Reviews

Irish filmmaker John Carney has previously brought us heartwarming music-filled movies like Once and Sing Street and now he’s delivered another one in the form of Power Ballad.

The film revolves around a conflict between Rick Power (Paul Rudd), a rock musician-turned-wedding singer, and Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a former boy band star trying to be taken seriously as a solo artist.

They meet one night at a wedding and stay up until the early hours jamming on the piano and guitar, coming up with new music and listening to each other’s works in progress.

Six months later, Rick hears the track he has been working on for years, How to Write a Song (Without You), on the radio, and realises that Danny took his melody and chorus without permission and without giving him a songwriting credit.

Rick tries to explore his legal options, but with no proof that the worldwide smash is his creation, he has to take matters into his own hands and get the credit he deserves.

Just like Once and Sing Street, Power Ballad is a feel-good, funny and uplifting film that balances comedy and drama well. It is filled with delightful original songs by Carney and Gary Clark, particularly the central romantic ballad that you hear many times.

Carney could have made more of a couple of dramatic beats to really drive it home, and the comedy could have been more consistent, but it is, overall, a lovely watch that’ll put a smile on your face.

Jonas is perfectly suited to his role, as he was also a former boy band star (with The Jonas Brothers, which is now back together), trying to forge a solo career.

He can relate to Danny well and inherently brings a depth and sincerity to a character who could have been easily painted as a bad person. In fact, he makes us understand his behaviour.

Rudd certainly looks the part of a washed-up rocker, however, it took a little while to accept his serious singing, especially as we most often see him in a comedic capacity.

But once we get past the opening wedding singing portion, he nails his character, the crushing blow of unrealised dreams, and the balance between jokes and heartfelt drama.

Power Ballad doesn’t reach the heights of Carney’s incredible Sing Street, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in this charming heart-warmer.

In cinemas from Friday 29th May

By Hannah Wales

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