Encountering my random taste for movies, I have noted some serious business undertones in some unconventional films. For most, people always use Scarface or even the most recent Denzel’s, American Gangster as examples of “Boss” films. I usually gravitate towards the lesson of success. I generally shy away from the “typical” gang movie. Good in many ways, they all sadly follow the format of peril. No doubt all businesses are faced with adversity, these pics make note of really good lessons in business. Besides most “Boss” films, the never end good and who wants to lose.

Boss’n Up
Starring: Snoop Dogg, Shillae Anderson and Hawthorne James (Dir. Dylan C. Brown)
It’s not has graphic as Pimp’s Up Hoes Down but, its the rawest form of business develop and enterprise you’ll see in a sizable budgeted movie. As much as we hate to admit it, prostitution is one of the oldest professions. Because of that, many businessmen follow similar creeds. In the world of business, a customer is no different than a “trick.” I chose this for the fact, the tutorials OJ (Hawthorne) gives Corde (Snoop) are classic. These mentions are no different than a Trump seminar you see at 2 am. Just replace bitch with public. Hawthorne gives a Shakespearian performance making me want to see this dude in action again…as a pimp.
Purchase Boss ‘N’ Up

Devil’s Advocate
Starring: Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron (Dir. Taylor Hackford)
The ultimate tale of doing whatever it takes. Even if you have to sell your soul, to succeed. It sounds deep to think but, many people are placed at a fork in the road of their success and faced with the quick dangerous shortcut or the long, stable the hard way. For some, it seems like an easy choice, until the question rears its ugly head. For me, Al Pacino’s character follows the characteristics of business’s biggest magnates. Makes you forget he’s the devil. The sad thing…he makes too much sense. “Never let them see you coming.” Sadly true, with business, in so many ways, I guess it be easier to accept if it wasn’t satan saying. I personally see a few people who shook hands… I mean really, look at the hottest and see if they’d even be respected 10 years ago…or labeled a hack…i digress.

Hitch
Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James (Dir. Andy Tennant)
The business lesson from this? Being confident in selling yourself. Having game translates in business, whether it be for men or women. Even if your sell is not as tight as others, the confidence to step to an opportunity is something needed in today’s world.

Thomas Crown Affair
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo, (Dir. John McTiernan)
This is one of the classic tales of f’n with someone’s head. Thomas Crown was able to manipulate without really breaking the law in a sense, “you could send me to jail but, is it worth it.” Like a smooth chess game and trap, you feel the sense of having total autonomy without breaking a sweat.

The Oceans Trilogy
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle (Dir.Steven Soderbergh )

Oceans 11, 12 and 13. Each one shows the benefit of team mind set. Despite it all, a crew of hungry hustlers can make the impossible happen. Movie shows the art of the setup and planning and how to be ready for the ego, wrench and plan b (or c,d,and or e).
Purchase Ocean’s Trilogy (Ocean’s Eleven / Ocean’s Twelve / Ocean’s Thirteen)

The Devil Wears Prada
Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway (Dir. David Frankel)
The ultimate female boss movie. Yes its fashion, yes its a magazine but, put () in any business situation and she’d play it well. She secretly shows her soft-side and sadly sacrifices her life for the deal but, realize…she never gets fired. Its based on real life editor of Vogue, (). Another lesson is that in some circles experience and talent not only provides autonomy of a situation, she is needed so bad by her magazine, she made bosses of bosses jump.

All About Eve
Starring: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter (Dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz)
Whether male or female, this movie makes it known, someone always wants to take your spot. Baxter’s character begins as a bright eyed bushy tailed fan, or so it seems. She then becomes the person she really wanted to be, manipulating the situation to steal and sabotage or seemingly reluctant mentor. She hustles her way to the top to trump the woman she once adored. Its usually those around you who may seem too good to be true. The double drama about this movie? Both Davis and Baxter beefed like the movie, fighting for the Best Actress title for the Oscar’s® in the end, both of them lost.

Godfather Part 2
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, (Dir.Francis Ford Coppola)
Of the typical “gang” movie, this is the exception. Now everyone will say Godfather 1 or all of them but, for me, part 2 was the most solid display of business power and evaluation. The movie was an all in one, showing the birth of the Corleone’s and the empire’s startup in the early 20th, to the son’s prevention and acquisition of a new market, in 50′s. Spanning over 30 years, you see the influence of tradition and legacy. This movie could have easily matched Google if you took out the mob residue. Go ask you-tube and NBC.

Other notables:
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
Glengarry Glen Ross
Trading Places (Special Collector’s Edition)
The Usual Suspects

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