Shadows on the Wall | Power Ballad

Power Ballad

dir John Carney
scr John Carney, Peter McDonald
prd Anthony Bregman, John Carney, Peter Cron, Rebecca O'Flanagan
with Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Jack Reynor, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Beth Fallon, Rory Keenan, Keith McErlean, Paul Reid, Havana Rose Liu, Naoimh Whelton, Robert Mitchell
release UK 29.May.26,
US 5.Jun.26
26/Ireland Lionsgate 1h38

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For his latest music-infused comedy-drama, Irish filmmaker John Carney sets up an epic generational battle between songwriters. Nuanced characters, a snappy script and terrific songs combine to bring it engagingly to life. Even if the story wobbles, the film makes thoughtful observations about how art emerges through a wide range of influences. Indeed, creativity rarely occurs in a vacuum, so this goofy story becomes a knowing ode to inspiration.

After giving up his rock god dreams, Rick (Rudd) settles happily in Ireland with his wife Rachel (Plunkett) and teen daughter Aja (Fallon), launching a wedding band with his pal Sandy (McDonald). At a reception, he meets former boyband star Danny (Jonas), who is trying to build a solo career. They jam together through the night, and Rick sings a song he has been working on for years. Six months later, Danny has turned this into a global hit, but hasn't credited Rick as a writer. Unable to let it go, Rick takes him on.

Naturally, the villain of the piece is Danny's manager Mac (Reynor), who threatens Rick with legal action. The escalating tension is played mainly for scrappy laughs, including a couple of brawls, but underlying issues are far more intriguing, as Rick and Danny have their own reasons. Packing the soundtrack with both timeless classics and catchy new tunes, Carney firmly grounds the story in Dublin, with a colourful side-trip to Los Angeles. And he beautifully captures complex connections between Rick and his family and bandmates.

Rudd is an almost criminally charming actor who infuses each scene with earthy honesty. His interaction with each costar is refreshingly loose and authentic, building terrific camaraderie that has space for jokiness, disagreements and bursts of emotion. Jonas is superbly relaxed and introspective as Danny, a good guy who gets stuck in his head. And Plunkett, Fallon and McDonald have their own strong moments as people who ground Rick in honesty.

Write a Song (Without You) is a gorgeous balled that Rick composed about his daughter, and Danny sings to his girlfriend (Liu). One of the central points here is that a really good song can be performed by different artists to bring out various meanings. The way the narrative plays out can be a bit frustrating, as it leans into the chaos rather than a resolution. So there are a few corny scenes, and the truthful moments sometimes feel truncated. But it's impossible not to watch this without smiling.

themes, language, violence 23.Apr.26

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