Chance

Chance premiered at the SideWalk Film Festival 22 September, 2002. As of right now, there are no distribution deals and no further plans to show the film, but that could, of course, change. And I hope with all of my heart it does.

Chance is a dark comedy about a chapter in the life of a young woman searching to find herself. It stars Amber Benson and James Marsters as Chance and Simon respectively. Also appearing in the film are Nate Barlow, Andy Hallett (the Host on Angel), Tressa diFiglia (Nicholas Brendon's wife), and Christine Estabrook.

The movie is hilarious! Definitely along my tastes in humour, and Amber did a fantastic job doing everything for this film - a true Indie movie. The soundtrack, provided by Grant Langston (with the beautiful song over the opening credits having been written by Joss Whedon), was awesome, funny, and touching. Pretty blunt, too, which served the story perfectly.

I was so afraid this movie would suck as much as I love Amber Benson. It didn't. It was much better than a lot of the movies I've seen lately. Amber was fantastic and James was so adorable it was scary.

If you get the chance (haha), see this movie. You will not be disappointed.

To sum up this review, you HAVE to see this film. From start to finish it is 75mins of pure comedic joy. I had to buy a signed photo from the movie from Benson Entertainment to get the DVD as they still haven't got backing to release it yet. This is a terrible shame because Amber Benson is an amazing writer/director/actor and her film should be out on the market for people to see. The film also stars James Marsters (Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer) who plays Chance's (Amber Benson) best friend, Simon. The two characters ooze chemistry on screen and dialogue that passes between is nothing short of brilliant. Whether you are a Buffy fan or not, this film is definitely worth a look.

Finally picked up a copy of the DVD, as I'd heard about the film and was curious to see Amber Benson's work. I won't go into the plot beyond saying it's a comedy/drama based around the two main characters, Chance and her friend Simon. Like many Indy films it's a bit rough around the edges, but I enjoyed it a lot. Unlike some of the other reviews I thought the acting was for the most part good, particularly the two lead roles, Amber Benson as Chance, and James Marsters as her friend Simon, with interesting characters and story.

Having said that I can understand why other people wouldn't like it, especially if they are only used to seeing typical Hollywood style films or are expecting the stars to reprise their Buffy roles. Indy film fans, or people who like character based films are more likely to be won over.

Anyway, I'm giving it 8/10 as I liked it a lot.

I took a 'chance' and bought this film, but know that others may be wondering whether it is worth a view. Amber Benson does an admirable job here as writer/director/lead actor and her casting of James Marsters was inspired, if very understandable as a result of the Buffy link. He has obvious pedigree and audience appeal, which will immediately reach a greater range of viewer. But one soon realizes that you are not watching 'Spike' and that his role as Simon, the love interest, is rather engaging in it's own right. For those huge fans of James - I know there are many - this film allows him to shine ever brighter,whilst exploring a very different character. And there is sufficient romance to please. It is a real shame this film does not have a distributer. They are missing a huge market if the James Marsters web sites are to be believed. Give it a go if you can get hold of a copy. Well worth a look.

I just saw this wonderful film at the Sidewalk film Festival and it was awesome. Amber is so talented.....is there anything she can't do?? The film was fun and very entertaining. The script was clever. The soundtrack and score were incredible. 'Chance' was the best film I saw all weekend. Amber rocks!