Comedy based on a true story, starring James Corden. Bullied at school and humiliated by his father, Paul Potts has found solace in music and his love for singing. It's this which ultimately leads to a life-changing appearance on television show Britain's Got Talent.
Everyone loves a tale of triumph over adversity and the journey of Paul Potts to fame and fortune via Britain's Got Talent is certainly full of adversity. However, this biopic of the opera singer feels more like an extended compendium of the introductory videos that are shown about contestants before they take to the stage. So you can expect audience heartstrings to be tugged using every trick in the book, as Potts (James Corden) endures bullying at school; belittling by his father; humiliation in front of his idol, Pavarotti; and career-threatening illness. Redemption, of course, comes in the form of Simon Cowell. And yet, despite the flagrant abuse of dramatic licence and an inescapably cheesy story arc, the film from director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me) is still utterly charming and has an effortlessly witty script. "Couldn't you just eat him up?" asks Potts's mother (Julie Walters). "It would take a couple of sittings", his father quips. Holding it all together, though, is Corden's sincere and comically astute portrayal of a man whose impossible dream did come true.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Paul Potts | James Corden |
| Julie-Ann "Julz" Cooper | Alexandra Roach |
| Yvonne Potts | Julie Walters |
| Roland Potts | Colm Meaney |
| Braddon | Mackenzie Crook |
| Hydrangea | Jemima Rooper |
| Alessandra | Valeria Bilello |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | David Frankel |
