Un incroyable talent

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

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!

When people say they don't make movies like they used to, here's proof that they still do sometimes. "One Chance" has the charm of the old Earling Comedies and maybe even a touch of the magic of Frank Capra.

This is the almost true story of Paul Potts (James Corden), a shy young mobile phone salesman with a great voice. He wants nothing more than to be an opera singer. After scraping the money together to attend an opera school in Venice, he blows an audition in front of Pavarotti (Stanley Townsend). Crest fallen, he regains his confidence only to have an accident that damages his throat. However, he comes back again with the help of his girlfriend, Julz (Alexandra Roach), and becomes a sensation when he wins the first "Britain's Got Talent" in 2007.

The film actually ends at the audition because it's hard to beat a climax where James Corden as Paul Potts has the judges and the audience gulping back the tears as he lifts to that final sustained note, "Vincero", in "Nessun Dorma"; the operatic equivalent of clearing the bar and setting a new world record in the Olympic pole-vault. It's a stunning scene - as it was in real life.

There is so much to like about this movie. Sure, the filmmakers took the crash course in 'Feel Good Movies 101', it's predictable and sentimental with the highs and lows in all the right places, but it works.

There are a number of scenes I love: when Paul first meets Julz, his online girlfriend at the station; another when the crowd in the club falls silent as they are stunned by the power of Paul's voice; the scene in Venice when he dines beside the canal with the family of Alessandra (Vileria Bilello), the beautiful Italian opera singer; and finally, the look on Simon Cowell's face when he realises that the hesitant, shy, slightly awkward contestant possesses show-stopping talent, "I wasn't expecting that Paul".

"One Chance" has perfect casting for mum and dad (Julie Waters and Colm Meaney), witty lines and some opera that cuts though all the Rap, Death Metal and New Weird we are surrounded by today. To paraphrase Simon Cowell's comment to the real Paul Potts on the night of his "BGT" audition, "This is a complete breath of fresh air".

Other reviews for this movie (from "professional" reviewers) all point out how shallow this movie is when it comes to showing the feelings Paul is having at the various things that happen to him throughout his life. This may very well be the case. But this movie was not made to be a Doctoral Thesis on the effects of bullying. Rather, it was made to show how, once a young man becomes a coward in his youth, it is almost impossible to overcome later in life. The scene in the alley (when the chick comes to his rescue with the guitar) shows how, as an adult, Paul could only get the barest semblance of rage at his life-long tormentor, even though he had all the reason in the world to go ballistic. After losing his voice, he was unwilling to take a chance at being ridiculed by an audience, so he almost didn't even fill-in the form for Britain's Got Talent. He almost didn't go on stage (several times).

There must be a lot of kids getting bullied in England for their love of opera. Just this year, there was another case -- Lucy Kay -- who went through the same torture. She finished second, and has been signed by Simon Cowell personally for one of his labels.

Yes, this movie will not win an Oscar -- or even play in any American theaters -- but you need to see it. If you bullied fellow school mates when you were young, you might want to go find those now-grown-up kids and apologize. If you were bullied, this movie will inspire you.

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.