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Opening in theaters on June 5 is ‘Power Ballad,’ which sees Paul Rudd (‘Ant-Man’) as former rocker Rick, who now spends his days performing at weddings and Nick Jonas (‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’) as Danny, a huge star on the back of being part of a boyband, who is seeking to maintain his edgy status as a solo artist.
Written and directed by John Carney (‘Once'), it’s another music-filled comedy drama from a filmmaker for whom the creation and emotion of lyrics and melodies is key to his stories.
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Initial Thoughts
Given his own background as a bassist and vocalist with Irish band The Frames, it’s perhaps not surprising that music should play such a big part of John Carney’s work. It powered his hugely successful debut, the Oscar-winning ‘Once’ and the jubilant ‘Sing Street’. But can he keep finding interesting ways to blend music with movies?
Script and Direction
Carney, working with Peter McDonald (who also puts in an amusing turn as Rick’s bandmate Sandy) has crafted a fun, if slightly less impactful film that hinges on who actually wrote a song that Danny turns into a massive hit.
It plays well to Rudd’s easygoing charm (and seemingly ageless visage, which means he can still play the character in flashback), and Jonas’ willingness to play on his real life musical superstardom.
Directing-wise, it’s a lighthearted, unflashy affair that lets the story unfold.
Cast and Performances
Rudd is naturally solid in a role that lets him engage with the character in effortless fashion, bringing Rick’s combination of charisma and frustration to life.
Jonas, meanwhile, is also good. He might be playing a version of himself, but he eschews vanity for emotion. And around them both is a welcome supporting cast, including Rick’s colleagues and Jack Reynor as Mac, Danny’s protective manager.
Final Thoughts
‘Power Ballad’ might not quite always live up to his name –– the stakes are basement low and the drama equally so –– but this is easily the most straightforwardly entertaining movie Carney has made since ‘Sing Street.’
‘Power Ballad’ receives 70 out of 100.
What is the plot of ‘Power Ballad’?
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it means risking everything he cares about.
Who is in the cast of ‘Power Ballad’?
- Paul Rudd as Rick
- Nick Jonas as Danny
- Peter McDonald as Sandy
- Marcella Plunkett as Rachel
- Havana Rose Liu as Marcia
- Beth Fallon as Aja
- Jack Reynor as Mac
List of Paul Rudd Movies and TV Shows:
- 'Friends' (1994 - 2004)
- 'Clueless' (1995)
- 'Romeo + Juliet' (1996)
- 'The Cider House Rules' (2000)
- 'Wet Hot American Summer' (2002)
- 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' (2004)
- 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' (2005)
- 'Night at the Museum' (2006)
- 'Knocked Up' (2007)
- 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' (2008)
- 'Role Models' (2008)
- 'I Love You, Man' (2009)
- 'Dinner for Schmucks' (2010)
- 'How Do You Know' (2010)
- 'This Is 40' (2012)
- 'Wanderlust' (2012)
- 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' (2012)
- 'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' (2013)
- 'Ant-Man' (2015)
- 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016)
- 'Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later' (2017)
- 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' (2018)
- 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019)
- 'Living with Yourself' (2019)
- 'The Shrink Next Door' (2021)
- 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' (2021)
- 'Only Murders in the Building' (2021 - 2024)
- 'What If...?' (2021 - 2024)
- 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' (2023)
- 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem' (2023)
- 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' (2024)
- 'Death of a Unicorn' (2025)
- 'Avengers: Doomsday' (2026)
