NOW IN THEATERS! I am allergic to sentimentality. I find it insulting when filmmakers resort to cheap gimmicks to squeeze out tears. Happily-ever-after endings are for fairy tales. There are, however, no rules without exceptions. The multitalented John Carney, who writes, produces, directs, and composes songs for his dramas, happens to be one of the filmmakers who cunningly sidestep that “ick” factor while unabashedly wearing hearts on sleeves. His latest effort, the joyful, deeply charming dramedy Power Ballad, fits right into this category. It’s unafraid to be dewy-eyed, and the truthful nature of the emotions it expresses resonates, despite the narrative predictability.
Rick (Paul Rudd) is a down-on-his-luck lead singer of a wedding band called Bride and Groove, living in the suburbs of Dublin with his loving wife and teenage daughter. One day, Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading rock star, happens to attend one of the weddings. He joins Rick on stage. They smoke pot, drink, and make music together afterward. Months later, Rick hears the song that he wrote and shared with Danny on the radio. Instead of immediately getting resentful, Rick earnestly believes his buddy just hasn’t had the chance to communicate with him yet and is happy for him. When he discovers that Danny used his song to revitalize his career, he sets out on a quest to get the recognition he deserves.
It’s not about the money — though Carney makes it clear that money plays a huge role. It’s about music uniting us, helping us overcome hurdles, and dealing with the complexities of life. The purity of Rick’s intentions is infectious, rarely seen on the silver screen, and makes him an easy character for whom to root.
Havana Rose Liu as Marcia in Power Ballad. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
“…Rick hears the song that he wrote and shared with Danny on the radio…”
I’ll go ahead and state right away that the music itself is not my cup of tea. I definitely respond to the expressed notion that music has devolved in the past few decades, but unlike in, say, Carney’s Once, the songs here are a bit bland. Power ballads, pop tunes, late-1980s “light-alternative” rock — I just don’t respond to this stuff. The fact that the film won me over despite my aversion (the title ballad is played over and over again, clearly in love with itself — Carney could’ve dialed back a little here; most will disagree with me) speaks volumes about the mastery of its filmmaking, the sharpness of its screenplay, and the radiating charm of its actors.
Speaking of, we all know Paul Rudd can do anything and charm your pants off. He single-handedly managed to make the awful sequel to Ant-Man bearable. The real surprise here is Nick Jonas. He’s phenomenal: desperate and regretful, eloquent and discombobulated. His character has to experience quite the range of emotions, and Jonas pulls it off with aplomb. The leads’ chemistry lights up the screen; the scenes they share form the beating heart and driving force of the film. That’s not to forget the supporting actors, uniformly excellent, with Peter McDonald stealing the show as Rick’s super-dedicated friend Sandy.
I mentioned that the narrative is predictable. It is — and it’s a good thing, a warm, cozy blanket of familiarity that’s expertly stitched together. Also, you won’t see the ending coming. Carney neatly avoids the aforementioned “happily-ever-after” in favor of something way more meaningful. There won’t be a dry eye in the house. And isn’t that the purpose of every power ballad?
"…a warm, cozy blanket of familiarity that's expertly stitched together"
