One Chance (2013) User Reviews

If you were ever bullied as a kid...this movie is for you

[mjorgensen62-40-114257 · 8/10 · 5 July 2014]

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.

Made Me Write My First Review!

[llhera · 8/10 · 12 April 2014]

What a beautiful, beautiful movie, what an amazing story, and what an amazing man.

I was hesitant to watch it at first, I read some reviews before I watched it, all positive, but even when I started watching, I didn't expect it to be this good! Boy, am I glad I decided to watch it, it honestly just made my day. I really loved it. It says "comedy" in the description, and I thought it would be more of a drama, but this man's life sure had funny moments. It's funny, heartwarming, and plain inspiring. There are some goosebumps-moments in there. The main actor did a splendid job, half way through the movie he started looking like the real Paul Potts, that's how good he is. The director did a fantastic job too. All-in-all, it's a fun watch, even if it's not your type of movies, you'd like it. It makes you think, how a simple everyday man's life, can have so much adventure, and so much to be said about it.

It's a story about a dream, about following that dream, and about reaching that dream.

So what's with the 6-star rating? VERY underrated.

Heartwarming Story that Leaves No Showbiz Cliché Unturned

[l_rawjalaurence · 7/10 · 28 October 2013]

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.

Funny and emotional!

[leonblackwood · 6/10 · 1 March 2014]

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

Taking a Chance on a Dream

[3xHCCH · 7/10 · 5 November 2014]

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.

Tenors Anyone

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 29 October 2013]

Okay, I've never seen Britain's Got Talent or, indeed, any similar television programme. I'm not an opera buff (or even an opera bouffe)and I first heard the name Paul Potts earlier this year when his PR team were placing squibs in the showbiz columns of National newspapers in order to promote this film. I did see James Corden in History Boys at the National Theatre but he didn't make an impression on me; I didn't see him in One Man, Two Guv'nors though I did see the show itself after he'd left it. About the only thing I did knowingly see him in were several episodes of Gavin and Stacy which I enjoyed as a show and also Corden's performance.

So this is what I brought to the film. I agree one hundred per cent with the person who wrote here that the film exploits just about every cliché in the book - and yet it is apparently true. For me the revelation was the gorgeous Alexandra Roach, who dominated every scene in which she appeared. So far as the 'love' story goes it is both implausible and yet the kind of love story everyone aspires to. I was reminded of the 'love' story in Somebody Up There Likes Me (also a 'true' story and based on Rocky Graziano's own autobiography (albeit presumably 'ghosted' for him), which in turn was similar to the one in Rocky, which was fictional. it was not lost on me that both the real Graziano and the fictional Balboa were both boxers and unlikely to have been bullied either as children or adults - or at least not for long - whilst the real Potts was about as far from a boxer as it's possible to get or, to put it another way, love, real, unselfish love, can come to anyone. Because of the 'lovable cockney sparrer' persona he has cultivated Corden struggles to play colorless as the role demands but apart from that this is a fine movie.

Warms the heart, but does little else

[devonblank · 7/10 · 12 November 2013]

This film scores highly for me because it was a heartwarming, endearing tale about Paul Potts, arguably the finest product from Britain's Got Talent. I feel that because I know his story, I got little out of the film-watching experience because I already knew what was going to happen. Corden, while a good fit for Potts, neither made me laugh as I expected nor delivered the emotion that I so desperately wanted to raise goosebumps on my skin. The dubbing of Potts' voice over Corden added credibility to the film, as well as the adaptation of Britain's Got Talent footage to Corden, the judging panel and Ant and Dec.

A film I would watch again for the feel-good factor, but little to rave about unfortunately.

James Corden is great as Paul Potts.

[paulclaassen · 6/10 · 3 July 2018]

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.

Heartwarming film for all

[landersbkwrm · 10/10 · 6 October 2013]

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!

Great story of Paul Pott's life.

[bensonfive · 16 April 2017]

I really enjoyed this movie. I loved hearing Paul Potts sing on Britain's Got Talent, brought tears to my eyes. And this movie did the same. I actually sobbed in parts. And yes, the acting is superb, the story great, and you really feel like cheering for Paul (played by James Corden). GREAT MOVIE!!!

Curiosity killed the cat

[santiagocosme · 6/10 · 14 February 2016]

And curiosity is the only reason why I watched this movie. I knew Paul Potts like many because of his rise from the bottom of the barrel to stardom at the rhythm of Nessum Dorma. Paul Potts is one of those lovable guys you wish all the luck in the world. Bullied in school, big heart, and always struggling to make a living. His life had all the elements that you normally need in a scripted story to turn it into a mildly interesting movie. In this case, all that was needed was to put it into images without much of an adaptation. I wasn't expecting a lot from it, and I felt like I knew the story even without watching it. I wasn't elated and neither was I disappointed. I got what I wanted and I am just now wondering what Paul Potts is up to. Where is he? Is he wealthy? is he still singing? I have no idea. I guess gooogle might help answer all my questions. In any case, I wish him good luck!

Brilliant film

[bamps_1964 · 10/10 · 3 March 2014]

Having watched the series of Britains Got Talent and remember seeing Paul Potts do his audition I can still see the nervous man walk onto stage amongst giggles and snickers from the audience. Once Paul started singing the hairs on my arms shot straight up and a cold shiver of amazement ran down my back at the magnificence and power of his voice.

The film shows most of the life of Paul before going on the show and the hardships he went through still believing in his love for opera and wanting to sing so much.

An absolutely brilliant film and well worth the watch as it has a great support cast with lots of humour, and by the end of the film you'll want to know more about the man from Wales.

Corden and Roach bring Paul Potts' story to the big screen

[studioAT · 6/10 · 6 January 2017]

Paul Potts' story grabbed the nations imagination as he went from Carphone Warehouse manager to opera singing sensation via Britain's Got Talent. And this film shows all of that and so much more of his story.

It gets a bit bogged down by trying to be a 'Working Title/Richard Curtis' film, what with the funny mum, idiot best friend etc, but actually this is a good film, that probably deserved to do better at the box office. Perhaps it didn't travel well around the world.

James Corden gives a good performance, but I found myself being more amazed by that of Alexandra Roach, who turns a potentially one note character into something far more. It's as much her film as it is Corden's.

There are some slower moments in the second half, but all in all I'd recommend this film for people who think they know Paul's story, and those that don't.

Great film but.....

[kevin-irving1-832-139521 · 5/10 · 1 November 2013]

In order to get over the impression that Paul Potts is shy, the film ignores the seven years he spent as a politician, he was was elected the youngest member of Bristol City Council, as a Liberal Democrat, and he served until 2003.

In my experience, being a politician usually involves knocking on complete strangers doors in order to ask them to vote for you, making public speeches and meeting the electorate at surgeries. Not the sort of job that such a shy and retiring man would go in for, and as a result this period never got a mention in the picture.

That being said I thought the film was a genuine effort at making an "American feel good movie" with British actors and locations. Port Talbot never looked so good in the overhead shots, and no doubt Carphone Warehouse will be delighted with the free publicity.

I am a big fan of James Cordon and just loved watching the "The Wrong Mans" on the BBC.

Quite great actually

[Tetsuo6995 · 7/10 · 3 March 2014]

I can't believe this movie only reached a shy 6.2 at the moment I'm writing this.

Sure it's not a masterpiece, but it's still a very funny and moving movie.

It's simple, pure and a very inspiring true story. Well played from James Corden who just nailed the character of Paul Potts

Actually everyone in this is actually doing really well. Very nice performance from Alexandra Roach. Also surprised by Mackenzie Crook who is in my opinion a bit disappointing in Almost Human. Here he is very good !

Give it a try, you will enjoy this.

Really inspirational.

[Shopaholic35 · 7/10 · 31 January 2015]

Why do people feel the need to tear each other down and stomp on their dreams. The world would be such a wonderful place if everybody lived up to their potential and followed their passions. Although it takes a bit of time Paul Potts manages to stick with it no matter what life throws at him. He's quite inspirational when you're not cringing in shock at some of the stupid things he does. He really is quite a careless moron but he's a lovable one.

Overall the movie is really quite good. It's perfect for lovers of music or anybody who enjoys an underdog story. The ending may not be a surprise but his life in the lead up certainly is. The moral of the story is...never give up because it's only over when you stop trying. On a side note, his dad's a pig.

Amazing!

[Rita000 · 7/10 · 4 August 2020]

What an amazing movie! What an amazing story! If you like autobiographical films you definitely need to see this!

Well directed and acted

[adrianovasconcelos · 7/10 · 11 January 2020]

David Frankel does a good job of directing this biopic. He treats intelligently the relationship between Paul and Julz, and also between Paul and Alessandra; and he extracts superb performances from Corden, Roach and Julie Walters.

The script is a bit meandering, and the ending somewhat flat, but by then you have been on a rollercoaster of emotions. Sadly for Paul Potts, he suffered far too many accidents that were bad for him and that somehow adds too much to a simple story, and becomes a distraction.

The really great thing is that all these are believable characters. The scene where Walters happens upon Paul and Julz as they are beginning to date is truly memorable for its simplicity, but it is only one of a number of sequences that render this film so touching and worth watching.

Quite good

[bbewnylorac · 7/10 · 2 May 2015]

This is a solid, but not outstanding, story of an ordinary man's journey to fame. I didn't see it in the cinema because the trailer revealed the entire plot and made it seem like another of those cheesy movies about kind hearted Northern folk triumphing over adversity. One Chance even has Julie Walters, the go-to actor to portray wacky working class characters. I finally saw the film on a plane and found that there was more to it. James Corden, as singer Paul Potts, is a great actor - he can play the Everyman underdog with just the right balance of tentative confidence and vulnerability. The film is about sticking to your dream and rising above the obstacles life throws you. It's interesting how fate can turn on the smallest things, such as friends pushing you to enter that talent competition or suffering health setbacks. And how he realises he has to actively reject working in the foundry and work at his singing. Corden and the script elevate many scenes into works of art, such as the time in Venice when he's rehearsing with his opera singer friend on the streets. And the love scene on his wedding night is genuinely moving. The disastrous audition for Pavarotti is beautifully done. Imagine being told by your idol that you aren't that good. It's another pivotal point where Potts rejects his fate and persists in his goal. Which is quite inspiring. The ending is corny, but hey, it is a musical, and it is what happened in real life. Good on him.

Best Movie in Years

[vickyg214 · 10/10 · 27 October 2013]

A real movie should entertain you -- with a great story line and a message that touches you; with real acting that allows you to connect with the characters to make you believe them -- make you love them or hate them. It should include real cinematography, directing, editing and music that are like the ingredients of a fine gourmet meal. Each element has its own unique flavor, texture and color, but when put together, the end result is a delectable, savory treat for the senses.

This movie was just that. It is a beautiful love story about an incredible couple played very convincingly by Corden and Roach.

Corden did a spectacular acting job. Watching his facial expressions and the look in his eyes during different key points of the plot was thrilling, moving -- at times taking our breath away.

If anyone doesn't absolutely love Alexandra Roach in this, there is no explanation. We couldn't get enough of her on the screen. All the cast members did a stellar job.

We felt both the beautiful classical and catchy popular music blended in with the already-spectacular film, and worked to make it even more of a top-notch hit.

"One Chance" is an incredible movie based on a true story, and it was wonderfully and skillfully put together. We can honestly say we wouldn't have changed a thing. It didn't insult us; the filmmakers felt no need to insert anything gratuitous for its own sake, as most filmmakers do these days. It was realistically and tastefully done. It made us laugh. It brought tears to our eyes. It made us angry. It made us cheer inside. Bravo to all involved. It was indeed, a delicious feast. We can't wait to experience it again.

Not sure if much is actually true

[haines403 · 6/10 · 19 July 2021]

Cordons accent is atrocious a bit like his talk show hosting...films ok not sure if much is actually true..

Very enjoyable musical biopic comedy

[neil-476 · 8/10 · 7 November 2013]

Paul Potts grows up in Port Talbot, Wales, ridiculed for singing opera. He turns out to have a terrific voice and this film tells his story from childhood through to winning Britain's Got Talent, encompassing his family, girlfriend/wife, assorted tribulations and, yes, his job working for Carphone Warehouse.

Despite my disliking some of his work (the witless profanity in Zombie Lesbian Killers comes to mind), I recognise James Corden as being a very talented bloke, and his portrayal of Potts as a likable, vulnerable, accident-prone chap, ordinary in every way except for his extraordinary voice, is very good. He has some excellent support, of course - Colm Meaney as Dad and Julie Walters as Mum are as classy as one would expect, and relative newcomer Alexandra Roach, as Paul's girlfriend/wife Julie-Ann, is a delight - her on-screen presence lights up much of the film.

The cinema was full of people of a Certain Age - this is an undemanding true(-ish) story with no bad language of any consequence - who clearly enjoyed the film greatly, and laughed a lot: it is often very funny.

My only criticism - and it isn't that major - is that it is quite clear physically that Corden isn't actually singing. Otherwise, this light and amiable film was very enjoyable and had a lot of something which is all too often missing from modern movies - heart.

I'm not sure how well it will travel internationally.

predictable non-drama

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 18 May 2020]

Paul Potts (James Corden) has always sang opera since he was a kid and has always been bullied by the mean kids in his industrial town. He pursues his dream to Italy where he is given a devastating blow. His confidence is shot and then he signs up for Britain's Got Talent.

There is no drama. It is predictable. Corden is a less confident Corden. It is not terribly original or different. The only surprise happens when he gets hit by the car. Quite frankly, it tries hard and really achieves halfway. I'm sure that this is a well known story for Brits and changing it would be sacrilegious. It doesn't mean that some minor changes aren't necessary. Confidence is the central theme for Paul. The movie set it up very well up to his confrontation with his father. When dad claims that he hasn't chased his dream, that's the moment of the hero's clarity. He can still show his nervousness but he cannot give it voice. He has to go beyond that at that point. He has to change for his character to grow.

The life of Paul Potts (James Cordon) to his miraculous Britain's Got Talent win

[lloydhammett715 · 2/10 · 20 November 2013]

"The opera of my life" – Paul Potts

The first year of 'Britain's Got Talent' brought a watershed of hopefuls who believed they had what it took to become a superstar. This real life story of Paul Potts (James Corden) shows how he went from being just an average shop assistant to a country phenomenon in winning the show as an opera singer.

It is a film racked around the symbol of hope and how if you continue to believe you will finally reach your goal. Sadly, it never manages to portray this with any sincerity, mainly because it tries to swing the audience with nothing but pity. The lack of sincerity comes from scenes that feel so aware that a line or a close up can get an 'aw' from the audience without any real substance put into them. There is no development of the characters or rapport between them because the only two emotions they display are sympathy and hope. The director David Frankel seems to have decided that these are in fact the only two emotions available and is relentless with it to the point it is comical. It is ironically the lack of realism depicted in any of the people or changing points in Paul Potts' life that leave this supposedly real life tale wanting. The film is supposed to be light-hearted but the attempt to display it in such vulnerability lacks for any comedic value. The narrative and dialogue is bumpy and uneven causing for overwhelming awkwardness rather than the heart string puller it was aiming for.

It almost seems over the last few years that James Corden has suffered from Gavin and Stacey being too good. His attempts to break away from his character 'Smithy' have probably not quite gone to plan with regrettable films like Vampire Killers (2009) and Gulliver's Travels (2010). For a biopic to work there has to be a feeling of sincerity and realness within the character, but Corden never manages to portray this. Everything is overplayed, his bumbling, his awkwardness and even his dream of opera, to a point where the film and performance feel dishonest. Paul Potts himself may well have been all these, but it was too forced and overworked to display anything that amounted to lifelike. There seems to be genuine anguish for Corden in trying to master the Welsh accent, and he probably amounts to around fifty-percent of his lines in it.

The best moment by far in the film (and it is hard to find one) comes in the twenty-seconds Potts sings in a pub for the first time. It is the only moment where the nature of what he is doing radiates through, due to the simplicity and naturalness of the shot. For a film reliant on opera singing to show its message the other instances where Potts sings feel unbelievably orchestrated and wooden.

The poster for the film has ridiculously labelled it as the 'new' Billy Elliot (2000) but completely lacks in the socio-cultural backdrop displayed in this. What makes you route for Billy Elliot is that he is a beacon of hope within a community that is crumbling around him. The comedy comes off so well because it juxtaposes the grit, whereas with One Chance there is nothing but light- hearted sympathy for the good times and the bad. The adversity may not be as great but there is a lack of desire to show it with any realism, as cheap 'aw moments' are ultimately easier

The real life of Paul Potts may be one of wonder, but across the big screen it lacks any real conviction.

Nice feel-good film but lacks attention to detail

[dean-42661 · 7/10 · 10 July 2021]

Definitely a worthwhile watch but drags out a bit.

Also lacks attention to detail. In an era when "brick phones" are being sold and before Paul Potts had even thought about BGT (2007), why am I seeing cars from 2010 onwards?

Good family film if you've nothing else to watch.