Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2014

It’s unabashedly schmaltzy, formulaic to a fault, the story’s been Hollywooded up, life details have been changed and it fairly stumbles over itself in its quest for that British quaintness that made The Full Monty and Billy Elliot so endearing. But it’s got enough heart to make all this not matter a whit. This true(-ish) story of Britain’s Got Talent opera sensation Paul Potts works anyway, thanks to the appeal of its cast. James Corden fairly shines as Potts, the excellent Alexandra Roach plays his future wife, and Julie Waters and Colm Meany are his folks. The only sour notes are in the script. (103 min)