcorn: 500 (small) Total: 3,500