Name: Disconnect: The Wedding Planner
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2023-01-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Catherine Kamau, Pascal Tokodi, Brenda Wairimu

The opening shot of Disconnect: The Wedding Planner is a flurry of activity—a desperate man (Pascal Tokodi) frantically coordinating last-minute wedding arrangements, his phone pressed between his shoulder and ear as he barks orders to a team of bewildered vendors. It’s a scene that should be the beating heart of a rom-com farce, but instead, it sets the stage for a film that struggles to find its footing.

Directed by David ‘Tosh’ Gitonga, Disconnect: The Wedding Planner is a sequel to the 2018 film Disconnect, though it stands alone in its narrative. The premise is straightforward enough: Otis, a man who has fallen victim to a scam, races against the clock to plan a luxurious destination wedding for Dele, an important investor he’s eager to impress. On paper, this sounds like fertile ground for a comedic romp filled with mishaps and romantic tension. Yet, the film stumbles under the weight of its own ambition, bogged down by a convoluted plot and an overstuffed cast.

Where Disconnect: The Wedding Planner falters is in its pacing and structure. The film’s runtime feels overly long, as if Gitonga is determined to squeeze every last drop of drama from his story. Scenes that should be quick, punchy moments of humor instead drag on, weighed down by interpersonal conflicts that feel more like filler than substance. The result is a narrative that loses its way, meandering through subplots and character arcs that don’t always serve the central premise.

The performances are a mixed bag, with Pascal Tokodi as Otis delivering the most consistent work. His portrayal of a man desperate to salvage his reputation and secure an investment is grounded in earnest charm, even if the script often undermines him. Catherine Kamau and Brenda Wairimu, playing supporting roles, bring depth to their characters but are sidelined by the film’s tendency to prioritize melodrama over genuine emotional connection. The character of Dele is somewhat underutilized, his potential as a foil to Otis never fully explored.

One of the film’s standout moments comes when Otis attempts to juggle multiple crises at once—a sequence that briefly captures the frenetic energy one might expect from this genre. However, these glimpses of potential are overshadowed by the film’s tendency to linger on unnecessary subplots and tangential conflicts. The romantic elements, which should be the heart of the story, often feel tone-deaf, landing with a thud rather than a laugh or a sigh.

The film’s attempt at originality—mixing romance with high-stakes business maneuvering—is commendable but ultimately falls flat. The genre-blending feels more disjointed than innovative, leaving the audience unsure whether they’re watching a romantic comedy, a drama about professional redemption, or something else entirely. Gitonga’s direction is competent but lacks the spark needed to elevate the material.

Disconnect: The Wedding Planner is a film that aims for the kind of whimsical charm found in classic rom-coms but stumbles over its own ambition. It’s a shame, because at its core, the story has potential. Otis is a likable enough protagonist, and the premise of a wedding planner scrambling to pull off an impossible task is ripe for comedy. Yet, the execution falls short, leaving the audience with a film that feels more like a missed opportunity than a must-see.

The film’s target audience seems to be fans of romantic comedies who enjoy a bit of drama mixed in. However, even those viewers might find themselves frustrated by the film’s pacing and tonal inconsistencies. Disconnect: The Wedding Planner is not without its moments, but they are too few and far between to salvage the whole.

In the end, Disconnect: The Wedding Planner is a film that tries too hard and accomplishes too little. It’s a shame, because with tighter pacing and a more focused script, it could have been something special.

Tags: romance, Brenda Wairimu, Catherine Kamau, David 'Tosh' Gitonga, Disconnect: The Wedding Planner, Pascal Tokodi