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Fortunes is a 2005 independent film directed by Parker Cross, starring Michael McGlone, James Urbaniak and Tony Hale. It tells a story about three strangers whose paths cross and intertwine as their lives take unexpected turns. The movie begins with an introduction to the three main characters. John Riganti (Michael McGlone) is a successful businessman who seems to have it all, but in reality, his perfect life is crumbling. He is being sued for sexual harassment by one of his employees, and his wife is leaving him. Max Waters (James Urbaniak) is a struggling artist who can barely make ends meet. He is behind on his rent, his girlfriend has dumped him, and he has a drinking problem. Meanwhile, Lester (Tony Hale) is a lonely, socially awkward convenience store clerk who has never had a girlfriend, and has a strange fascination with fortune cookies.

One night, while drinking at a bar, Max and Lester meet and strike up an unlikely friendship. Lester gives Max a fortune cookie that predicts he will come into a great fortune. Max dismisses it as a joke, but the next day he receives a phone call informing him that his estranged father has died, and he has inherited a large sum of money.

Meanwhile, John is struggling to keep his life together as the trial looms. He meets Max at his father's funeral and offers to invest in his art. Max is suspicious of John's motives, but decides to take the offer anyway, hoping it will help him to capitalize on his newfound wealth. As their business relationship develops, John becomes increasingly attracted to Max, which creates further complications and conflicts.

Lester, who is still obsessed with fortune cookies, becomes convinced that one in particular holds the key to his own future. When he discovers that it was made by a rival convenience store across town, he sets out on a mission to steal their recipe and corner the fortune cookie market. The consequences of his actions will surprise even him.

Fortunes is a darkly comedic portrait of three men at different stages in their lives, whose search for success and happiness intertwine in unexpected ways. The movie takes a satirical look at modern society’s obsession with money and success, and the lengths people will go to achieve them.

The performances by the cast are compelling, particularly James Urbaniak as Max, who perfectly captures the desperation of a struggling artist, and Michael McGlone as John, who portrays the complexity of a man torn between desire and self-preservation. Tony Hale is also excellent as Lester, providing humor and pathos in equal measure.

Director Parker Cross effectively balances the film’s themes and tone, incorporating elements of black comedy, drama, and satire. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with stunning shots of New York City serving as the backdrop for the story.

In conclusion, Fortunes is a unique and thought-provoking movie that explores the complexities of human nature with wit and intelligence. It is a film that will make audiences laugh, cringe, and think, long after the credits have rolled.

Fortunes is a comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.