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Taking Chances

Name: Taking Chances
Director: Talmage Cooley
Released: 2009
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2009

Director

Talmage Cooley

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Taking Chances operates within the conventional framework of a romantic comedy, prioritizing familiar genre clichés over subversive storytelling. The narrative centers on a male protagonist's mission to protect local history, suggesting a focus on preserving existing social hierarchies. While the inclusion of an Indian casino introduces themes of indigenous presence and land rights, the narrative ability to act remains primarily with non-indigenous characters. This framing leans towards a settler-colonial perspective rather than a diverse exploration of land rights. Ultimately, the film relies on established archetypes, such as the 'town siren,' and lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or disability, resulting in a narrative that reinforces traditional social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Taking Chances have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a central romantic relationship between Chase Revere and Lucy Shanks. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Taking Chances portray gender?

Fair

Lucy Shanks is portrayed as a 'sexy but dangerous town siren,' a common female character stereotype. Despite her involvement in the central conflict, her role is secondary to the male protagonist's mission.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Taking Chances?

Fair

The story includes an Indian casino, introducing themes of indigenous presence. However, the narrative ability to act is primarily held by non-indigenous characters, who defend a traditionalist view of American history.

How does Taking Chances represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot emphasizes the preservation of local heritage and historic American identity. This suggests a narrative structure focused on maintaining established social orders and traditions.

Does Taking Chances include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities in the synopsis.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of an Indian casino introduces themes of indigenous presence and land rights into the plot.
Lucy Shanks plays a significant role in the central conflict.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on familiar female character clichés, such as the 'sexy but dangerous town siren.'
Narrative ability to act is concentrated in non-indigenous characters, limiting the depth of ethnic representation.
The story lacks any visible representation of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.
The romantic dynamic follows conventional straight relationships without exploring diverse identities.

Official Synopsis

When he discovers that an Indian casino is about to be built over the town's historic battlefield, Chase Revere, the self-appointed protector of a small town's rather meager place in American history, joins forces with sexy but dangerous town siren Lucy Shanks to launch an all-out offensive against the project - earning the wrath of the entire town.

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