Name: Little Big Mouth
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Released: 2021-10-22T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Amanda Du-Pont, Naymaps Maphalala, James Borthwick, Brady Hofmeyr, Charlie Bouguenon

The opening scene of Little Big Mouth is a mess: Siya, our down-on-his-luck guitarist, played by Naymaps Maphalala, is unceremoniously kicked out of his band, and the camera follows him stumbling through the streets of Cape Town like a drunken giraffe. It’s an awkward start to what could have been a charming rom-com, but unfortunately, this tone-setting misstep is indicative of the film’s larger issues.

Directed by Gray and Ziggy Hofmeyr, Little Big Mouth follows Siya as he takes refuge with Mel (Amanda Du-Pont), a bookkeeper, her son Luke (Brady Hofmeyr), and her dad Frank (James Borthwick). The premise is simple: can this ragtag group make sweet music together? On paper, it’s a recipe for heartwarming chaos, but the execution falls flat more often than not.

The film’s strongest moments come from its performances. Amanda Du-Pont delivers a grounded and relatable portrayal of Mel, a single mom trying to balance her responsibilities with her burgeoning feelings for Siya. James Borthwick, as Frank, brings a warm and wise presence that grounds the film in genuine emotion. Brady Hofmeyr, as Luke, is surprisingly adept at navigating the complexities of his character’s precociousness without veering into annoying territory.

However, Naymaps Maphalala’s performance as Siya is where the film stumbles the most. His portrayal lacks the charm and charisma needed to make Siya a compelling protagonist. The character’s playful guitar antics and attempts at humor often fall flat, leaving viewers more frustrated than amused. The chemistry between Siya and Mel feels forced, and their romantic arc lacks the spark needed to make it believable.

The film’s structure also suffers from pacing issues. The first half of Little Big Mouth is a slow burn, with long stretches of exposition and setup that drag on without much payoff. The second half, however, tries to cram in too many dramatic twists and turns, leading to a contrived and rushed finale. This abrupt shift in tone feels disjointed and undermines the film’s otherwise lighthearted approach.

Visually, Little Big Mouth is a mixed bag. The cinematography captures the beauty of Cape Town, but the camera work often feels overly stylized and distracting. The use of quick cuts and dramatic angles during emotional scenes adds an unnecessary layer of artificiality that detracts from the performances.

The film’s soundtrack is another area where it excels. The music, ranging from upbeat pop tunes to soulful ballads, complements the story and enhances the emotional beats. However, the film’s reliance on these musical moments sometimes feels like a crutch, masking the weaknesses in the script and direction.

Little Big Mouth is a harmless but ultimately forgettable romantic comedy. While it has its moments of charm and genuine emotion, it’s let down by uneven performances, pacing issues, and a lack of originality.

Tags: comedies, Amanda Du-Pont, Gray Hofmeyr, James Borthwick, Little Big Mouth, Naymaps Maphalala