One For All: The DJ Chris Villa Story (2023) Film Review
We all had a dream when we were young, right?
Some of us wanted to be actors, rock stars, doctors, street artists or veterinaries. When someone asked us what we wanted to be as grownups, we confidently answered in the matter of seconds. Now think of how slower that process became as you got older. Suddenly, you had to think before answering. Surely, making a living as a graffiti artist was going to be hard, but with time it became an impossibility. Today, only a few us got to be a figure resembling that idea we had when we were children.
DJ Chris Villa never changed his mind. Sure, an influence from his parents and brothers was crucial in him designing what career he wanted to pursue, but this is a guy who probably deejays for a living. He designs music pieces with his hands and all the gadgets they can control, and creatively defends the notion of the DJ art. One For All: The DJ Chris Villa Story is a solid depiction of the most crucial moment of his life. And no. I’m not referring to the competition that could change his life. I mean that moment, possibly silent and calm, in which you stare at the mirror and face the crossroads that many people are terrified of: “should I do what I’m supposed to do or should I follow my dream?”.
Fortunately, for DJ Chris Villa he doesn’t stand alone in that mirror. Beside him an understanding and ever supporting wife who’s sure Villa is the greatest DJ in the world. Together they’re raising two kids in a working-class environment that’s randomly filled with record-scratching noises. As he trains for his competitions, he faces nervous chills as he must also be the father his kids deserve. Family values are the main fuel for how Villa manages to keep his family and his mind together. He comes from a Latino household, with many sons and different styles of music always coming out of the speakers. His father’s smile is so warm, you can’t help but feel the magnetism of a very positive upbringing.
One For All: The DJ Chris Villa Story is an intimate portrait of Villa preparing himself to compete in the 2018 Red Bull 3Style World Championship as one of the finalists. If he can win, nothing will stop him after. This is a documentary that touches only the surface of a very interesting story. In a very compelling closing statement, the film’s subjects face the harshest circumstances of a society that doesn’t care for competition, but must confront it anyway. Villa is a one of a thousand players who are trying to make it big in a business that reeks of connections and influences. With a very similar expression to the one of his father, Villa confirms he will never stop chasing his dream.
One almost imagines where he gets his strength from. What motivates him and whats keeps him afloat during disappointment. A very spiritual aspect of the film is the key to understand this. Want to know what that is? Give One For All: The DJ Chris Villa Story a shot and you will understand the beautiful dynamics of a family held strong together by the universal image of unconditional love.
