First Impression

First Impression is an engaging romantic drama-comedy from 2018, directed by Arthur Muhammad, starring Lisa Arrindell, Sheronda Blanton, and Les Brown. The back-and-forth narrative of First Impression beautifully encapsulates the intricacies of love, life, and the power of trust, as can be seen in conventional romcoms, but with its unique way of storytelling.

Our story kicks off with Lisa Arrindell starring in the lead role as Veronica Love, a successful and independent woman. She's an inspiring real estate professional who has it all, except in the love department. Veronica redefines the term "independent woman" as she perfectly balances her high-powered career and the demands of her family and friends.

Sheronda Blanton's character, Angie, Veronica's best friend, serves as her sounding board and confidante. Angie constantly provides humor and levity to the intense moments that Veronica faces. Her character is essential in the film's plot, bringing a certain edge or relief when required.

Motivational speaker Les Brown also plays a pivotal part in First Impression. His character imbues the storyline with wisdom and inspirational insights that help characters make important life choices. The robust ensemble of other supporting characters complements the story with their unique perspectives and diverse characterizations, which adds a rich texture to the overall narrative of the movie.

First Impression largely revolves around the concept of love at first sight – hence, the aptly chosen title. In particular, our protagonist Veronica never buys into this notion of love until she crosses paths with a handsome, charming stranger named Jason, at an upscale party. However, no romantic comedy is complete without its fair share of twists and turns. Jason appears perfect, but he harbors secrets about his past that might change everything. A roller-coaster ride of emotions, the story unfolds as Veronica navigates this complex situation while grappling with her newly found feelings.

Amidst the evident romantic turmoil ensuing in Veronica's life, First Impression isn't merely a love story. It deals with other relevant issues, including expectations from women in society, career pressures, and the essence of real friendships. Director Arthur Muhammad does an excellent job weaving these societal aspects into the narrative without deviating from the central theme of the movie. It highlights that love does exist, but it isn't without complications and obstacles.

One of the key highlights of First Impression is its successful fusion of drama, comedy, and romance. Moments of blissful romance seamlessly blend with tear-jerking drama and are perfectly accentuated with the right dashes of comedy, ensuring an engaging and entertaining movie experience. There are dialogues that will make you guffaw, scenes that will make you swoon, and moments that will bring you to the edge of your seat.

First Impression is packed with noteworthy performances. Lisa Arrindell excels in her role as a powerful career woman forced to reconsider her beliefs about love. Sheronda Blanton shines with her comic timing and supportive camaraderie. Les Brown creates a lasting impression with his motivational words.

Equally worth mentioning is Craig Smith's vibrant cinematography for First Impression. The places and sets look visually stunning and have been utilized to their fullest potential to provide a stunning backdrop for the engaging storyline. And it does not stop there. The film’s music and sound design are impressive, helping set the tone for each scene, whether it’s a heated argument, a comedic moment, or a romantic declaration.

In conclusion, First Impression is an outstanding piece of cinema that successfully brings together elements of romance, comedy, and drama. It provides the audience a holistic viewing experience that caters to a wide range of emotions. The movie stages a romantic journey emphasizing the power of first love while focusing on the importance of trust, friendship, and personal growth. This makes First Impression a must-watch movie not only for romance lovers but also for individuals drawn to character-rich narrative films.