Paul
Potts is an unusual TV talent show winner, because he actually has talent. The
opera singer cuts an unassuming figure, but his voice is the real thing.
However, since anyone who uses Yahoo’s online services already knows what
happened when he appeared on Britain’s
Got Talent, David Frankel’s One
Chance (trailer
here) will necessarily feel rather
anti-climatic. At least fans of the British tenor can stream it for free on
Yahoo up until its proper theatrical opening this Friday, as part of the
Weinstein’s ongoing campaign to give exhibitors fits.
Even
as a boy, working class Potts has an obvious talent for singing, but it earns
him more bullying than praise. His mother Yvonne tries to support his musical
sensibilities, but his father Roland often joins in with his tormentors (his
habit of donning the full Pagliacci costume hardly helps matters either). As a
result, self-confidence becomes a persistent issue for Potts.
Nonetheless, he
somehow summons the gumption to court the plucky Julie-Ann “Julz,” who
encourages him to pursue his dream. Early in their relationship, she shows
enough faith and trust to let him study in Venice, but it ends in
disappointment. At least, the picturesque city and budding diva Alessandra look
good on camera.
Man
oh man, it is hard to like a film in which Simon Cowell and the excretable
Piers Morgan play themselves. Nevertheless, lead actor James Corden is more
eager to be loved than the average puppy. He is unflaggingly earnest and
lip-synchs effectively enough in the performance scenes. Most importantly, he
develops some nice, lived-in romantic chemistry with Alexandra Roach’s Julz. On
the other hand, his parents might as well be hand-me-downs from Billy Elliot, so it is hard to blame Julie
Waters and Colm Meaney for just turning on the auto-pilot switch. Still,
Valeria Bilello’s Alessandra has her moments, but Frankel safely ushers her out
of the picture before things get too interesting.
Indeed,
One Chance always plays it safe,
indulging in some of the most shameless manipulative clichés. Yet, it is
admittedly nice to see a decent chap like Potts make it big, while staying
faithful to his true beloved. In all honesty, this is probably the perfect film
to distribute online, because it delivers the promised dose of sentimental
inspiration and is then quickly forgotten, leaving little trace behind with
viewers. Harmless and inconsequential, One
Chance is a film by and for Potts fans. Those interested should check it at
Yahoo now, before it opens this Friday (10/10) in New York at the Village East.
