Movie Review: Intercept, Produced by Vincent Ukueku
Reviewed By Ajibare Abioye
I would like to begin this review with a quick critique I did for its first instalment, “In The Gap” (2023):
“For the love of Christ and movies, ‘In The Gap’ is a proof that audiences will follow a good story to the ends of the earth.
In less than a minute into the movie, I was certain the filmmakers knew their onions. This snap review can’t do ‘In The Gap’ justice; it does excel by not falling into that error of sacrificing ‘story’ on the altar of ‘sermon’.
If more Nigerian Christian films adopt this approach going forward, our productions will become motion pictures that would get the world’s attention.”
Needless to say then that I earnestly anticipated this sequel and after seeing it, my testimony hasn’t changed. The first couple of scenes in “Intercept” are mighty impressive: it adopts a nuanced approach to recapping its past events, and includes new ones seamlessly. Gospel Film News. The sequence comprising Joshua’s narration, accompanied by stunning visuals and an immersive background tune, was surreal. It creatively depicted the spiritual realm using modern technological interpretations – a powerful presentation that would stay with me for a long time.
I love this “In The Gap” franchise so much because it feels like the most organic title I’ve ever come across. There’s no way you’d talk about the film and not mention that phrase. Despite that, this sequel adopts a different take on the title – Intercept – which still refers to what intercessors do to the schemes of the kingdom of darkness. “Intercept” is a sequel in the real sense of the word, in a time when numeric additions to titles have meant many different things.
Commendably, the movie begins with a tribute to Late Oluwaseyi Bababusola, who played Chioma in the original movie and is reborn here as Scarlet. She is given more material in “Intercept” and delivers with panache. Her rebirth is summarized ingeniously in a montage that took me in. Everything about it is an epitome of the movie’s production value – movements captured by high-end cinematography, and edited to an apt, catchy song. It would have been nice though if it had come earlier and put side-by-side Joshua’s resurrection to create some parallelism in the story.
I would be forgiven for thinking that ace cinematographer Kunle Adepoju who shot “In the Gap” handled this second part as well; I was wrong. Both the shooting and editing were helmed by Iyanuoluwa Adebayo; they were jobs creatively and excellently executed. The background music done by Israel Ore-Bamidele was quite remarkable as well; however, I hope the songs will be properly credited in subsequent productions. All actors delivered performances to effectively portray the core of the movie – the importance of intercession.
Everything about this film speaks its message, and I’m not talking about mere words. The story, the (sub)plots, scenarios…everything! The situation of Joshua and Sandra, Toba and Adaeze, the intercessory group in the school, and the news reports of happenings in the nation all highlight the need for watchmen. Truly, a whole lot goes on in “Intercept” and that slows its momentum a bit from the half-hour mark. Furthermore, this direction would normally feel overstated, but it doesn’t because it is so well written. We see the message and not only hear it.
Most importantly though, we need to live it. The prospect for the intercessory ministry is enormous, in terms of what it can do for us and our nation according to God’s will. I’m particular about what God will do in Nigeria, for I have been told of a prophecy given by Pa Elton in 1986: “Nigerian and Nigerians will be known for corruption worldwide but the tide will turn and Nigeria will also be known for righteousness worldwide. Many shall take hold of him that is a Nigerian, saying, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”
I believe that people are needed to stand in the gap for Nigeria, people that according to Isaiah 62: 6 – 7, “call on the Lord” and are urged to “give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem (Nigeria) and makes her the praise of the earth”. Hence the question: “Will you stand in the gap so that God’s will shall be done?”
The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/Ie4kuK_hJ6g?si=SNePKN4JV8pFgMXd
Till the next review, stay blessed!
Film Credits
INTERCEPT
(October 20, 2024)
124 minutes
GRATEFUL MEDIA
Cast
Philip Oyeleye as Joshua
Timmy Adebola as Toba
Oluwaseyi Bababusola as Scarlet
Ogooluwa Deborah as Adaeze
Sam Aliu as Mr Edward (Intercessory leader)
Martha Oguama as Sandra
Vincent Ukueku as Pastor Bolaji
Funmilayo Adegoke as Mrs Adeleke
Crew
Director
Kayode Babalola
Screenwriter
Soma Obainom
Cinematographer
Iyanuoluwa Adebayo
Editor
Iyanuoluwa Adebayo
Sound designer
Israel Ore-Bamidele