‘One For All’ is a winning look at a master of scratch and spin

"One For All: The DJ Chris Villa Story” celebrates the work and surprisingly gentle character of star DJ Chris Villa, a soft spoken, hardworking, likable master of the turntables and the creative sound mix. The documentary is geared to fans of the music but Villa and his story are engaging enough to open doors to even to viewers unfamiliar with the scene.

Director Jeremy A. Lopez traces Villa’s rapid rise starting when he was just 13 to dominating radio airwaves his native Phoenix Ariz., and later the national club circuit. The film follows Villa as he prepares for the Red Bull 3Style World Championship in Philadelphia, called the “Olympics of DJ-ing,” with Villa as one of six US Finalists.

In between is a portrait of Villa’s personal life, clearly a key element of his work ethic and humility. One of five boys in a close family, there are interviews with his dad, Eddie, and his four brothers including Matt, also a successful DJ. Their mom Cathie — that’s her image tattooed on Villa’s arm — was a guiding force and major influence. Villa, with apologetic emotion, talks about his mother’s early death from cancer and her still powerful presence in his life. Eddie, choking with emotion, recalls her wanting a boom box in her hospital room so she could listen to Chris spin.

Like his own parents, Villa married his high school sweetheart, Terra, his self-described biggest fan. They’re devoted parents to two young children. Villa’s genuine groundedness may be at odds with the club world; he eschews the commonplace partying and womanizing in favor of a loving and stable home life that requires him to get up and be present in the morning.

But it’s always been about the music, all kinds of music, including the early influences of his parents whose record collection spanned all genres including Latin, jazz, funk and classic rock. Eddie and Cathie encouraged their kids to pursue their dreams and, above all, to embrace life. All of this makes its way into Villa’s spirited mixes. His scratching and wordplay may be sophisticated but his philosophy is simple. “Make that shit fresh,” he says of his inclusive style. “Don’t overcomplicate it.”