Corinne (Cybill Shepherd), a widow attempts to piece her life back together after the untimely death of her husband Louis (Christopher McDonald) on the night of their first wedding anniversary. Cut to 23 years later, she is introduced to Alex (Robert Downey Jr.), a kooky acquaintance of her only daughter Miranda (Mary Stuart Masterson), leading to a romantic tryst with the much younger man. But, Chances Are, Alex might just be the reincarnation of her late husband.
What I genuinely appreciated about this rom-com is that overlooking its fever dream-esque concept, it serves as a mature and sensitive study. It’s commentary on how holding on to past memories can burden grieving individuals searching for closure and hinder their attempts to move past endless emotional baggage. It also comments on the resulting pains and internal conflict, particularly focusing on the inflated ego of the immature, long-dead Louis who has fallen behind on changing times and his loved ones’ shifting priorities.
An Age Gap and Typical ’80s Flare
“Chances Are” is a quintessential 1980s movie to the core, featuring most of the dated and cheesy tropes of the era. However, it surprisingly also excels at capturing the varying moods and life experiences of today’s millennial/Gen Z via the broke but bright-eyed Alex. For instance, he shows up unprepared for a job interview in an already oversaturated market and lives off solely on oranges from the glove compartment of his car-cum-studio apartment. The only unrealistic aspect is that not all of us twenty somethings are actually capable of bagging a baddie like Cybill Shepherd in real life.
Furthermore, the age gap relationship between Corinne and Alex is refreshing to watch unravel. Even if the movie pivots from the same at the very last second, it is tender and simultaneously taboo-breaking, as well as a nuanced depiction of a middle-aged woman whose self-worth is reaffirmed upon being desired for her body and her looks.
All the sweetness in this sappy rom-com is however soured by questionable character choices, a forced love triangle, and a subplot that is bordering on incestuous with Miranda trying to seduce Alex/Louis, who rightfully plays hard to get. The movie also plays non-consensual acts perpetrated by both male and female characters for laughs, and thus, scenes of Alex/Louis forcing himself on Corinne (ironically this is immediately followed by the movie’s most passionate and consensual interaction) and a ‘gag’ involving Alex being groped by an older lady during a gala have aged like milk.
Directorial Choices Dent ‘Chances Are’s’ Potential
It also suffers from meandering direction, despite the presence of the capable Emile Ardolino (of “Dirty Dancing” and “Sister Act” fame) at the helm. By prioritising one-dimensional supporting characters such as the forever lurking, clingy best friend and the daughter with a one-track mind, it also does a disservice to the layered romantic leads. I also have a bone to pick with the movie’s rushed final act which reopened old wounds of watching the equally unsatisfying series finale of “How I Met Your Mother.”
A charismatic cast redeems its shortcomings. The mesmerising Cybill Shepherd offers a sympathetic performance as the widow confronting the moral conundrum of returning the affections of a man who adores her but is merely a vessel for her late husband, or letting him go. Christopher McDonald (best known as the scheming Shooter McGavin in “Happy Gilmore”) impresses too, playing against type as the likable Louis.
However, one can’t help but fawn over then up-and-coming Robert Downey Jr. who slips into the skin of the hyper, goofy, and utterly infatuated leading man. The actor channels his inner Charlie Chaplin during the comedic portions, and considering he is saddled with playing ‘a dude reincarnated as another dude,’ he rises to this challenge by subtly capturing the yearning/frustrations of the reincarnated and deeply insecure Louis too.
Yet Ultimately a Tasteful Comfort Film
A conversation between Alex/Louis and Corinne with the former opening up about his desire to expand their small family shows this. Yet a later scene towards the climax wherein he quietly experiences the five stages of grief showcases Downey Jr’.s exemplary knack for emoting even in the nascent stage of his career. His endearing chemistry with Shepherd leaves one invested in this forbidden romance and the pair is able to lend an air of intimacy to even the most awkwardly staged lovemaking sequences. Obviously since it’s an ’80s flick, the OST is filled with bangers, such as the timeless ballad “Forever Young” and the Oscar nominated duet “After All.”
Ultimately, “Chances Are” still turned out to be a tasteful comfort watch especially when it overcomes its more discomforting, tasteless elements.
“Chances Are” is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
