FILM: One Chance (12A)

Undated Film Still Handout from One Chance. Pictured: JAMES CORDEN and MACKENZIE CROOK. See PA Feature FILM Film Reviews. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FILM Film Reviews.

The story of an overweight, accident-prone, opera obsessive might not read as silver screen magic, but it looks like the team behind One Chance has struck gold in depicting the tale of Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts.

James Corden dons the gnarly teeth to play Potts, a shy, bumbling man, who has spent years being bullied and lives with his parents in Port Talbot. He earns his living working in Carphone Warehouse with his best mate (Mackenzie Crook) but dreams of becoming an opera singer and listens to classical music every moment he can, something his mother (Julie Walters) encourages and his dad (Colm Meaney) bemoans.

After meeting Julie-Ann (Alexandra Roach,) a girl he’s been chatting to for a year online, she persuades him to take his first tentative steps towards realising his ambition by taking part in a local talent show. After silencing a heckling crowd with his stunning voice, Paul uses the winnings to enrol on a course in Venice. There he meets the beautiful singer Alessandra (Valeria Bilello) and earns the opportunity to sing in front of Pavarotti.

But when it comes to the big day, nerves get the better of him, he chokes and the big man tells him he’ll never make it.