Synopsis:
Sugar Rush is a Nigerian action-comedy helmed by Kayode Kasum. The movie captures the hilarious and chaotic escapades of the Sugar sisters —Shola (Adesua Etomi-Wellington), Susie (Bisola Aiyeola) and Sola (Bimbo Ademoye) as they try to rescue their mother but instead, find $800,000 that had been previously hidden. Figuring out that most of their financial troubles are now a thing of the past, the sisters start shopping as if there’s the no tomorrow.
However, things do not stay that pleasant as in addition to the actual money owners a dangerous crime syndicate who will definitely seek retribution. They are also pursued by law enforcement and pair of dishonest government officials. Worse yet, they need to figure out a way how to return the money or finish dead at the hands of their newfound and powerful enemies.
Comedy, action, and suspense are harmoniously blended within this movie and its brave heroines endure various comic and dangerous situations, saving themselves and their family from all danger.
Awards & Wins:
Sugar Rush was a box office hit in Nigeria and received several nominations and wins for its performances, production, and direction. Key accolades include:
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2020:
- Best Actress in a Comedy – Bimbo Ademoye (Nomination)
- Best Director – Kayode Kasum (Nomination)
- Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy – Tobi Bakre (Nomination)
- Best Movie West Africa (Nomination)
The film was praised for its entertainment value, strong performances, and fast-paced comedic action sequences.
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Kayode Kasum
- Main Cast:
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Shola Sugar – The eldest Sugar sister, who takes on a leadership role when the trio lands in trouble.
- Bisola Aiyeola as Susie Sugar – The sassy middle sister, who adds wit and humor to the group dynamic.
- Bimbo Ademoye as Sola Sugar – The youngest, bubbly sister with a knack for getting the trio into even more trouble.
- Tobi Bakre as Bala – A cunning and shady character with connections to the crime syndicate.
- Banky Wellington as Anikulapo – A government agent chasing down the sisters and the stolen money.
- Omoni Oboli as Madam Brigitte – The leader of a dangerous crime organization that is after the stolen cash.
- Mawuli Gavor as Dan – Another government agent entangled in the mess surrounding the Sugar sisters.
- Screenplay: Jadesola Osiberu, Bunmi Ajakaiye
- Cinematography: Ahmed Bello
- Music: Kulanen Ikyo
IMDb Ratings:
- IMDb Score: 5.6/10
- The film received mixed-to-positive reviews. Viewers praised the comedic chemistry between the Sugar sisters, as well as the film’s lively, fast-paced storyline and colorful visuals. However, some critics noted that the plot was occasionally convoluted, with the comedy and action overshadowing character development. Nonetheless, Sugar Rush proved to be an entertaining and popular film among Nollywood fans.
Personal Insights:
Sugar Rush is unique with features of comedy, action and adventure illustrated a new and vibrant way of Nollywood movie making. The strongest aspect of the film is the appeal and onscreen chemistry of the three lead actors who are the Sugar sisters because they are able to infuse both style and humor into their performances. Adesua-Etomi Wellington, who plays Shola, is an example that does so best as she manages to be the responsible sister as well as the one who gets into chaotic and high-stake situations.
Another interesting element of the film is how other characters contribute to the humour of the movie; Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye Buss’ characters equally inject some comic relief but in different ways; whilst blessed with a witty and daring role, Bimbo played the fun and innocent character. These exchanges enhance the overall humour of the movie which in turn, helps Sugar Rush to retain its comic antics even during quiet portions of the movie.
Every now and then, the action scenes feel too over the top which seem to steal the essence of the film but they actually are the exciting parts of the film owing to its near quick paced and heist movie feel. The humour in the story comes from the various blunders the sisters make in their efforts to evade the crooks and the policemen, giving the audience plenty of action from myriad car chases, gun fights, and comical errors. The use of colourful and bright colours do compliment the visuals of the film as the storyline is equally vibrant and energetic.
Plot-wise, Sugar Rush falls within that classic Nollywood narrative of common civilian being thrust into inconceivable but apparently threatening situations. But rather than being dramatic about it, as most films do, the comic aspects were the priorities of the film, which made it enjoyable and light in terms of emotional impacts. It also addresses some unflattering features such as greed and the problems arising from taking the oath to make easy money but does it in a way that is and does not delve into too much social critique.
One of the most spectacular roles in the film is, of course, that played by Omoni Oboli as Madam Brigitte the crime boss, who enlivens the almost comedic plot with danger. Besides, she plays with an eerie of quietness, which makes her a less striking force to sugar sisters’ light moments. Also, there is tension with Banky Wellington and Tobi Bakre’s portrayal of government agents with their own agenda adding to the plight of the sisters.
On the other hand, aesthetically, Sugar Rush is among the more poorly produced films in Nollywood, with impressive cinematography and thoughtful usage of colors to help create the mood for each of the scenes. Contemporary Nigerian music forms the bulk of the film’s sound track which fit well with the mood and tempo of the thrilling scenes that take place at a faster pace.
The plot may come across as a bit confusing, I mean there are many characters in the film, too many stories going on and there are many plot twists as well, the film’s action and comedy are good enough for the audience to stay interested in it all. Sugar Rush is less of a character driven film and more of a pleasant distraction hence better suited for people who want to watch something entertaining which does not deviate much from the theme.
Cultural Impact:
Sugar Rush was one of Nollywood’s box office hits in 2019, showing the appeal of action-comedies in the Nigerian market. Its success highlighted Nollywood’s ability to create fast-paced, high-energy films with a mix of genres. The film also sparked conversations around the portrayal of women in action-comedy roles, with the Sugar sisters depicted as capable yet flawed characters, navigating a male-dominated criminal underworld while still maintaining their comedic charm.
