Apenas Uma Chance

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.

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.

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 I read that "One Chance" was going to be the life story of "Britain's Got Talent" winner Paul Potts. I knew I wanted to see it for sheer pop culture curiosity, but I was not sure it was going to be any good. This is especially since I had heard nothing about this film until I saw that it was going to be shown in movie theaters this week.

We follow the life of Paul, a bullied overweight loner since childhood whose only dream in life was to sing opera. But growing up in suburban Wales where the main industry was steel works, he did not get much support, except from his loyal mother.

In the course of this film, We see him meet a wonderful woman whom he eventually marries. However, we also see him repeatedly fail in singing and totally lose confidence about his abilities. Of course, we know this story will culminate in his memorable audition on Britain's Got Talent" in front of Simon Cowell and company.

Honestly I was expecting this film to be mundane predictable biopic following the unexpected rise of a loser to becoming a winner and star. However, surprise, surprise. This turned out to be one very delightful and entertaining inspirational film which would appeal to most audiences, not only Paul Potts fans.

I have not really known of either of the lead actors before watching this film, but the film's success was because of their charisma. James Corden got the child-like innocence and charming dorkishness of Paul down pat. We can't help but identify with his struggles, groan at his bad decisions and root for him to go for his dream. I am now a fan of Alexandra Roach who gave an utterly amazing heart-tugging performance of Paul's wife Julz. Her hypnotizing eyes radiates goodness and kindness. The two of them have such rich and believable chemistry between them.

Julie Walters is such a chameleon in her roles. As Paul's ever- supporting mother Yvonne, she is so natural and effortless in her remarkable performance. Colm Meaney is just right to play Paul's gruff and skeptical father. Mackenzie Crook plays Paul's offbeat boss. While he is too batty to be a real person, he provides the comic relief to lighten up the mood.

The first thirty minutes were positively glorious. My smile would not leave my face as the unfolding story made me feel very happy. The script was so witty and funny even as there were not so good things happening. The energy tended to bog in the middle third with the series of misfortunes which befell Paul. But that was necessary in order to make the triumphant third act more exciting and moving, even if we already knew how it would all end.

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".