Taking Chances DVD Review

Taking Chances is a quirky romantic comedy movie due out on DVD release November 24th from Lightning Media Entertainment, Lionsgate Home Entertainment, and Director Talmage Cooley. Justin Long stars as Chase Revere, a lonely self-appointed protector of his small town’s meager place in history. His friendships are few (well, one) but strong. Girls don’t give him attention and he spends most of his time in patriotic costumes gives tours of the town’s ignored historic battlefield.

Ready for a change, Chase is surprised when he meets Lucy Shanks (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a beautiful but unpredictable town siren. The plot thickens when town leaders are working with a group of native Americans on plans for an Indian Casino on top of Chase’s battlefield. He and Lucy join up to fight against the project.

What makes Taking Chances intriguing is that every time Chase appears on the verge of getting a break in his efforts to convince the towns people that the casino is a bad idea, something gets in the way. He becomes a laughing stock, and must rely on his best friend and the unpredictable Lucy, who seems to struggle to pick a side in the casino battle.

On paper, Taking Chances doesn’t appear to have a lot of power as far as romantic comedies go. However, the film is a breath of fresh air and a surprisingly entertaining effort. Justin Long is a very talented actor whose unique ability to be dorky in a charismatic way helps him make roles and films work that might otherwise not. He is great as the nerdy, but convicted historian.

Emmanuelle Chriqui is amazing as well. She has been largely a token beauty in many of the lesser known films that she has frequented. But her presence in Taking Chances is a perfect match with Long. She has a natural beauty, but her quiet, calm and confident demeanor lends great credibility to her role and adds much to the film.

Rob Corddry (W., What Happens in Vegas, Semi-Pro) and Keir O’Donnell (Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Wedding Crashers) are nice supporting players in Taking Chances. The movie is rated R because of some sexual themes and situations and modest nudity, though relatively speaking it is not over the top.

Grade: B

Director: Talmage Cooley
Starring: Justin Long, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Rob Corddry, Keir O’Donnell

DVD Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

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