The Waiter sets out to be more than just another Nollywood comedy. It mixes humor, action, and social commentary, tackling issues like economic hardship, corruption, and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. At its core, it’s a film with ambition — and that ambition shows.
Bucci Franklin’s performance as Tonye Bright is easily one of the movie’s strongest points. His character feels real, layered, and his frustrations with inequality carry weight. The hostage crisis at Krystal Valley Hotel also gives the film its most gripping moments, with slick cinematography, decent sound design, and bursts of thrilling spectacle. Meanwhile, Akpos (Ayo Makun) delivers his trademark comedy, keeping the film lively and offering welcome comic relief when things get heavy.
But the film doesn’t always hold together. The story tries to juggle too much — romance, comedy, government corruption, hostage drama — and in the process loses focus. Tonal shifts are jarring: just when tension builds, an awkward joke cuts through, and some plotlines never really pay off. Even Akpos as the unlikely hero feels stretched, as though the film is forcing his comedic persona into a thriller where he doesn’t always fit.
At times, the movie leans on spectacle more than substance, with effects and action scenes that look flashy but lack emotional depth. Add pacing hiccups and unresolved subplots, and The Waiter ends up feeling uneven — entertaining, but not entirely satisfying.
In the end, this is a film with bright moments but messy execution. It delivers laughs, tension, and flashes of brilliance, but never quite becomes the tight, powerful story it sets out to be. A fair rating? 6/10 — worth watching, but flawed enough to leave you wishing for more polish.
