3xHCCH 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.

mjorgensen62-40-114257 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.

Tetsuo6995 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 PottsActually 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.

leonblackwood 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: $7.5millionI recommend this movie to people who are into there witty biopics about an opera singers journey to fame. 6/10