Since the musical biopic MICHAEL is still in the box office top ten, how about another tune-filled flick? The big difference here is that this new release is a fiction film, though many music historians muse about the MJ movie. So that’s where any comparisons end, despite the resemblance to several “real-life rockers” in this endearing “dramedy”. With music. It’s firmly the focus of the story. Luckily, this flick’s filmmaker has racked up a long list of such cinematic “melody movies”. But will he break his winning streak (with “niche” audiences and lots of critics) with a story concerning a “creator-questionable” POWER BALLAD?
And, appropriately, we meet a man by the name of Power in the film’s opening scene. That’s Rick Power (Paul Rudd), a pop star with a few modest singles decades ago. But those were the “Glory Days”. Now he’s the frontman and lead singer for a quartet of middle-aged musicians who travel through Ireland, entertaining at wedding receptions as “Bride & Groove”. They mainly do “covers” of classics by Tom Petty, the Rolling Stones, and other icons. Still, Rick likes to sneak in his lone hit song from so many years ago, much to the chagrin of his bandmates and the disinterest of the audience. At night’s end, they load up the B&G van and motor home. For Rick, that’s a modest abode he shares with his working wife Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), and high-school-aged daughter Aja (Beth Fallon). Yes, Rick gave up a rocker’s life in the States to move to the “Emerald Isle” for love. B&G’s next gig is quite a step “up” for a couple of reasons. First, they have overnight accommodations in a fancy, revamped castle. And second, they’re told that a friend of the couple, a very recent “boy-band” heartthrob named Danny Wilson, may pop up on stage. And he indeed does, as Danny (Nick Jonas) joins B&G for a Stevie Wonder classic. Long after the reception, Rick takes a stroll on the grounds and is approached by Danny. They enter his plush suite, where they indulge in fine booze, some buds, and a few new tunes for Danny’s first solo album. Into the early morning, the duo jams, with Rick playing some of his own unreleased works. Come the dawn, B&G is back on the road. The two go on with their lives, until…Rick hears Danny’s new smash single while at a shopping mall. Why, “How to Write a Song (Without You)” sounds exactly like the song Rick played for Danny. Ah, but Rick has no proof, as he has no sheet music and can’t locate the sound file on his computer. He becomes obsessed and nearly destroys his ties to his band and family, while getting the “run-around” from Danny’s stateside management, headed by the protective Mac (Jack Reynor). Hearing of a Wilson stateside concert tour, Rick plans a trip there with off-kilter band buddy Sandy (Peter McDonald). Can they confront Danny after his big show? More importantly, can Rick make Danny admit that his “comeback” song sprang from that long-ago, hazy night of music (and “enhancers”)?
It’s another big audience-pleasing performance by the “ageless” Mr. Rudd. Once again, he’s the affable everyman hero, a good, honest “Joe” we’re immediately rooting for, even when he’s at his lowest ebb (and things get dark for a bit). It helps that Rudd embraces a “team player’ spirit, whether he’s with his family or fellow bandmates. Sure, we heard him sing a bit of “Afternoon Delight” in a classic comedy, but we haven’t had a real taste of his musical “chops” till now. And in previous flicks like ROLE MODELS, I LOVE YOU MAN, and even DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS, Rudd is part of a great “bromance”, tis time with “for real” pop star Jonas as Danny Wilson (nice inside “naming job” as this was the title character in a late 40s Sinatra film). He’s got a nice. low-key, unaffected vibe, especially as he finds a kindred spirit/mentor in Rick. DW’s in need of a guide during this crucial career crossroads. Jonas also has great chemistry with Havana Rose Liu (so good in a larger role in last week’s TUNER) as Danny’s adoring girlfriend in a couple of brief but pivotal scenes, as she is the inspiration for that big, perhaps borrowed, hit single. Another essential part of the Wilson “machine” is Reynor as Mac, a great pal and cheerleader who’s also his “defense” against those who would con or exploit him. On the Power home front, Plunkett is a strong, steady co-parenting partner who’s also supportive but knows when to step in or step back. Fallon also hits all the right notes as daughter Aja, who delivers some memorable quips, particularly when she tells her Dad what young women really want in life. Quirky comedy relief is provided by co-screenwriter McDonald as the loyal, often dense Sandy, whose “filter” always is on the “fritz”.
As you may have guessed, the filmmaker in question is the multi-talented John Carney, who co-wrote the script along with composing several songs. And yes, this is a great companion to his impressive roster of musical movies, ONCE, BEGIN AGAIN, SING STREET, and FLORA AND SON. Here, Carney really does a deep dive into the creative process with the compelling Rick and Danny “all-nighter”, and as DW prepares for his big concerts. We’re also given a small peek inside the ever-changing music industry, as Danny strives to avoid Rick’s career pitfalls while starting a solo legacy. And like his previous works, Carney gives us a great batch of warm, endearing characters who mount a formidable “charm offense” led by Rudd. Plus, we get lots of “throwaway” bits, from the exchanging glances at the big castle event (somehow both disgust and lust), and the Power home dynamic (Aja trying to quietly move past Papa’s studio room). And, as with his previous films, Carney projects such a wonderful humanity, with no real “villains’, yet still not allowing the story to seep into sugary sweet sentimentality. Everyone’s trying their best to get through life while dealing with past missteps. And the tunes are pretty great, too. So, if you need a breather from the big Summer blockbuster onslaught, take a melodic trek into the “old sod” for a toe-tapping lyrical fable that is also a POWER BALLAD. And maybe Rudd will join those Jonas Bros for a “set” very soon.
3 Out of 4
POWER BALLAD is now playing in theatres
