Music can be the ultimate weapon in a film. Elevating emotion, punctuating key moments, and sometimes saying what dialogue simply can’t. The combination of chords, lyrics, and feeling can hit in ways words alone never could. And in my opinion, no one understands that better than John Carney.
Carney returns with another music-driven story in Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas.
It’s been 20 years since Carney broke through with Once, a film that perfectly captured the importance of music in human connection and its ability to carry us through life. Since then, he’s played within that space in Sing Street, Begin Again, and Flora and Son, but Power Ballad feels like the closest he’s come to recapturing that original magic.
From the opening frame to the end credits, the smile never left my face. Power Ballad might just be the feel-good hit of the year.
Rudd plays Rick, a former rocker now living in Ireland and fronting a wedding band. During one gig, he crosses paths with Danny, played by Jonas, a former boy band member struggling to rediscover himself and find a path back to relevance.
The two share drinks, stories, ideas, and even a few songs.
That meeting makes an impact and sticks with the two, especially for one of them. Months later, while walking through a mall, Rick hears a song that feels all too familiar. That track goes on to become a global No. 1 hit and the fallout from that plays out over the second half of the film.
What starts as a funny, whimsical ride gradually dips into heavier territory, much like Once. The tonal shift is a bit surprising, but it works. Casting Rudd proves to be a great decision as he balances comedy and drama effortlessly while remaining someone you root for the entire time.
Jonas is strong as well. The role may not be a huge stretch, but that familiarity works in his favor. We already know he’s a fantastic singer, and you can’t help but feel there’s something cathartic about him playing a character like this.
As expected, the music elevates everything. Like Carney’s best work, it becomes more than just a soundtrack, it’s the emotional backbone of the film. At its core, Power Ballad is a love letter to fatherhood, friendship, and perseverance. It will make you laugh, hit you emotionally, and maybe even have you singing on the way out.
It’s not perfect. Some moments lean a little corny, and parts feel a bit formulaic. But honestly, that all feels acceptable. This isn’t a film trying to be overly serious. It knows exactly what it is.
And because of that, it’s a film I’m already looking forward to revisiting.
It’s a joy to have a filmmaker like Carney, someone with a clear vision who consistently delivers on it. Power Ballad has all the makings of a crowd-pleasing hit.
