The Waiter (Movie Review)

The Waiter premiered in Nigerian cinemas on December 20, 2024. Directed by Toka McBaror and starring Ayo Makun, the film blends action and comedy in a hostage thriller.

While currently not available on streaming platforms, it remains in theatrical release.

The film has not been officially rated but features intense action sequences, comedic elements, and some romantic scenes.

Premise

Akpos (Ayo Makun), a bold Warri caterer, secures a job at a prestigious event hosted by the Minister of Poverty Alleviation (Shaffy Bello) at Krystal View Hotel.

The event takes a dark turn when ex-military officer Tonye Bright (Bucci Franklin) and his gang hijack the gathering, demanding ₦300 billion from the poverty alleviation fund to redistribute in a Robin Hood-style scheme.

As their plan unfolds, chaos ensues. Akpos, initially motivated by financial gain, teams up with hotel security chief Femi Aina (Deyemi Okanlawon) to protect his boss, event planner Idara (Regina Daniels), and resist the terrorists. Meanwhile, Tonye and his partner, Nwando (Sunshine Rosman), struggle to maintain control.

Outside, the self-absorbed Superintendent Winston Aguma (Kunle Remi) launches a disastrous raid, ignoring Inspector Zika’s (Toke Makinwa) warnings. As Nigerians begin receiving stolen funds, public opinion divides.

The terrorists eventually free the hostages and disappear into the chaos. In the aftermath, Akpos and Idara spark an unlikely romance, while Nwando is left abandoned. Three months later, Tonye finds himself surrounded.

Cast and Performances

The Waiter showcases an impressive ensemble, featuring both established and emerging talents, with the main characters stealing the spotlight.

Ayo Makun reprises his role as Akpos, delivering his signature comedic energy. His character is loud and snide, yet believable, especially in action sequences where his well-executed fight scenes add intensity to the film.

Bucci Franklin shines as the antagonist, Tonye Bright. His morally ambiguous character is layered with depth, and his dynamic with Sunshine Rosman’s Nwando is captivating. Their partnership feels natural, with Bucci’s commanding presence making him a standout.

Deyemi Okanlawon plays Femi Aina, the hotel’s head of security, bringing charisma and physicality to the role. His fight scenes are enjoyable, and his actions often surpass Akpos’s in thwarting the terrorists, positioning him as a key figure in the drama.

Sunshine Rosman’s portrayal of Nwando is seamless. She perfectly embodies the fiercely loyal partner to Tonye, adding unpredictability to the plot.

Shaffy Bello, as Mrs. Edet Okon, the Minister of Poverty Alleviation, brings grace and authority to her role, making it feel authentic.

Regina Daniels plays Idara, Akpos’ boss, whose role is largely that of a damsel in distress, adding little depth beyond the romantic subplot.

Kunle Remi steals the show as Winston Aguma, a self-absorbed, clueless police superintendent. His impeccable comedic timing injects humour into the film, making him a standout performer.

The film also features guest appearances from Senator Dino Melaye, Nasboi, Obi Cubana, and Brainjotter. Though these cameos add star power, they don’t significantly impact the story, offering fleeting moments of recognition for the audience.

What I liked About the Movie

The Waiter offers a strong social commentary on corruption and the vices of political officeholders, shedding light on the abuse of power and the consequences of greed, which adds depth to the story.

The action sequences were a standout, with the film diving straight into thrilling moments. The fight scenes were well-executed, and the dual shots in real-time added an immersive quality.

The cinematography and choreography were commendable, making each sequence fluid and intense, keeping the audience fully engaged. The soundtrack complemented the film’s tone, enhancing key moments and building tension.

Bucci Franklin’s performance as the antagonist was a highlight. He commanded attention in every scene, effortlessly balancing intimidation and charisma. His natural chemistry with Sunshine Rosman deepened their partnership and made their on-screen dynamic captivating.

Kunle Remi’s performance as Winston Aguma was nothing short of spectacular. His comedic timing and delivery were electrifying, turning a seemingly absurd character into one of the film’s most unforgettable parts. His energy was infectious, and he stole the show with every scene.

What Did Not Work

A major flaw in The Waiter is the lack of character development, particularly with Akpos.

It’s unclear if he’s the same character from AY’s previous films or just a different one with the same name.

Despite the title suggesting he’s the protagonist, Akpos has minimal impact on stopping Tonye’s plan. He isn’t responsible for releasing hostages, disabling the jammer, or leading the resistance—Femi Aina takes on those roles.

Akpos spends most of the film fighting terrorists and trying to save Idara, yet his overall contribution to the plot feels inconsequential.

Moreover, Akpos isn’t a threat, despite the film trying to portray him as such. He doesn’t directly hamper Tonye’s operation in any meaningful way.

Additionally, the romantic subplot between Akpos and Idara feels forced, lacking proper setup, and it’s unclear how a love affair ignites between them.

The film also suffers from excessive comic relief from some of the cast, undermining the tension. The gunfight scenes and explosions were unconvincing, while the ending with its unnecessary cliffhanger left more questions than answers.

Final Thoughts

The Waiter is an ambitious attempt to merge comedy and action within a socially conscious thriller. While the film occasionally touches on compelling themes of poverty and corruption, it lacks the narrative focus to execute them effectively. The action is undermined by excessive comedic detours, and many of the characters feel underdeveloped. Despite a strong performance from Bucci Franklin and a few entertaining moments, The Waiter ultimately struggles to find its identity, leaving audiences with an uneven viewing experience.