Cast
View AllErin Krakow
as Samantha Hart
Ryan McPartlin
as Heath Madsen
Ian Andrew
as Donny Madsen
Albert Malafronte
as Eddie
Nadege August
as Ms. Marlow
Abraham Benrubi
as Bar Owner
Gina Gallego
as Gallery Owner
Patricia Richardson
as May
Kaitlin Doubleday
as Celeste Jeffers-Johnson
Jean Louisa Kelly
as Roz
Raymond Ochoa
as Jared
Brittany Perry-Russell
as Sweater Woman
Jina Song
as Female Customer
Rick Dean
as Pedestrian (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Bradford May
Writer
- Neal H. Dobrofsky
- Tippi Dobrofsky
Producer
- James Wilberger
Reviews
Dsnake1
A girl who's bad at romance. A troubled guy who's still living in a past relationship. A meddlesome child with a host of "helpers" who tries to make the two fall in love.
The ingredients aren't much of a variation from one of the Hallmark Channel's typical archetypes of movies. The execution really isn't either.
We don't see much in the way of twists and turns. The girl who can't date well dates a bunch of overly exaggerated guys and has a pushy sister who is always trying to bring her back to earth.
After locking eyes with the handsome artist at a show, the girl, Sam, reaches out to said artist on his website. Here comes a twist that isn't much of a twist if you've ever seen a Hallmark movie with these ingredients. It turns out the artist's son actually runs his website and initiates a relationship with girls who his dad.
This is only half as creepy as it sounds. The son is doing this so his dad, Heath, can meet someone who is compatible with him. Of course, this leads to Sam getting on a train and coming to the family home.
Heath has no idea who Sam is, Sam is embarrassed, and the movie progresses as expected. The writers do throw in another "twist". Heath has a manager who appears to really like him, although he's fairly oblivious to her intentions.
After the two spend some time together out in the woods, the two fall in love (within the scope of a few days). Heath bumbles his way into hurting Sam, of course, and she leaves in a fit of tears. He literally shows up on a white horse to whisk her away to London.
If you're looking for a movie that makes you think, pick something else. If you're looking for a fun way to kill an hour and a half and you're in the mood for a cheesy romance flick, you could do worse than this.
May 7, 2018
Thematic Analysis
Chance at Romance represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Bradford May brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Chance at Romance took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 418 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2446 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Chance at Romance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Bridges of Madison County, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Chance at Romance offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kolya and Fuck les gars explore similar territory, Chance at Romance stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 5, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 21m