amike “Bambam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan rose to prominence after her time at the Big Brother house. She has proven that reality TV fame can be the stepping stone to a vibrant career. Her name resonates among the entertainment and beauty landscapes, and since her time on reality TV, she has evolved into a multi-talented personality. While Bambam tapped into her creativity to build a presence in Nollywood, she has also ventured into the skincare and wellness industry as a brand ambassador. This wife and mother symbolises the modern woman who balances career ambitions with family life. She recently starred in a new hit YouTube movie, Love in Every Word, and she says being in this movie is her most significant turning point— people are now willing to pay a premium for her talent.
You can read her interview on pages 8 through 10, where she talks about her career, being a mum, and being a wife.
How can you tell if an oil or water-based skincare product is right for you? While both offer unique advantages, the secret to healthy, radiant skin is knowing which works best for your skin type. We reveal this secret on page 12.
We encounter people from different backgrounds in a work environment, so knowing and eventually trusting them is key to a conducive workplace. On page 14, we highlight ways to establish trust among colleagues and team members.
I wouldn’t call myself a Jason Statham fan, but I watch his movies when they are released and follow him on Instagram. Does this count as being a fan? I’ll let you answer that question.
This week, we reviewed his movie, A Working Man. Although our correspondent didn’t score it high, I’m still looking forward to seeing it.
Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
SUPERMUMS
6 WAYS TO WEAR RIPPED JEANS IN STYLE
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Ripped jeans are a classic piece of clothing that gives every ensemble a bit of edge. There are countless ways to wear them, regardless of your preference. The appeal of ripped jeans is their adaptability; you can dress them up or down for any occasion. Here are six fashionable ways to wear your ripped jeans if you’re wondering how to make the most of them.
A classic white shirt is one of the simplest and most fashionable ways to wear ripped jeans. This combination is easy to stylish. You look more put together when you wear a white button-down shirt to counterbalance the roughness of ripped jeans. The shirt can be tucked in for a polished look or untucked for a more laid-back style. PAIR WITH A WHITE SHIRT
ROCK A BLAZER 2.
Put on a well-fitting blazer to elevate your ripped jeans from casual to elegant. A blazer is appropriate for semi-formal occasions because it instantly improves your appearance. For a polished look, go for a blazer in a neutral hue like black, beige, or navy. This look is ideal for informal business meetings, dinner dates, and fashion shows.
GO
FOR
A CROP TOP
The mix of ripped jeans and a crop top is trendy and youthful. Whether it’s a loose, off-the-shoulder, or tight crop top, this combination produces a chic, carefree look. Wear heels for a night out with friends or sneakers for a laid-back day.
Wear an oversized sweater with your ripped jeans for a comfortable, laid-back look. This ensemble is ideal for cold days when you want to stay warm without sacrificing style. Pair this ensemble with clunky heels, sneakers, or ankle boots for a relaxed yet fashionable style.
STYLE WITH AN OVERSIZED SWEATER KEEP IT CASUAL WITH A GRAPHIC TEE AND SNEAKERS 3. 4.
FASHION
CONCLUSION
MATCH WITH A LEATHER JACKET 5.
Ripped jeans and a leather jacket go hand in hand. This combination exudes self-assurance and a casually edgy aesthetic. Under the jacket, you can wear a fitting top, tank top, or simple T-shirt. Choose black ripped jeans and pair them with elegant ankle boots or combat boots to further the edgy look. This ensemble is perfect for casual get-togethers with friends, concerts, and nights out.
Wear a graphic tee and sneakers with your ripped jeans for a casual, streetstyle look. This is among the simplest and cosiest methods to appear stylish while wearing ripped jeans. Pick a t-shirt with an eye-catching slogan, band emblem, or creative artwork to create a statement. You can tuck the t-shirt in for a more polished appearance or knot it at the waist for a fun touch.
Rip jeans are essential for any fashion enthusiast’s wardrobe because they can be dressed in many different ways. You can always rock them to fit your style, whether you like a sophisticated, edgy, or casual look. Since your style expresses who you are, it is important to wear your confidence and choose your accessories carefully.
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
Last week, I wrote about forgiveness. The timing, intentionally or not, coincided with Mother’s Day. While it was a day to celebrate motherhood in all its complexity, I found myself spiralling inward, unearthing pieces of myself that still required attention.
Not everything we inherit is tangible. Some legacies are emotional. Some wounds are unspoken. And some gifts are wrapped in hindsight.
G IS FOR GROWTH
recognise flaws without shame, and to build a future with the bricks of failure, not in spite of them.
I once believed growth was loud — something bold and obvious. I’ve since learned it’s often silent. It shows up in the pause before a reaction, the softness in a boundary set, the grace in choosing peace over pride.
Growth is the quiet strength to apologise without condition. It’s the humility to say, ‘I didn’t know better — but now I do.’ It is foresight birthed from reflection. There is something sobering about ageing. The older I get, the more I see life for what it is — fleeting, fragile, frequently unfair. But also bursting with moments that demand presence. It throws curveballs so sudden; you’re left breathless. And yet, somehow, there’s always a morning after. A chance to choose differently. To choose consciously. To live intentionally.
This past week, I whispered an apology to myself:
‘I’m sorry for the things I didn’t know, now that I know.’
Hindsight is a beautiful teacher.
It’s the light that casts shadows on the parts of us we once thought were whole. With it comes a kind of gentle pain — a realisation of missed moments, words unsaid, or choices that could have carved different paths. But growth, I have come to learn, is what we do with hindsight.
It’s not just the ability to see the past more clearly — it’s the decision to act differently going forward. Isn’t that what it means to grow?
To meet your former self with compassion, not judgment. To
To hope — even when it hurts.
To trust — while acknowledging the cracks. That’s not weak. That’s holy.
Likewise, flaws and fortitude walk hand in hand. We think strength looks like perfection. But real fortitude is forged in the fire of our imperfections. It’s in the scars we carry, the mistakes we’ve made, the wounds we’ve survived.
Our flaws are not the absence of strength — they are evidence of it.
Every lesson learned, every misstep owned, every moment of vulnerability embraced — that’s fortitude in motion.
The #Unshakable mindset, at its core, is not perfection — it’s presence. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself at any given moment, knowing that version will evolve. That my “best” may look different from yours — and that’s okay.
Growth honours our individuality. It is not a race; it is not linear. Sometimes, it’s two steps forward, one heartbreaking step back. Sometimes, it’s standing still, trying to breathe.
But each time we choose to rise, each time we choose kindness, courage, curiosity — we grow.
Forgiveness, last week’s word, was the soil. Growth? That’s the bloom.
They’re twins in this alphabet of healing — deeply intertwined, equally essential. You cannot have one without the other.
And just like faith and fragility co-exist, so do flaws and fortitude.
We often speak of faith as unwavering — a mighty thing. But sometimes, faith is a whisper. Sometimes, it’s a shaky breath, a fragile thread you’re holding onto in the dark. Fragility doesn’t cancel out faith. In fact, it makes it more profound.
To believe — despite the trembling.
To say, ‘this is where I was wrong, but this is also where I got back up’?
That is #Unshakable!
Growth, then, is not becoming flawless. It’s becoming fearless in our honesty. It’s honouring the fragility and the faith, the flaws and the fight.
This week, I ask you: Where in your life have you grown quietly? Who do you need to thank — or forgive — for the version of yourself you’re becoming?
What do you need to outgrow to honour who you are now?
Growth is sacred.
Personal. Unfinished.
But it is always, always worth it.
Next week, we’ll explore a word that holds both heartbreak and healing.
A word that challenges how we define safety, stillness, and strength.
A word that might just surprise you.
Any guesses?
Let’s just say... it starts with H. Until then, keep growing. Keep choosing you.
‘See’ you next week.
BAMIKE “BAMBAM”
OLAWUNMI - ADENIBUYAN
Unscripted
Bamike “Bambam” OlawunmiAdenibuyan is a name that resonates across Nigeria’s entertainment, beauty, and entrepreneurial landscapes. Rising to prominence through her time on Big Brother Naija Season 3, BamBam has since evolved into a multi-talented personality, proving that reality TV fame can be just the beginning of a dynamic career.
With a background in theatre arts from Bells University, Bambam has leveraged her creative roots to build a presence in Nollywood, starring in films and TV productions that highlight her acting prowess. Beyond the screen, she has ventured into the beauty and wellness industry with her own skincare brand, redefining self-care for Nigerian women. As a wife and mother, Bambam embodies the modern woman who balances career ambitions with family life. Married to fellow BBNaija alum Teddy A, she often shares insights into marriage, motherhood, and personal growth, making her relatable to many. Her openness about body positivity and postpartum changes has also sparked meaningful conversations among her fans.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, we explore Bambam’s journey—from reality TV to business and motherhood. How does she maintain relevance in the fast-paced entertainment world? What lessons has she learned about love, career transitions, and selfgrowth? Join us as we dive into the mind of BamBam, an inspiring woman who continues to evolve and make her mark.
Love in Every Word has been such a massive hit. How did it feel when you saw the overwhelming response from fans and critics?
I am finally glad and grateful to God that the world sees authentic acting and authentic work and truly appreciates it. I was absolutely elated. I felt blessed and seen. It was great.
Working alongside Uzor Arukwe and being directed by Omoni Oboli must have been quite an experience. What was the most memorable part of filming this movie? Every aspect of the filming was memorable. I actually enjoyed getting into character, being Chioma, and working alongside a proper professional and trained actor such as Uzor Arukwe; it was a breath of fresh air; it was effortless. We were just in sync, and it was very nice.
Chioma’s character is quite complex and relatable. How did you prepare for the role, and were there any aspects of her story that resonated with your personal life? The way I read scripts and respond, I would say I am a reactive actor, so getting into character wasn’t very difficult because I could really relate to Chioma, and how hardworking, focused, and professional she is. In many ways, I could relate to her, so I just had to be me with a little tweak. It wasn’t very difficult because I could understand how Chioma was thinking. My style of acting is “Method Acting,” so if you understand how method acting works, you just have to “become,” you don’t have to overthink it because she is a lady that many Nigerian women will relate to, and that helped me become her almost effortlessly the moment I went into character. Also, sparring with fantastic actors and I reacted; our energies were in sync. I feel like God just took a deep breath and blew this movie; it was effortless, to be honest.
“For
shenanigans, we had continuity errors with the house we used when we came back.
Your journey from reality TV to Nollywood has been incredible. Looking back, what has been the most significant turning point in your career?
men, it is important to find yourself, you have your own thing going for you, you are secure, you are whole, and if you need to get therapy, get it before bringing any woman into your life. Don’t bring a woman into your life and start giving her hell because you are insecure or unsure of who you are.”
“First of all, as a woman, you need to be grounded; you need to already have your own thing going on for you. Don’t step into the world thinking one man is going to come out of nowhere to take care of you. Then, when a man like that comes, you are already prepared; you know you are an asset, not a liability.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced while shooting Love in Every Word? Did any scene particularly push you out of your comfort zone? I didn’t particularly experience any big challenges. Of course, on set, we had a few setbacks here and there that we found our way around. We had a few things that got in the way, which was more of production shenanigans, but the script was very straightforward, the acting was also straightforward, and we just got along easily, I and my best friends. It was just seamless, I and my co-actors, and my love interest Uzor, it was indeed seamless. We didn’t experience difficulties in the delivery of my lines, but for production, we definitely had its
Yes, my journey from reality TV to date has been incredible. This definitely has been the most significant turning point in my career, where the world sees me and appreciates my talent, and now people are willing to pay a premium for my talent. I am truly grateful to God for this; I don’t take it for granted at all; it’s a huge turning point. Along the journey, while I was pushing, I met great women like Bolanle AustinPeters, who took a chance on me, to put me on their stage plays, to put me in their movies like The Bling Lagosians, Collision Course, who took a great leap of faith and saw an amazing talent, amplified it, and made corrections when necessary. I got better on the job as I went along, and then, of course, there’s Omoni Oboli, who took a chance on me, as well as Uche Jombo. They featured me on their channels, and I have done great work with these people, and now with Omoni Oboli, we did something amazing with Uzor that has become something bigger than me, if I do say so myself.
As someone who’s worn multiple hats—reality star, actress, and more—how do you maintain your versatility in the entertainment industry? It’s sad that they have this misconception. I don’t know who they worked with that ruined it for some of us who are actually multi-talented who went to the reality TV show and have made it thus far, especially the likes of Bisola, Ebuka, you have Tobi Bakare, there are really talented people out there, you just need to take a chance. Of course, I went to the Royal Art Academy, where I learned acting on stage, and for TV, I watched videos and listened to podcasts, and when I watch movies, I don’t watch for entertainment, I watch to learn. I study actors; I study how they move, how they react, and how they react to their co-stars. I learn by watching. I really enjoy watching people. It is important to be a trained actor so that you are not just relying on your fame.
Do you feel there’s a specific message or theme from Love in Every Word that you’d love audiences to take away from the film?
First of all, as a woman, you need to be grounded; you need to already have your own thing going on for you. Don’t step into the world thinking one man is going to come out of nowhere to take care of you. Then, when a man like that comes, you are already prepared; you know you are an asset, not a liability. For men, it is important to find yourself, you have your own thing going for you, you are secure, you are whole, and if you need to get therapy, get it before bringing any woman into your life. Don’t bring a woman into your life and start giving her hell because you are insecure or unsure of who you are. In summary, I would say that’s the takeaway. Just pray to God to send your own person.
With your busy schedule, how do you unwind and find time for self-care?
I am way more intentional with my calendar and my schedule now. I unwind by spending time with my kids and my family, watching a good movie, taking a walk, going on dates with hubby to the cinema, or you know, dinner dates, just quality time with my lover, not thinking of scripts or work for at least 24-48 hours. Good sleep, great music, and just time with people who care for me and people I love.
Your family life is something your fans admire. How do you balance being a wife, mother, and actor?
Yes, about my family life, I don’t joke about it. At least in a month, I give one week to my family, if I must. I don’t joke with my weekends so I can spend quality time with my family. I just make sure my schedule includes my family. If not, I would be so busy and not available at all.
OILVS
WATER-BASED SKINCARE
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Selecting the best skincare products might be like navigating a maze. One question that frequently comes up with shelves stocked with countless options is whether to choose water or oil-based products. Both offer unique advantages, but the secret to a radiant, healthy complexion is knowing which one works best for your skin type. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about oil and water-based skincare so you can make the best choice for your skin.
UNDERSTANDING OIL-BASED SKINCARE
Oils are the primary ingredient in oil-based products. They can give the skin a protective barrier and are nutritious and rich. Products that contain oil can be your best friend if you frequently have tight, flaky, or dull skin. Your skin stays hydrated for longer thanks to its ability to retain moisture and stop water loss. Oils are also great for removing sunscreen and makeup since they dissolve even the toughest waterproof coatings without depleting your skin’s natural oils. Oils like rosehip, jojoba, and argan are rich in fatty acids and vitamins that may revitalise and restore skin in addition to washing. These nutritious ingredients help give your skin a healthy, glowing appearance, increase skin suppleness, and lessen the appearance of fine wrinkles.
UNDERSTANDING WATER-BASED SKINCARE
Water is the primary component of water-based products, which are usually lightweight and absorb quickly. They hydrate without clogging pores, making them perfect for anyone with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin. Balancing the oil production on your skin lessens the likelihood of breakouts. Water-based solutions are also ideal for hot weather or use during the day when you want something non-greasy and light. They immediately penetrate the skin and leave behind a dewy, fresh finish. Water-based skincare products are perfect for layering if you enjoy a multi-step regimen. They mix easily with essences, serums, and other treatments, so it is easy to create a routine that hydrates without feeling weighed down or overpowering.
HOW TO KNOW WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU
1. 2.
Finding out what your skin needs is the first step. Is it sensitive, combination, dry, or oily? Waterbased hydration is ideal for oily skin, while dry skin enjoys the richness of oils.
3.
4. IDENTIFY YOUR SKIN TYPE CONSIDER YOUR ENVIRONMENT THINK ABOUT YOUR SKINCARE GOALS MIX AND MATCH IF NEEDED
The weather and your location are major factors. Oil-based products help shield your skin from drying out during the colder months or the dry season. Water-based products can help avoid breakouts and excessive oiliness during humid, rainy seasons.
CONCLUSION
What are you trying to achieve? Oil-based products are great if you want anti-ageing benefits and intense nourishment. Water-based solutions are a good choice for light hydration and preventing breakouts.
There isn’t always a single solution for skincare. You can use waterbased products in the morning for a lighter feel and oil-based products at night for deep hydration. The key is figuring out what works best for your unique skin.
There’s no right or wrong choice, just what works for you. By understanding your skin’s needs, you can build a routine that keeps your skin balanced, healthy, and glowing all year round.
OVERCOMING GYM ANXIETY
Bring a Workout Buddy
Everything is better with a friend, and the gym is no exception. A workout buddy can ease your nerves and make the experience more enjoyable. They don’t have to be a fitness expert—just someone who can share a laugh, encourage you, and help you navigate the space. Plus, having someone by your side makes you less likely to skip your sessions.
Start Small And Plan Ahead
One of the biggest reasons gym anxiety creeps in is uncertainty. To fight this, start with a simple plan. Decide ahead of time which exercises you’ll do, how long you’ll work out, and what equipment you’ll use. Mapping out your plan ahead of time and sticking with it will go a long way to help you.
Gym equipment can look intimidating, but most machines come with easy-to-follow instructions. Still, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with the basics before you step foot in the gym. YouTube tutorials or beginner fitness classes can help you understand how to use different equipment safely. If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask a trainer or staff member—they’re there to help and won’t judge you for being a newbie.
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Walking into a gym for the first time can feel like walking into a fitness jungle. There are machines you’ve never seen, people who seem to know exactly what they’re doing, and that underlying fear of looking out of place. But here’s a secret: even the most confident gym-goer was once a beginner. Gym anxiety is normal, and it happens to more people than you think. But there’s good news: it doesn’t have to hold you back. Are you ready to turn those nerves into confidence? Here are five tips to help you step into the gym with ease and crush your fitness goals.
Focus on Yourself, Not Others
It’s easy to feel like all eyes are on you when you’re new at the gym. But here’s the truth: most people are too focused on their workouts to notice anyone else. Remember that everyone started somewhere, and no one expects you to be an expert on day one. Put on your headphones, play your favourite playlist, and focus on your progress instead of worrying about what others might think.
Celebrate Small Wins
Confidence grows with every step you take. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do yet, celebrate the small wins—whether it’s showing up at the gym, completing a 10-minute workout, or learning how to use a new machine. Over time, these small victories add up and help you feel more comfortable in the gym environment.
The gym doesn’t have to be daunting; you can turn those anxious feelings into excitement for your fitness journey. So lace up your sneakers, take a deep breath, and walk into that gym like you own it—because soon enough, you will.
CAREER
BUILDING TRUST WITH COLLEAGUES
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Building trust with colleagues is important to create a conducive and productive workplace. Trust boosts open communication and morale and allows team members to rely on each other to achieve common goals.
This week’s career guide will highlight practical ways to establish and strengthen trust among your colleagues and team members.
Communicate Clearly And Consistently
Clear communication is the foundation of trust. Team members need to feel informed and assured about their thoughts, decisions, and intentions. Make intentional efforts to communicate openly and honestly, whether through emails, meetings, or one-on-one conversations. Set realistic expectations, clarify your goals, and share important updates regularly. Do your best to be clear and provide detailed information wherever possible. When team members know they can rely on you to deliver precise and consistent information, they’re more likely to trust you as a dependable and transparent colleague.
Follow Through on Commitments
One of the quickest ways to build trust is by being reliable. When you commit to a task or deadline, follow through. This shows your colleagues that they can depend on you to deliver on your promises. If unforeseen obstacles arise, communicate immediately and find solutions together. Showing that you are accountable and responsible through your actions solidifies your credibility, and over time, your colleagues will trust you more because they know you honour your commitments.
Be Transparent And Vulnerable
Transparency goes hand-in-hand with trust. Being open about challenges or areas where you need support encourages others to do the same. Expressing vulnerability doesn’t mean showing weakness, it shows honesty and promotes a safe environment. When you’re transparent about your struggles and mistakes, you set an example, encouraging others to be open about their challenges. This shared openness can deepen mutual respect and make team members feel they can rely on each other, even during tough times.
Offer Support And Recognise Contributions
Supporting and recognising your team members’ contributions creates a culture of mutual respect and appreciation. Acknowledging others’ hard work shows that you notice and value their efforts, which strengthens their trust in you as a leader or peer. Providing constructive feedback and celebrating small wins together boosts morale and shows you’re invested in the team’s success. When people feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to reciprocate with loyalty and trust.
Demonstrate Empathy And Active Listening
Actively listening and showing empathy are crucial components of trustbuilding. When a team member shares an idea, concern, or feedback, give them your full attention and respond thoughtfully. Showing empathy means putting yourself in their shoes and responding with kindness and respect. This approach fosters an environment where people feel valued and understood. Practising active listening also helps avoid misunderstandings, and it shows colleagues that you genuinely care about their opinions and perspectives.
Building trust at work doesn’t happen overnight; it is an ongoing process that requires commitment, transparency, and mutual respect. Implementing these strategies strengthens workplace relationships, making collaboration smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Lost In His Arms
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Ipaced back and forth in my living room, my mind racing with emotions I couldn’t control. I had left the party without a word but knew Vincent had noticed. He always did. I had overheard his conversation with his friend, words that shattered everything I believed for the past two years. To him, I was just another woman to satisfy his desires. My hands clenched into fists. How could
I have been so blind? How could I have mistaken passion for love? I had imagined confronting him, letting my anger out, and making him regret ever seeing me as just a body. Then came the knock.
I froze, my heart pounding. I knew it was him. Of course, it was him. Taking a deep breath, I straightened my dress, set my face into a blank expression, and opened the door.
Vincent stood there, his tall frame blocking the light from the hallway. His dark eyes searched mine, his face full of concern. “Why did you leave like that?” His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine.
I avoided his gaze, swallowing the lump in my throat. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to push him away. But when he stepped closer and lifted my chin, making me look at him, I felt my resolve slipping.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now.
I wanted to scream at him, to tell him I knew everything. But instead, I stared into his eyes, and all my planned words disappeared. I had been ready for a fight, but standing this close to him, I realised just how much I still wanted him.
Then, he kissed me.
It started softly, uncertain, but quickly grew desperate. A fire spread through me, burning away the pain, the anger, the betrayal. I hated how easily I gave in and how my body reacted to him despite everything. But I didn’t stop him. I kissed him back, needing him in a way I couldn’t explain.
Vincent groaned, pulling me closer. His hands moved over my back, pressing me against him as our kiss deepened. I felt his touch through my dress, sending waves of heat through my body. His fingers trailed down my spine, making me shiver.
Before I knew it, we were moving. He guided me to the couch, his hands slipping beneath my dress, exploring, claiming. My body arched under his touch, my hands gripping his hair, pulling him in. His lips moved down my neck, leaving a trail of warmth.
“Dora,” he murmured against my skin.
“Tell me you want this.”
I should have said no. I should have stopped him. But instead, I tilted my head, letting him have me. And then we were in the bedroom. The world outside disappeared as he undressed me slowly as if memorising every inch of my skin. I shivered under his gaze, my breath shaky. His fingers traced my body, his lips following, sending pleasure through me that made me forget everything else.
Our bodies moved together, familiar yet thrilling. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word sent me deeper into him. He made me feel like I was the only woman in his world—at least for now.
And that was the problem. Because once the pleasure faded, once reality set in, I knew the truth would still be there.
Lying in his arms afterwards, my head resting on his chest, I felt the weight of it all. I knew I should ask him, demand the truth, and make him admit what I had heard. But I stayed quiet, listening to his heartbeat.
I wasn’t ready to face the truth. Not yet. For now, I would live in this moment, in the illusion of something real. Because if I admitted the truth, if I walked away, I wasn’t sure I could handle it.
BY
BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
MOVIE REVIEW:
A Working Man
AWorkingMan is another workmanlike Jason Statham bloodbath.
As he did last year in The Beekeeper, the English hardman again plays a guy who used to employ a very particular set of skills but is now living a modest, peaceful life — until a terrible thing happens to someone he cares about. Then millions die.
I’m exaggerating, but really: These aren’t so much movies as set-ups for human target shooting galleries. David Ayer, who has directed both recent Statham films, added some clever stagings and quirky supporting characters last time and throws in some rudimentary emotional intelligence this go-round, but his only real interest is in how many bad guys — and people who get between Statham and the villains — can be killed before the production budget runs out.
The star’s old Expendables co-star Sylvester Stallone took a stab at adapting Levon’s Trade, Chuck Dixon’s source novel for this film, before Ayer made his own pass at the script. The Stallone factor may explain Working Man’s more sentimental elements — Statham’s Levon, for example, is a widowed Chicago construction foreman who spends all his pay on a custody fight for his tween daughter Merry (a nicely scrappy Isla Gie) with his rich jerk of a father-in-law. Perhaps a side Stallone effect is the hero’s lack of good quips, but let’s not cast aspersions on the wit of Rambo’s writer.
To get his daughter back, Levon’s done a 180 from his past as a British Royal
Guard. But then scummy human traffickers kidnap his bosses’ teenage whiz kid, Jenny Garcia (Arianna Rivas). Her teary dad Joe (Michael Peña, a veteran of more serious Ayer productions End of Watch and Fury), begs Levon to find and rescue her.
“I’m sorry, that’s not who I am anymore,” Statham’s gruff character remarks. A scene later, Levon visits blind former comrade Gunny (David Harbour), who, as his name would indicate, is also a highcaliber armorer. Levon’s subsequent, convoluted investigation turns up meth-dealing biker gangs, crooked cops, cosplay-loving perverts, and around 15 levels of Russian mafia entities, each of whom has a bewildering cadre of freaky people and relatives they profess to care about. Some of the latter are distinguished by their extremely goofy-looking tracksuits. A few anchor Working Man’s best-written scenes, such as Jason Flemyng, whose mid-level godfather Levon interrogates imaginatively; and Maximilian Osinski’s Dimi, a calculating dullard who says funny things like “I am the big potatoes!”
The film repeatedly loses momentum as Levon kills his way through all of these sources to find Jenny. Meanwhile, she’s proving too much to handle for anyone tasked with minding her; Rivas sure gives a lot of fight for a perpetually bound damsel in distress.
As for Statham, he’s remarkably fit for a 57-year-old, yet the film’s action choreography bears hints of considering his, and presumably his stunt double’s, age. Hand-to-hand combat tends to be tightly framed, with wider pictures reserved for gunfire. That said, there are a few impactful set pieces, like the twoon-one brawl in the back of a moving step van.
But this Statham exercise, like most, is mainly about body count. While that seems to be what his faithful fans want, it just gets kind of tedious for the rest of us.
At least no one in the new movie discusses how his character thinks like an insect, which is an improvement over Beekeeper. Russian criminals blurting that he’s the devil may not be much of an improvement, but for now, baby steps.
Rating: 5/10
The success of the show Safe on Netflix prompted the streaming giant to sign an exclusive five-year deal with author Harlan Coben, eager to adapt 14 of his novels into original TV series and films. You can see why. Coben’s a maestro of the twisty thriller genre, and if The Stranger, The Woods, and now The Innocent are anything to go by, they play just as well on TV as in the books. Here, Coben teams up with Oriol Paulo for a Spanish adaptation of his same-titled 2005 bestseller about a man who accidentally kills someone in a bar brawl and finds his life spiralling out of control even after his sentence is served.
The sturdy Mario Casas plays Mateo Vidal, a law student who is drawn into a scrap while defending his brother, Isma (Jordi Coll), and serves four years for negligent homicide. While incarcerated, he toughens up, gets a haircut, and finds himself embroiled in some dramas he’d prefer to keep quiet about (cue hazy flashbacks, as always). He also enjoys some brief furlough time during which he meets Olivia Costa (Aura Garrido), the love of his life, whom he nonetheless fails to tell about his impending return to jail. By the time he’s eventually released, he’s able to secure a job at the family law firm with Isma. He rekindles his romance with Olivia after another chance encounter. But before long, his entire family are all dead as a result of
tragic accidents, and he’s receiving very worrying calls and messages from Olivia’s phone while she’s away on business.
To say much more would be telling, and The Innocent is the kind of thriller that relies on twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. While there’s no shortage of clunky exposition, this is as pacey as any of Coben’s other thrillers, and it’s an ideal binge proposition for how reliably the story keeps turning on its head. Excellent performances lend the soapy material some real gravitas and capable direction, which makes for great suspense. Genre fans will be well-served here, and while eight episodes seem like one or two too many, the time will fly by, and The Innocent will almost certainly be another hit.
