christopherportiz

Imperfections is a movie that revels in the flaws we all have, wrapped up tightly in the narrative of a heist movie. What's ironic is that Imperfections manages to betray its namesake, delivering a masterclass movie that appeals to all audiences, whether they're looking for a light film in the vein of a romantic comedy or a thematic experience that makes one question his or her morals. The plot follows Cassidy, an out-of-work actress who finds herself evicted and living back with her mother in Chicago. When the man Cassidy's mother is seeing offers her a job at his business – a precious gem import shop – she must learn the unique position she's been offered: the diamond courier. What follows is a wild descent through uncomfortable moral quandaries, unexpected twists and a plot that dances on all the grays the ethical spectrum has to offer. Cass grows close to characters who she intends to exploit for personal gain, and these characters are written in such a way that their endearing qualities nearly always tug at the audience's gut. Despite this, the movie never becomes unenjoyable, having far more in common with The Wolf of Wall Street than something like Heat. The lighter tone Imperfections adopts doesn't impose upon the truly significant nature of the film's content, but rather sands the edges of the piece in a way grittier movies don't. What emerges is a polished product that is downright fun to watch in the moment, but manages to stick with the viewer long after the credits roll. A genuine treat from start to finish, Imperfections is a gem of a movie in and of itself that I can only recommend.

What distinguishes Good Fortune from other documentaries you've seen in recent years is one thing: a smile. Your smile. In a market positively saturated with negative information, morally bankrupt businesses and the absolute destruction of our planet, Good Fortune and its protagonist John Paul DeJoria push the pendulum 180 degrees in the other direction. This is a movie about hope, success against all odds and most importantly – doing something important with that standpoint. The narrative arc follows J.P. DeJoria through homelessness (twice), gang membership, business success and finally philanthropy. Though founding Paul Mitchell and attaining wealth from humble backgrounds would be admirable by itself, the fact that J.P. decided to invest in technologies such as solar power as well as back into the community through charity elevates his actions to rarity. What distinguishes DeJoria from his peers in the business community is his unhampered commitment to his planet and his people; a shot in the offices of Paul Mitchell demonstrates his true love for the employees, calling them geniuses and asking for their opinions about the product. This action extends directly to the viewer's heart in the seconds following, as he waits, genuinely interested in the answer. Good Fortune stands as a rags to riches tale told through the rear-view mirror of a man who intimately understands the road he's traveled on, and hasn't forgotten a single bump along the way. Equally successful as its subject, I give Good Fortune the highest distinction as a documentary fan and the biggest recommendation as a human being with a now-full heart.

Chief Zabu is a movie as interesting as its production history. Lost 30 years to history, this edgy comedy is making an unexpected return to praise from patrons of fine laughter and brilliant satire. The plot follows Ben Sydney and Sammy Brooks, a couple of New York real estate agents who happen upon a big opportunity: getting in on the ground-floor to the economy of an emerging island nation. When funding becomes a problem, these true-to-life sellouts must finagle their way into wealth by using any tricks – and anyone – they know. A real representation of the greed and ridiculousness present in multi-millionaires and their deals, Chief Zabu holds together as a trinity of a comedy, a satire and a piece of history. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a hearty laugh, a modern release in the classic eighties style or a thrilling production history come to life.