Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedy about judgmental man has some language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Razz Guy
What's the Story?
In THE RAZZ GUY, a successful businessperson, Temi (Lasisi Elenu), prides himself on how strong his grammar and eloquence are. Quick to point out whenever someone else uses improper English, he's rude to many people and looks down on others if they speak "pidgin English" or can't properly conjugate verbs. He demands that those around him do not use "pidgin" and that they do not act "local." But just as he is about to close a big deal, he loses his ability to speak correctly! Will he be able to cope?
Is It Any Good?
This comedy is a mixed bag. The good news is that the performances in The Razz Guy are great, energetic, committed, and playful. Also, the pace is quick, runtime tight, and tone happy. The bad news is that the story is thin and the drama and stakes minimal, and most of the humor comes from a singular bit: A man who normally speaks eloquently and perfectly proper is cursed and cannot speak well anymore, only able to speak in his hated "pidgin English," with improperly formed verbs and shorthand and slang.
Thus, the main issue is that if you don't find this bit and its variances funny, then the entire film is a bit of a slog to get through, even if it doesn't overstay its welcome. While we know he'll learn his lesson in the end, we still have to wait until he gets through enough embarrassing moments to get there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about humor in Nollywood movies. What were the funniest aspects of The Razz Guy?
Would you have done anything differently than Temi when he lost his power to speak with proper English? If so, what?
Why do you think this movie was made? What might be some reasons behind pitting "proper English" against "pidgin English"?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 12, 2022
- Cast : Lasisi Elenu , Nancy Isime , Omotunde Adebowale David , Broda Shaggi
- Director : Udoka Oyeka
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 26, 2022
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