Writer director Chris Rock’s third movie Top Five is a surprisingly honest semi-autobiographical look at celebrity culture. Like his stand up it is raw and energetic but a romantic thread grounds the story to deliver a clever, moving film.

Starring Chris Rock as washed up comedian Andre Allen and Rosario Dawson as New York Times journalist Chelsea Brown, Top Fiveis a medley of styles. Told over the course of one day, the film opens with Woody Allen-esque (whom Chris Rock is a vocal fan of) absurd dialogue, before descending into an arty story in which the two leads explore the city together much like Richard Linklater’sBefore series, while sometimes transitioning into an urban documentary. All the while the film itself is driven by Chris Rock’s hilarious vulgar script with many memorable laughs and a powerful hip hop soundtrack.

In Top Five, Chris Rock points his sharp wit at showbiz culture, the dangers of fame and like many films of late, the contrast between artistic pursuit and the movie business. Yet the best scenes in Top Five are instead the intimate moments between Andre and Chelsea, with both exploring their own existential crises through the eyes of a stranger.

Despite its successes the film does falter a few times. One of the plot twists is a little heavy handed, a few of the jokes don’t land and there’s a slightly predictable self referencing arc, but the main strength of the film is the chemistry between the two leads, the sophistication of the main character and Chris Rock’s stark self appraisal which manages to carry its flaws. With a strong supporting cast and guest appearances from Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfield and Adam Sandler, the movie is sure to track well.

Best known for his outrageous stand up, Chris Rocks discovers a touch of sentimentality to deliver a smart, hilarious and poignant movie in Top Five.