Film review: One Chance is contrived but still affecting
David Frankel, 104mins. Starring: James Corden, Julie Walters (12A)
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Triumph follows adversity follows triumph follows adversity in dizzying fashion in David Frankel's contrived but still affecting biopic of Paul Potts, the phone salesman from Port Talbot who became the first winner of Britain's Got Talent.
Potts, played as a "lovely big fatty" by James Corden, has a fatalistic approach to life. But, as you'd expect from the director of The Devil Wears Prada, the film doesn't go in for gritty Ken Loach-like realism in its portrayal of South Wales.
The music is glorious. Corden is so likable that you don't notice how trite the storytelling is. Colm Meaney is in snarling form as Potts's rugby-loving (opera-despising) dad, while Julie Walters hams it up, Acorn Antiques-style, as Paul's garrulous mum.
A sly comic turn from Mackenzie Crook as Potts' boss helps keep the schmaltz partly at bay, while Alexandra Roach is good value as Paul's loyal wife.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments