One Chance

Despite James Corden's dodgy miming, he was surprisingly good with sensitivity, vulnerability and plenty of pathos. Paul Potts rules after all.

Frankel's direction was fast moving similar to his Devil Wears Prada. Slick editing adds to the pace. You are not allowed to be bored even in smokey Port Talbot. The cast wasn't as stellar as the US fashion team but Colm Meaney, Julie Walters Alexandra Roach and McKenzie Crook all turn in very competent support.

Ironically it wasn't dressed up to be ultra glitzy and kept the Welsh roots and didn't scare the pants off the audience off with dodgy opera. Paolo Potts sings really well throughout the movie even if he isn't quite Pavarotti. Easy watching, easy listening and proves Britain definitely Has Got Talent.

I saw the film One Chance prior to it's official USA opening, at the Aspen Film Festival, where it received enthusiastic applause and cheering from the audience. Although I am a long-time fan of its subject, British operatic tenor Paul Potts, it is not just "good if you like Paul Potts" but really, really good for anyone. Tony-award winner James Corden is excellent as Paul Potts, as is the rest of the cast, and the film is a first-class production all round. It is heartwarming and inspirational--and humorous--as it tells the story of a man who was born with an immense talent but bullied all his life for being "different." It is full of gorgeous music and full of romance as it follows the story of Paul and his wife, through difficulties--almost unbelievable, except it's true--that almost forced him to give up his dream, until it all came down to just One Chance to make his dreams come true. I would give it more than "two thumbs up" if I had more thumbs!

This is a touching story with moments of sadness, joy and humor. As far as I can tell it is based pretty closely on the true life of Paul Potts. I liked the realism portrayed in the characters and the situations; for once Hollywood restrained itself. For classical music lovers, the music is a treat. Until the end--after an incredible soundtrack of great pieces written by the masters and performed by true artists, we are treated to an over- credits song by... Taylor Swift. WHAT??? NOOOOOO!!! WHY??? Who on earth made the choice to include that--performer--in this? Nothing worse than having your ears and senses assaulted with garbage after first being primed by some of the best music ever written. That's like having a lunch of fine French cuisine and then being presented with a Twinkie for dessert. Thanks a lot, whatever idiot included that favorite of teenyboppers everywhere in this otherwise-fine film.

Structurally speaking, ONE CHANCE follows the trajectory of just about every showbiz rags-to-riches movie you could think of. There's the skeptical father (Colm Meaney) offset by the devoted mother (Julie Walters); the best friend (Mackenzie Crook) who supports Paul (James Corden) despite evidence the contrary; the dramatic reversal scene where Paul is told by Luciano Pavarotti that he will never make the grade; the touching scene where Paul's wife Julie-Ann (Alexandra Roach) vows to support him through thick and thin; and the climactic sequence on the talent show BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT where Paul proves himself in front of the judges including Simon Cowell (the film's Executive Producer). And yet the film has a certain integrity to it: James Corden gives a winning performance as Paul, conveying the uncertainty and gawkiness of the character. Roach makes a convincing lifetime partner - someone who willingly puts up with Paul's basic self-centeredness as she truly believes in him. Meaney turns in a competent turn as a gruff rugby- playing patriarch with a heart of gold. Oh -- and there's the music as well, which is always worth listening to.

Review: I must be becoming soppy in my old age, because I really enjoyed this heartwarming tale about a guy who is down on his luck, but he has an amazing talent to sing opera and he follows his dreams by becoming a success. The characters were well chosen by the director and the storyline is written very well. You grow to like the main character and you feel for his amazing trail of bad luck throughout his life. The love story is really sweet, and his parents support was witty and emotional. To be honest, I wasn't expecting that much from this film, but I really enjoyed the mixture of emotions. Enjoyable!

Round-Up: It's amazing to see how far James Corden has come from his early years in Gavin & Stacey to winning many awards and now starring in a very well made movie. Everyone can't help but like the guy which is why we see him on the TV quite a lot nowadays. Julie Walters is getting better with age, along with Colm Meaney who seems to be popping up in loads of movies nowadays. Anyway, this movie is definitely worth a watch if you into witty, emotional dramas.

Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: $7.5million

I recommend this movie to people who are into there witty biopics about an opera singers journey to fame. 6/10