Chances Are Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man dies, comes back as Robert Downey Jr., woos his widow and daughter, then heaven just says “oops!” and resets everything so the best friend can finally get the girl.

🍿 Chances Are: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Tragic Loss and a Second Chance

The film opens in 1963 with Louie Jeffries and his wife Corinne deeply in love. Their happiness is shattered when Louie dies in an accident. In the afterlife, Louie is granted a chance to return to Earth, but due to a heavenly mishap, his memories aren’t erased, setting the stage for a complicated second life.

Reincarnation and Rediscovery

Twenty-three years later, Louie is reborn as Alex Finch. Alex unknowingly crosses paths with Corinne’s daughter, Miranda, and feels an inexplicable connection. Invited to their home, Alex’s past life floods back, creating a complex situation where he grapples with his past identity and present attractions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Corinne Jeffries (Cybill Shepherd): A widow who has never fully recovered from the death of her husband, struggling to move on and open herself to new love.
• Alex Finch (Robert Downey Jr.): The reincarnation of Corinne’s deceased husband, Louie, who grapples with fragmented memories of his past life.
• Philip Train (Ryan O’Neal): Louie’s best friend and a supportive presence in Corinne’s life, harboring a long-standing unrequited love for her.
• Miranda Jeffries (Mary Stuart Masterson): Corinne’s daughter, who develops a romantic interest in Alex, unaware of his past life connection to her family.
• Louie Jeffries (Christopher McDonald): Corinne’s deceased husband, a lawyer whose untimely death sets the stage for the film’s reincarnation plot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Philip: “I’m in love with her.” – Philip confesses his feelings for Corinne to Louie on his wedding day, foreshadowing the long-standing, unrequited nature of his love.
• Alex: “Diamond earrings…like Jackie Kennedy has in the exhibit.” – Alex tries to convince Corinne that he is Louie, using a secret that only Louie would know.
• Alex: “Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for you?” – Alex expresses his longing for Corinne after remembering his past life as Louie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,278,590
• Worldwide Gross: $16,278,590

💥 Chances Are Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this movie because I’m a huge Robert Downey Jr. fan. The whole idea of reincarnation is kinda out there, but honestly, I was laughing so hard! RDJ is just so adorable as Alex, especially when he starts having these crazy flashbacks. And Cybill Shepherd? She’s amazing. I couldn’t stop smiling. The part where he plays the piano and sings “After All”? Heart-melting. Yeah, it’s cheesy, but it’s the kind of cheesy that makes you feel good. I definitely recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in reincarnation themes”
  • “Robert Downey Jr. fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive content”
  • “Thematic elements involving reincarnation and unconventional relationships”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Though the premise borders on the absurd, ‘Chances Are’ manages to charm with its lighthearted tone and the undeniable chemistry between Cybill Shepherd and a young Robert Downey Jr. A delightful, if somewhat forgettable, romantic fantasy.
• RogerEbert.com: “The film’s silliness is its strength, embracing its improbable plot with a wink and a nod. Downey Jr. shines, bringing a youthful energy to the role, but the overall execution feels somewhat dated. A decent watch for those who enjoy a bit of 80s whimsy.
• Variety: “Robert Downey Jr. displays his versatility, making the reincarnation concept somewhat believable. Cybill Shepherd is well cast, but the film’s pacing is uneven, and the ending leaves something to be desired. Despite its flaws, it has a certain nostalgic appeal.

Audience Reactions

Robert Downey Jr.’s performance is phenomenal, making the movie extremely enjoyable and funny.: Viewers consistently praise Downey Jr.’s charming and energetic portrayal, making him a standout in the film.

The soundtrack is great, especially ‘After All’ by Cher and Peter Cetera.: Many viewers appreciate the music, finding it adds emotional depth and enhances the overall experience.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted romantic comedy with a fantastical premise, carried by strong performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Cybill Shepherd. It’s a charming and enjoyable film, though some find the plot a bit far-fetched.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The inspiration for the movie came from a true story the screenwriters’ grandmother told them about their great-aunt, who never recovered from her husband’s early death.”
• “Old Rockville Courthouse in Rockville, Maryland served as a filming location, adding to the movie’s charm.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features the title song performed by Johnny Mathis, and ‘After All’ by Cher and Peter Cetera, both of which became popular hits.”

🖥️ How to Watch Chances Are?

Currently, ‘Chances Are’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these streaming services for availability, as options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Chances Are, you might like these similar films:

• Heaven Can Wait (1978): Shares the theme of reincarnation and a second chance at love after an untimely death, with a comedic twist.
• Peggy Sue Got Married (1986): Explores the idea of revisiting the past and making different choices, with a focus on romantic relationships.
• Ghost (1990): Deals with themes of love that transcends death and the afterlife, albeit in a more dramatic and supernatural context.
• Return to Me (2000): A romantic comedy where a woman receives a heart transplant from a deceased woman, and falls in love with the donor’s widower.

🛒 Chances Are Related Products

• Chances Are [Blu-ray]: Relive the 80s charm with this Blu-ray edition. Experience Robert Downey Jr. and Cybill Shepherd in high quality. A must-have for fans of classic romantic comedies.
• Cher – Heart of Stone (CD): Includes ‘After All’ the iconic love theme from ‘Chances Are’. Enjoy Cher’s powerful vocals and timeless melodies, perfect for setting a romantic mood.
• Robert Downey Jr. – Framed Movie Poster: A stylish framed poster featuring Robert Downey Jr. from ‘Chances Are’. A great piece of memorabilia.
• 1980s Nostalgia Retro T-Shirt: Show your love for the 80s with this retro-themed t-shirt. A fun and fashionable way to express your appreciation for the era of ‘Chances Are’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Chances Are features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “After All (Love Theme from Chances Are)” – performed by Cher and Peter Cetera
• “Chances Are” – performed by Johnny Mathis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Johnny Mathis – Chances Are

Ever wondered about the song behind the movie title ‘Chances Are’? This is the classic Johnny Mathis tune that’s not only beautiful but also really sets the tone for the whole film. I think it’s such a great song and connection!

✨ Rate