EDITOR’S NOTE
FPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
ew names in Nollywood can be said to carry the icon title, and Tony Umez is one of them. With a career of over two decades, Umez is easily one of the most recognised and revered actors in Nigerian cinema. His charm and delivery made him a staple in many dramas that defined Nollywood’s golden era. For Umez, one of his defining moments was when he had to audition against two of Nollywood’s greatest at the time for the lead role in Died Wretched: Buried In A N2.3M Casket, and he got the role.
Playing different roles can be challenging. For Umez, the most challenging role is an emotional one because, according to him, you have to dig deep to bring out the emotions. As for whether he has any regrets about the movie roles he turned down, Umez has none whatsoever.
Read Tony Umez’s story on pages 8 through 10 of this issue.
Emails are one of the most powerful tools for communicating professionally, but not many people know the proper way to send them. That’s why our Career page highlights email etiquette for modern professionals. Scroll to page 13.
Bootcut jeans are back. This style flatters almost any body type and gives a cool retro vibe. It can be styled in many ways, and we show you how easily you can do so on pages 4 and 5. So get yourself one if you don’t already own a pair.
This week, our movie review page spotlights How to Train Your Dragon. Not the animated one, but the 2025 live-action version. By now, our readers know that the reviewer is not a fan of making live-action films from animations. He scores it okay, so I’m guessing it can’t be that bad. See the movie and let us know your thoughts.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
Onah
@onahluciaa + 2348033239132
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa
Writer: Johnson Chukwueke
Design & Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’
Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun
Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’
www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
CONTENT
How to Pick The Best At-Home Microcurrent Device
Inbox, Who?
CAREER
BON APPETIT
11
LIVING
Choosing Happiness Every Day Tips for Being Cheerful
Mastering Email Etiquette For Modern Professionals
Bringing Gabon to Your Kitchen A Recipe For the Delightful Mouamba Dish
The Room Next Door
Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer
Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema
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 @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind - Contributing 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.
near you.
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Bootcut jeans are back, and they’re not just for cowgirls or the early 2000s anymore. These jeans, known for their snug fit through the thighs and subtle flare from the knees down, are making a strong comeback in today’s fashion world. They’re flattering on almost every body type, give off a cool retro vibe, and can be styled in many ways. If you’ve got a pair sitting in your wardrobe or are considering buying one, this article will show you stylish and practical ways to wear your bootcut jeans.
BOOTCUT JEANS HOW TO STYLE
PAIR WITH A FITTED TOP AND HEELS FOR A CHIC LOOK
Wearing bootcut jeans with a fitted top balances off their flared bottom. Try wearing a bodysuit, a tucked-in tee, or a basic tank top. This combination hugs your upper body and lets the flare of the jeans do the talking. Put on some heels, such as heeled sandals or pumps, to dress up the ensemble. Heels make your legs appear longer and prevent the jeans’ hem from dragging. This ensemble is ideal for a laid-back night out or a brunch date.
FASHION
WEAR WITH A CROP TOP FOR A MODERN, TRENDY STYLE
Wearing bootcut jeans with a crop top can give you a new and fashionable look. Since bootcut jeans usually sit high on the waist, crop tops help to show off your figure and create a cool, balanced look. You can go for a flowy or boxy crop top for a more laid-back vibe or a tight crop top for a sexy edge. You can wear this youthful, stylish ensemble to a concert or to hang out with friends by adding sneakers or platform sandals.
TUCK
IN
A
BUTTONDOWN SHIRT
If you want to look put-together without trying too hard, tuck a crisp button-down shirt into your bootcut jeans. You can go for a classic white shirt or play with prints like stripes, florals, or even denim-ondenim. Do not forget to add a sleek belt to define your waist, and finish the look with block heels. This style works great for casual Fridays at the office or a simple day out running errands.
LAYER WITH A BLAZER
Bootcut jeans and blazers go together like clockwork. While the flared jeans maintain a fun and casual vibe, the structure of a blazer provides professionalism. Whether the blazer is neutral or has a bright colour, this combination is always striking. Wear a simple shirt underneath, or perhaps a graphic tee. If you accessorise your ensemble with heels or mules, you’re ready for a chic meeting, lunch date, or even a laid-back party. It’s an outfit that says, “I’ve got style, and I didn’t even try too hard.”
DAYS
STYLE WITH A TUCKED-IN SWEATER FOR COLDER
Do you want that bohemian, carefree vibe?
Wear a loose, flowing shirt with your bootcut jeans; options include bell sleeves, peasant blouses, or sweaters. These tops give off a laid-back, creative vibe and go nicely with the flared bottoms. To finish the bohemian style, add a fringe purse, layered necklaces, or a wide-brimmed hat. For footwear, clunky boots or sandals will look great. This ensemble is ideal for art fairs, music festivals, or any occasion when you like to express your free spirit.
When it comes to fashion, bootcut jeans are a classic piece that can be styled in various ways. Bootcut jeans can be tailored to fit your style, whether it’s casual, fashionable, or a bit dressed up. The secret is to strike a balance between showcasing the jeans and matching them with appropriate outfits, shoes, and accessories. Allow the jeans to take centre stage while balancing them with appropriate tops, shoes, and accessories. So, get a new pair of bootcut jeans or dust off your old ones and start experimenting with these easy looks.
SALLY CHIWUZIE
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
R IS FOR RESILIENCE
Letme tell you about my week… well, actually, my close to one month.
The kind of stretch where resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s a lifeline. Not the curated kind with a quote over sunrise, but the messier kind, stitched together by sheer will, coffee, and whispered pep talks in the mirror.
There are times when you wake up full of plans — to run, to write, to record — only to find that life had made other plans. I have been clinging on, trying to ride wave after wave of what can only be described as spiritual and logistical chaos.
Take the Airbnb, for example. A guest messaged me at midnight — not about an emergency, not about a flood or a fire, but because they "couldn't find the WiFi code." The same WiFi code boldly pinned to the entrance wall — printed, framed, unmissable. A few hours later, a second message: his wife had taken ill, and they wanted to cancel...mid-booking.
As if that wasn’t enough, housekeeping spiralled into its own brand of drama. The kind that leaves you scrubbing down bathrooms yourself at odd hours. Because sometimes, when you run things solo, you’re not just the owner. You’re also the manager, tech assistant, customer service rep... and cleaner. Multitasking doesn’t get more glamorous. Then came the podcast fiascos — a trilogy of disappointment, really. One recording lost due to a tech glitch. Another, a scheduling misunderstanding that wasn’t uncovered until the moment of.
The third? A planned session that couldn’t go ahead for reasons out of my hands.
I’ve tried to smile through it, to whisper affirmations like battle cries into the mirror. Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fantasise about vanishing into a cold, dark room for a day or three. Even my runs, normally sacred time, weren’t spared. One was
broken up by three separate disruptions — phone calls that pulled me from rhythm, one of which involved an Airbnb misunderstanding so ridiculous that I had to pause my run, walk home, and play detective. And yet. Here I am.
Still writing. Still running. Still recording.
That’s the thing about resilience — it doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it barely whispers. Sometimes, it looks like replying politely when you want to scream. Sometimes, it’s putting on your trainers and stepping outside even when the day’s already run you ragged. Sometimes, it’s pressing “record” again, trusting that the words will find their way.
Resilience isn’t the absence of cracks; it’s what you fill the cracks with. It’s the quiet decision to keep going, to try again, to believe — however shakily — that better is still ahead.
It’s understanding that affirmations aren’t promises of ease, but armours for the battles that come because you’re daring to believe.
This week, resilience looked like damage control, cleaning
gloves, podcast recovery missions, and long runs that ended in short stories. It looked like tears at the edge of laughter and laughter at the edge of tears. It looked like me.
I’ve talked about the podcasting chaos and the Airbnb mayhem — which, at best, account for only 80% of my life. The rest? Let’s just say these are the only examples I could safely cite on the world wide web. Go figure.
Resilience is more than survival — it’s your decision to show up again, even if the world handed you every reason not to.
And that decision? That makes you #Unshakable. ‘See’ you next week.
TONY UMEZ
In an industry as fast-moving and ever-evolving as Nollywood, few names carry the weight of legacy like Tony Umez. With a filmography that stretches over two decades and performances etched into the cultural memory of millions, Umez stands as one of the most recognisable and revered actors in Nigerian cinema. His softspoken charm, expressive eyes, and unforgettable emotional delivery made him a staple in countless family dramas, epic tales, and romantic tragedies that defined the golden era of Nollywood in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But behind the iconic roles and celebrated scenes lies a man of remarkable depth — a husband, a father, a thinker, and a lover of the arts beyond the screen. In this exclusive with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, Tony Umez opens up about his journey through fame, the evolution of Nollywood, the values that anchor his personal life, and how fatherhood and faith continue to shape his worldview.
From Died Wretched to Blood Sister and dozens more, his presence in Nigerian films has always come with a sense of emotional honesty. Years later, Umez reflects with humility and wisdom that only time can offer. This conversation is not just about movies; it’s about meaning, memory, and the quiet power of staying true to oneself, both on camera and off.
Step into the world of the man who made millions feel deeply and continues to do so — this time, through his story.
You’ve been in Nollywood for over two decades. Looking back, what would you say has been the most defining moment of your career? Yes, I have been in Nollywood for over two decades. I think the most defining moment of my career was when I competed against two of Nollywood’s greatest at that time for the lead male role in the movie, Died Wretched: Buried In A N2.3M Casket, and got the role. That alone made me believe that I have a place in Nollywood.
Your roles often portray a wide emotional range— from romantic to villainous. Which type of role challenges you the most and why? Every role has its challenges, but emotional roles are more challenging because you have to dig deep, very deep, to portray the character effectively.
You took a break from acting at some point. What inspired that hiatus, and what brought you back to the screen?
I didn’t take a break. It just happened. Though there was a time I heard that they, the producers, said I didn’t have an epic face (whatever that meant), (laughs) so I couldn’t be cast as a character in their so-called epic movies. But hey, in a creative enterprise, there are lows, and there are highs.
Are there any younger actors you admire or would love to work with in future projects?
Oh yes, there are some younger, very talented actors that I admire and have worked with, and there are some I would want to work with in future projects. I am not calling names, though.
“ Let me tell you something: for every character a creative portrays, when he or she views the movie, there’s always something one could have done better. That doesn’t mean your portrayal wasn’t topnotch. It means you have matured a bit more creatively.”
Do you feel Nollywood has evolved positively in terms of storytelling, production, and professionalism since you started? Yes, we’ve evolved positively in storytelling and production because technology has come and improved everything. However, when it comes to professionalism, I have my reservations. Many fans remember you from the golden age of Nollywood VHS films. How do you see yourself fitting into today’s streaming-driven industry? How do I see myself fitting in? I am already in. I have done many movies that are on YouTube and Netflix.
You’ve starred in some of Nollywood’s most iconic films. Are there any you wish you had done differently, or roles you turned down and now regret?
“I am a very proud father of four lovely, beautiful, talented, and loving daughters. I love them to bits. Well, as a parent, I cherish honesty, integrity, discipline, respect for yourself and others, and the love and fear of God. Instill these in your children as a parent, and you will never go wrong.”
Yes, I have. To God be the Glory. Let me tell you something: for every character a creative portrays, when he or she views the movie, there’s always something one could have done better. That doesn’t mean your portrayal wasn’t top-notch. It means you have matured a bit more creatively. And no, I have no regrets whatsoever about the roles I’ve rejected. See, I go through a script thoroughly before I decide to be a part of it. And I have a fee in my head for the role. If it doesn’t pan out fee-wise, we shake hands on it and move on. If the script is “wash wash”, I also back out.
What’s one Nollywood myth or misconception you’d like to debunk for your fans?
The myth that we are “unserious” about life. An actor is the most disciplined person you can ever meet. Our job requires discipline, commitment, precision, and tunnel-vision focus. There are bad eggs, just like in every other profession, but in the main, the actor is it.
You’ve been married for over 24 years—a rarity in entertainment. What’s the secret to maintaining such a solid family foundation?
(Laughs) It’s not by my power or might but by God’s Grace. I guess when you marry the woman meant for you, everything falls into place. Yes, love, commitment, tolerance, perseverance, but above all, God. Yes, God, because after all of these, one’s marriage can still hit the rocks.
You’re a proud father of four daughters. What values are most important to you as a parent in today’s world?
I am a very proud father of four lovely, beautiful, talented, and loving daughters. I love them to bits. Well, as a parent, I cherish honesty, integrity, discipline, respect for yourself and others, and the love and fear of God. Instill these in your children as a parent, and you will never go wrong.
What’s a day like for Tony Umez when he’s not acting—any hobbies, routines, or guilty pleasures?
Guilty pleasures? Haaa, don’t rain on my parade. Hmmm, seriously speaking though, I watch movies, play games, try to spend quality time with my family, and sleep. I love sleep like crazy.
You’ve managed to stay scandal-free in an industry that thrives on gossip. How have you kept your personal life so grounded? It can only be God. However, I focus on my family and my job and try to be simple and straightforward in everything I do. I don’t take shortcuts. I don’t bite more than I can chew.
CHOOSING HAPPINESS EVERY DAY
Tips for Being Cheerful
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
We live in an unpredictable world filled with opportunities, challenges, joy, and sadness. While you may be going through a bitter situation at one moment, someone else out there is having the best time of their life, and that’s just the world we live in. Despite the heart-wrenching moments people experience, many people are making a conscious decision to prioritise their emotional well-being by choosing to be in the best possible mood and pursue happiness.
This intentional decision to be happy doesn’t mean they ignore difficulties but adopt practices that encourage resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Some mindful practices can help you stay positive and increase happiness, even amid challenges.
A Grateful Heart
Gratitude is a powerful tool for boosting emotional well-being. Regularly focusing on the things you are thankful for, whether it’s health, a roof over your head, food, or even the fact that you are alive, is enough to shift your perspective from what is lacking to what is abundant in your life.
An extra tip is to keep a gratitude journal in which you write down three things you are grateful for each day. This can help you cultivate a positive outlook and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Engaging in Physical Activity
Physical activity is good for your body and your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers.
Whether it’s a long walk, yoga, or a more intense workout, infusing regular physical activity into your routine can help reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and promote better sleep, all of which contribute to a more positive mood.
Positive Affirmations
Starting your day with affirmations like “I am capable of handling whatever comes my way” or “I choose to focus on the positive” can set a positive tone for the day.
Positive affirmations are simple, positive statements you repeat to yourself to challenge and overcome negative thoughts. Regularly affirming your strengths, worth, and capabilities can build self-confidence and create a more optimistic mindset.
Your social connections are important for your emotional well-being. Spending quality time with loved ones, whether in person or virtually, can provide emotional support and boost your mood.
Engage in meaningful conversations, share jokes on amusing experiences you have shared with them, and simply be in the company of others, which can increase happiness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Setting Boundaries And Saying No
Sometimes, what is demanded of us is more than we can give; for this reason, learning to set healthy boundaries is essential for emotional well-being. Say no to unnecessary stress and prioritise your needs. This can prevent burnout and ensure you have the energy to focus on what truly brings you joy. Setting boundaries also involves managing your time effectively and allowing yourself to rest and recharge.
Remember, happiness is a choice, and with the right tools and mindset, you can make that choice every single day.
Connect With Loved Ones
ADJUSTABLE STRENGTH LEVELS
Microamperes (µA) measure the strength of microcurrent. If the current is too high, it could irritate your skin; if it’s too low, you won’t notice much change. The best devices give a range between 175µA and 400µA and allow you to control the intensity. Select a gadget that enables you to start small and increase over time. This is particularly crucial if you have sensitive skin or are new to microcurrent.
MAKE SURE IT IS APPROVED BY A REGULATORY AGENCY
Always confirm that the device has received clearance from regulatory agencies, like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). This indicates that it has undergone safety and efficacy testing and has been authorised. It’s simple to be tempted by eye-catching advertisements or posts on social media, but if the device isn’t approved, it may cause skin damage.
MICROCURRENT THE BEST AT-HOME HOW TO PICK
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
If you’re searching for a way to tone, lift, and brighten your face without going to a spa or clinic, microcurrent devices may be the solution. These small devices send low-level electrical currents into your facial muscles, which helps to improve blood flow, boost collagen, and reduce fine lines. Think of it as a gentle facial workout. However, choosing the best at-home microcurrent device can be difficult, so this article outlines some basic yet crucial factors to consider when getting one.
SIMPLE AND USERFRIENDLY DESIGN
You don’t need a complex device to get results. Choose one that is easy to hold, simple to use, and not bulky. It should be able to glide easily over areas like your cheeks, jawline, and forehead. A good design helps you stay consistent with use, which is the key to seeing results.
GOOD BATTERY LIFE OR EASY CHARGING
While some gadgets may be recharged and used wirelessly, others require a plug or batteries. Choose what suits you best. A long battery life is ideal if you don’t want to charge it frequently when you travel. Additionally, USB charging eliminates the need for additional cables or adapters.
CHECK REVIEWS AND REAL DEMOS
Before buying, take time to read reviews and watch demo videos. Real users will tell you how well the device works, how long it lasts, and if it’s worth the price. YouTube and Amazon reviews are great for honest opinions. If many people mention the same issue, that’s a red flag.
Although microcurrent devices are fantastic at-home skincare tools, selecting the appropriate one makes all the difference. Keep it simple: examine the batteries, reviews, strength, safety, and ease of use. Doing a little research is quite beneficial. You can glow from the comfort of your home with the ideal gadget since your skin deserves the best.
INBOX, WHO?
MASTERING EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR MODERN PROFESSIONALS
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Once upon a time, emails were a formal affair—used strictly for interoffice memos and painfully long chains of reply-alls. Fast-forward to 2025, and emails are still one of the most powerful tools for communication in the professional world. But here’s the plot twist: not everyone is doing it right.
Between tone-deaf openings, grammar slips, and confusing threads, it’s easy to come off as unprofessional without knowing it. In the era of remote work, lightning-fast communication, and a “just text me” mindset, mastering email etiquette is your notso-secret weapon for standing out.
First Impressions Are Digital Now
Think of your email like a virtual handshake— it should be firm, clear, and confident. That means no “Heyyyy” in professional emails and definitely no ghosting. Start with a clear subject line (think: “Follow-up on Tuesday’s Meeting” instead of “Hi”), and use a warm but respectful greeting. “Hi Chioma” works far better than “Dear Sir/Madam” (unless you’re writing a cover letter in 1998). Bonus points for getting the person’s name right. Typos in names? Career suicide in slow motion.
The well-written one stands out like a perfectly tailored blazer in a sea of unread emails. So, whether you’re applying for your dream job, responding to your boss, or pitching a new idea, remember this: how you write says a lot about how you work. Inbox etiquette isn’t just polite—it’s powerful.
Keep it Tight (And Right)
Nobody has time to scroll through a 500-word essay in an email. Respect your reader’s time by being concise, structured, and clear. If you have multiple points, break them into short paragraphs or use bullet points (when appropriate). Attach necessary files (with proper naming conventions), and if you’re referring to a previous conversation, link it back with clarity: “As discussed in Monday’s team call…”
Sign Off With Style And Sense
Your sign-off is your professional mic drop. Depending on the tone of the message, “Best regards,” “Warm wishes,” or even a simple “Cheers” work well. Include a neat email signature with your name, title, and contact info. Skip the inspirational quotes and flashing logos—less is more.
Tone is Everything
Your tone must be on point without facial expressions or voice inflexions. You want to be friendly, not flippant. Polite, not robotic. Avoid using all caps (unless you’re yelling on purpose—which you shouldn’t be), and don’t overdo the exclamation marks. “Thanks!” is fine. “Thanks!!!!!!” might make your reader think you just won the lottery. Emojis? Use with caution, and only if the professional context and relationship allow it.
Reply Like a Pro
Responding on time says you’re dependable. Leaving emails unread or replying two weeks later screams disorganisation. Even if you don’t have an answer yet, a quick “Got this—will get back to you by Thursday” earns professional points. And yes, reply to all only when necessary. The rest of the team doesn’t need to know you said “Thanks.”
BRINGING GABON TO YOUR KITCHEN
A Recipe For the Delightful Mouamba Dish
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Gabon’s culinary heritage is rich and diverse, blending traditional African flavours with influences from French cuisine. One of the most cherished dishes in Gabonese households is Mouamba Chicken, a hearty and flavourful stew made with chicken, palm nut cream, and various spices. This dish, often enjoyed with rice or plantains, offers a taste of Gabon’s vibrant culture. Here’s how you can bring this delicious Gabonese delight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup palm nut cream (or substitute with coconut milk if unavailable)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
• 1-2 hot chilli peppers (optional, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
• Cooked rice or boiled plantains for serving
Instructions
Prepare The Chicken
Clean and season the chicken.
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook The Aromatics
Sauté the onions and garlic.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant.
Add The Chicken Brown the chicken.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. This helps to lock in the flavours.
Add the Tomatoes And Broth Incorporate the tomatoes.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
Add the broth.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is covered. Bring to a simmer.
Add The Palm Nut Cream
Stir in the palm nut cream.
Add the palm nut cream (or coconut milk) to the pot, stirring well to combine. If you’re using peanut butter, add it at this stage as well.
Season And Simmer
Season the stew.
Add the chopped chilli peppers for some heat (optional) and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Simmer the stew
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Keep in mind that while preparing the stew, you can also let your rice boil or boil some plantains if that works for you.
Remove the pot from the heat once the chicken is tender, and the flavours have melded together. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Serve the Mouamba Chicken hot, accompanied by rice or plantains, and enjoy the taste of Gabon.
Mouamba Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that showcases the rich flavours of Gabonese cuisine. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy palm nut sauce, and vibrant spices makes it a true culinary delight. This recipe offers a taste of Gabon and brings a piece of African heritage to your table. Enjoy this flavourful stew with family and friends, and savour the essence of Gabon in every bite.
CASSY’S CHRONICLES THE ROOM NEXT DOOR
Istill can’t believe I’m in this position. For the past three days, I held myself together, composed, guarded, and focused. But now, in this moment, in this quiet hotel lounge in the middle of Rome, I know he has finally won. It started with harmless conversations— small talks over the breakfast buffet, polite nods in the elevator, quick smiles exchanged when passing by the pool. We spoke about random things, books, weather, and the weird pasta portions in Italy. I didn’t even realise when it became more.
And then I discovered his room was right beside mine.
At first, I ignored the thrill that fact gave me. I wasn’t here for this. I was in Italy for a short work trip. No distractions, no drama. But somehow, our conversations started to go deeper. I noticed how open-minded he was, how he listened with such calm curiosity, how emotionally aware he seemed. It was hard not to be drawn to that kind of energy.
Undoubtedly, he was attractive, but I’d done well pretending not to notice.
Until the morning I was leaving. I had my bags packed. My cab was due in an hour. And just as I stepped out of my room, we bumped into each other in the hallway. It felt like something in the universe shifted.
We ended up walking down to the lounge together.
Somehow, we started talking about art.
“I actually bought a piece you might like,” he said.
I raised my brows.
“Leaving already?” he asked.
“Yeah, my flight’s in a few hours,” I replied, smiling.
Would you like to see it?”
And that was it.
That’s how I found myself sitting on the edge of his
bed, my heart beating a little too fast. I scanned the room with my eyes; the curtains were drawn just
He asked if I wanted something to drink. I said yes, though I didn’t need it. We stood close. Too close. Our hands kept brushing. Our eyes kept meeting. It was no longer
Sensing the shift, he stood. “Let me get the piece,” he said, walking to his suitcase.
He returned, holding a small framed work. I couldn’t even focus on it. I was busy watching how his lips moved as he explained its origin and how his fingers gripped the frame. I swallowed hard. He looked at me. Really looked at me. And I couldn’t pretend anymore. It started with a kiss, soft at first, like he was asking for permission. I gave it, pulling him closer. The art was forgotten. The drinks
Clothes disappeared between kisses and hurried touches. There was no rush, yet it felt urgent. His hands traced my skin like he’d imagined it already. I responded to his every touch like I’d been waiting for it, aching for it. We moved together like we already knew each other’s bodies. He was attentive, warm, and fully present. And when he whispered my name in the quiet moments between, I felt something stir in me that had nothing to do with sex. It wasn’t just physical but emotional, sensual, and magnetic.
And when it was over, we lay side by side, the sheets tangled around us, breaths still catching up.
I turned to him, smiling softly. “I can’t believe what I just did.”
He chuckled, “Neither can I. But I’m glad you did.” And just like that, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to leave anymore.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
How to Train Your Dragon
It doesn’t seem like 15 years have passed since the original How to Train Your Dragon animated feature earned raves for its heart and remarkable visuals, Oscar nominations and nearly $500 million at the box office. And that’s one of the problems with a live-action version coming out so soon – the third feature in the animated series was only six years ago. Comparisons are impossible to avoid, forcing us to wonder what is gained and what is lost in the move to live-action. The answer, sadly, is that the balance tips into the red. Honestly? This reviewer is biased against live-action remakes (see every single live-action remake review I’ve ever done. There’s a theme there).
The story, characters and plot movement are almost identical to the 2010 film (not the books, from which the films diverge significantly): On the island of Berk, hardy Viking-like people engage in regular battles with dragons as they eke out their existence. Robust chieftain Stoick (Gerard Butler, the only actor reprising a role from the animated trilogy) is a fearless fighter, but his teen son, Hiccup (Mason Thames), is a sensitive soul more interested in learning and inventing. Hiccup manages to down a legendary beast, a “Night Fury,” with one of his inventions and intends to kill it, but it turns out to be … cute.
There’s more to it than that, of course; the nut of the film is about empathy. Hiccup bonds with “Toothless” and learns his dragon ways, which makes the kid appear to be a great dragon fighter when he really has no interest in harming them. Hiccup and the other trainees, including fierce warrior girl Astrid (Nico Parker), will end up having their mettle tested when their people encounter a threat greater even than the dragons. In other words, it’s the 2010 film, but live-action.
So why the redo? The business part of the answer is obvious, with IP ruling Hollywood and most of Disney’s liveaction remakes of its classic animated films turning tidy profits. But artistically, what’s the reason? For viewers, why risk sullying so warm a memory, and one so recent? The remake is written and directed by Dean DeBlois, who received Oscar nominations for directing each of the three animated films (as well as one for Lilo and Stitch, which coincidentally has its own live-action remake in cinemas
currently); did he have more to say that he couldn’t express previously?
There aren’t good answers to those questions. For one thing, the gorgeous look of the animated films is not recaptured here, apart from photorealistic dragons – breathe easy: Toothless is just as adorable as before. But visually, those movies had an ace in the hole: One of film’s greatest cinematographers, (THE GOAT) Roger Deakins, as a consultant. His influence brought deeper shadows, mistier forests, moodier lighting, even blacker blacks to the palette.
That’s not to knock live-action cinematographer Bill Pope, whose distinguished career includes The Matrix, for goodness sake. But the visual feel is quite different, in a less engaging way. It’s less atmospheric and less rich. That’s clearly by choice and in collaboration with the director and all departments, including production design, costumes and special effects. The vistas can be lovely, but the environments often feel very much like movie sets. Perhaps part of the calculus was that full realism and Deakins’ stark imagery would be bad for a live-action kids’ movie.
The new film is, at times, a shot-for-shot recount, which feels more like fan service than artistic expression. The flying scenes translate wonderfully, with visual effects having advanced so far in the last 15 years as to make them reach – perhaps surpass – the original’s high standard. The aerobatics and aerial combat are photoreal and downright thrilling.
But things that feel like part of big-studio animated language – broadly drawn conflicts, cartoonish behaviour, even use of the score – feel awkward and pushed with live humans. Stoick’s casual shoving aside (physically) and other rough treatment of Hiccup isn’t nice in animation; in live-action, it borders on child abuse. The relationship between Hiccup and eventual girlfriend, Astrid, feels more contentious, but also more predictable.
To be fair, this version tries to flesh out the characters with a bit of backstory for some of Hiccup’s fellow trainees.
Still, the question remains: Do the gains of a stylistic redo outweigh the losses? Live-action affords an opportunity to explore relationships and emotions in a different, perhaps deeper and more resonant way, taking advantage of the subtleties possible between humans. That opportunity feels squandered. The magic of the original is otherwise only partly recaptured. You won’t get the experience of the books from either film version, but the animated movie is the more enchanting of the two by quite a distance. Skip the live-action in favour of the animated.
Rating: 7/10
Stop with the live-action remakes. Please.
At its most basic, Adults is a share-house comedy. But like the best of this admittedly niche genre, it uses that basic premise to say something much more sweeping about the time in which it emerges.
Friends had much to say about being young, single and aspirational in 1990s New York. Girls was about the near-impossibility of making a go of life in Manhattan without the aid of a trust fund (though, really, it was about sex, drugs, career, gender, mental health, self-esteem … there was a lot of meat on those bones).
This brings us to Adults, which has distinct echoes of the above but with a huge dollop of identity politics and cancel culture tossed into the mix. It doesn’t skewer its twenty-something characters, but it does poke fun at their foibles and performative posturing even as it empathises with them.
It throws down a marker in its first moments, as Issa (Amita Rao) responds to the affront of a creepy middle-aged guy masturbating on the subway by doing it right back at him. Her friends are appalled but outwardly supportive. “She’s doing this for your daughters,” one of them yells to shocked onlookers. “I think.”
Later in the same episode, Samir (Malik Elassal) begins to fret that he might be one of those men who don’t even realise they’ve crossed a line in terms of unwanted sexual behaviour. So he starts checking in with exes, revealing in their reassurance he did nothing wrong, and then recoiling in horror as they remember that, actually, they were really too drunk that one time to
consent, so on second thought, maybe he is a predator after all…
Again, though, the friends are there for comfort.
“Samir, we talked about it,” says Anton (Owen Thiele) of Samir’s possible transgression. “We all spoke about it, and we do feel like it’s not cancellable.”
Not so cancellable, at any rate, that they feel the need to move out of
his parents’ house, where they’re living rent-free.
And when Billie (Australian Lucy Freyer) frets about her lack of career progress, and confesses to being jealous of the attention an acquaintance is getting for being the alleged victim of sexual harassment at work, her friends advise her to take advantage of the window that has just opened.
“The week after a sex scandal or a race whoopsie, when everyone is terrified of the young people in the office,” Issa says, explaining The Window. “These people are in their 50s. Make them think you could cancel them on an app they don’t use.”
Not everything works in Adults, but much of it does. At its best—as in the sixth episode dinner date, where Billie tries to impress her much older (and former schoolteacher) lover by cooking a roast chicken —it is hilarious, unhinged, and has plenty to say, for the adults and their elders alike.
jujuflow; SAINTMULA - Move that body
Nitefreak; Roland ClarkMasterclass
Maeta - Come Again
Starsamm; DJ RANE; Dj Six7even - Quiet
WizTheMc; bees & honey - Show Me Love
Khruangbin - Hold Me Up (Thank You)
Thee Sacred Souls - Live For You
Omah Lay; JOSEPH (CH) - Soso (Joseph Remix) Kevin Ross - Sweet Release