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.

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".

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.

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!

Since the film is based on a true story, you already know what the outcome will be from the starting point, so it leaves room for very little surprises. Nevertheless, the film is a wonderful feel-good movie. James Corden is perfectly cast as Paul Potts. The love story is beautiful and the characters are very likable. A delightful comedy, actually.