Who Killed Captain Alex Film Difficulty Ranking: 1
Why Watch Who Killed Captain Alex?
- It has all the ingredients for a great action movie
- For it’s hilarious host
- For the outrageous one-liners
From: Uganda, Africa Watch: Free on YouTube Next: Ong Bak, Kung Fu Hustle, Black Dynamite
What do you need to make a great action movie?
- Over the top special effects and awesome stunts
- Epic one-liners
- Self-awareness
Who Killed Captain Alex has all of the above, plus it was made with just $200, $14,800 less than the notoriously cheap Hollywood film, Paranormal Activity. Whilst it’s clear in the quality of the movie, it really doesn’t matter – it’s hilariously good fun to watch.
A Hilarious Host
“This is how we do action in Uganda”
VJ Emmie
The best part of Who Killed Captain Alex is it’s commentary narrator VJ Emmie. The original version of the film without VJ Emmie, was lost due to power outages, so the only version the world has is this version with his commentary. But to be honest, I can’t imagine the film without it. He’s like a mixtape DJ or a riff trax commentator. He voices the collective WTF’s and LOL’s of the audience in response to the crazy special effects and action on screen, giving them someone to laugh along with. He also adds self awareness to the cheesy action of the film, showing that they don’t take the film seriously, and that neither should you.
The Stunts and Special Effects
Let me reiterate that Who Killed Captain Alex was made with $200 in an ultra low budget studio in Kampala. The stunts aren’t going to be anywhere near what you’d expect from the latest Marvel film. As the title credits show, Nabwana IGG never imagined anyone would see it outside of his neighborhood. It’s pretty much a home movie. However, despite the limitations, the special effects work because they look so deliberately over the top that it’s funny. It’s pure entertainment; a film that you’d put on with some friends if you want to have a hilarious night in. It’s also inspirational in that it shows just what anyone can make with next to nothing.
A Few of the One Liners
Chef: “I’m making German Food.”
Soldier: “German Food?”
Chef: “Yeah we found German tourists… We’re cooking them.
Soldier: “Marry me or die.”
VJ Emmie (the commentator): “Welcome to Uganda”
Like the action, the one liners are so outrageously stupid and over the top that they’re hilarious. And as mentioned above, half are thanks to the brilliantly funny commentary by VJ Emmie.
What to Watch Next
Who Killed Captain Alex is uniquely brilliant. There aren’t many films like it that combine hilarious self aware comedy with over the top action. Kung Fu Hustle is another one, Ong Bak has it’s moments too, and you could also check out Black Dynamite, a modern take on the Blaxploitation films of the 1970s.
Or if you’re after more action films from Africa, check out South African Sci-Fi District 9 or the Rwandan war thriller The Mercy of the Jungle.
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