Review: ‘One Chance’

In the same vein as British hits Billy Elliot, The Full Monty and Brassed Off, One Chance is based on the true story of Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts. However, “based on” can often be a very broad term.

As a child, Potts is bullied for being overweight and obsessed with opera. Yet he shrugs it off, along with his father’s disapproval – dear Old Dad would rather see his son sweating it out alongside him at the metalworks.

As he pursues his dream of singing opera, Potts is besieged by troubles. I’m sure that in real life, while the man may have suffered multiple misfortunes, they would have been tempered by some happiness and good luck. As portrayed here, every happy moment is followed directly by one that would send most people running for the hills.

When a pop-up ad on a debt clearing website for the televised talent show Britain’s Got Talent catches Paul’s eye, he wavers over pushing send on his application. But Jules, his girlfriend-then-wife, is nothing but encouraging and does it for him, thus sealing his place in reality television history.

From here the film follows the predictable route, showing Pott’s electrifying performance on the show, complete with real-life footage of the judges who, not expecting anything from this unattractive, lumpish Welshman, are quite obviously gobsmacked when he opens his mouth.

There is nothing really wrong with this film. The performances are solid and the film moves along at a reasonable pace. But it feels somewhat stodgy and predictable. And perhaps this is why the whole thing feels like something of a non-event.

I didn’t hate it. I just felt like I’d seen it all before.

5/10

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