John Carney, the acclaimed Irish filmmaker behind “Once” and “Sing Street,” returns with “Power Ballad,” released via Lionsgate and recently screened at the Boston International Film Festival in partnership with the Irish Film Festival, Boston.
Following the birth of his daughter, Rick Power (Paul Rudd) gives up his dream of rock stardom, trading packed arenas for modest hotel reception halls as the frontman of a wedding band, “The Bride and the Groove.” During one such performance in Ireland, he meets Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a chart-topping boy band star. After a night of drinks and an impromptu jam session, Rick leaves inspired, only to discover that Danny has stolen his song and turned it into a breakout solo hit. What follows is a chaotic and comedic tour as Rick sets out to prove himself as the song’s true writer. Along the way, both he and Danny are forced to confront what success really means, blending humor with a heartfelt look at ambition and second chances.
Original music and covers have always been central to Carney’s films, and “Power Ballad” is no exception. Casting Jonas feels intuitive given his background as a professional musician, but Rudd is the film’s more surprising choice. Though he has previously showcased his vocals as Ben Gilroy in “Only Murders in the Building,” as well as in comedic turns in “I Love You, Man,” and “Anchorman.”
Here, Rudd steps into something more earnest. At first, it’s slightly disorienting to watch him perform as a serious musician, but that initial surprise quickly gives way to something more affecting. Instead of feeling like a novelty, his performance is grounded and unexpectedly endearing, proving that a heartfelt ballad is well within his range.
The same goes with Jonas as an actor. Although he has a history of acting, including a recent return to Broadway in “The Last Five Years.” Jonas is not an obvious choice. However, watching his performance during a heated confrontation with Rudd’s character feels honest and raw. And both manage to deliver subtle Irish humor with ease.
While the film isn’t particularly flashy in its cinematography, it does feature one standout visual moment. As Rick performs at a wedding reception, the camera pans around him, momentarily transforming the modest venue into a packed arena from his point of view before settling back into reality. The transition is subtle but effective, visually capturing the tension between his everyday gigs and the larger career he still imagines for himself.
Carney’s films are known for existing within a loosely shared universe, and “Power Ballad” continues that tradition. Fans of “Sing Street” may recognize Mac, the record label executive played by Jack Reynor, as Conor’s older brother. Meanwhile, fans of “Once” will likely notice a familiar tune played by the street busker, a subtle nod to Carney’s earlier work.
Fans of the Jonas Brothers will also find additional Easter eggs incorporated throughout, including repurposed photos and archival footage, including the debut performance of “Nicholas Jonas and Brothers.”
“Power Ballad” is an extremely strong addition to Carney’s filmography; funny and heartbreaking in all the best ways. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever had a dream.
Featured Photo: (L-R) Nick Jonas as Danny Wilson and Paul Rudd as Rick Power in “Power Ballad” | Credit: David Cleary/Lionsgate
Amelia Cordischi, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Juice Box Press, is an accomplished digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in media and communications. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including The Boston Globe. A communications graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Amelia served as manager of Simmons College Radio (“The Shark”), where she also launched and co-hosted her radio show, The Find.
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