'Power Ballad' Review: Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas Elevate Straight Outta Ireland Musically-Inclined Comedy

You know when it's obvious that a movie might be the best thing you've seen at a film festival like South by Southwest? It's not always an obvious indicator, given the cheers emanating from the Paramount Theatre in Austin (so many headliners who have premiered at the festival draw rip-roaring applause that it becomes nauseating after a while). No, in fact, it's the understanding that even a 98-minute flick can garner laughter, tears, and a sing-along of sorts from the very same audience.

That, folks, is what we in the film biz call a "crowd pleaser," and director John Carney knows exactly how to conjure one up. 

"Power Ballad," the latest from the same guy who brought the world "Once" and "Sing Street," is the best time you or anyone you know will have at the movies this year. Go for Paul Rudd, who plays former rocker turned wedding band singer Rick. Go for Nick Jonas, an all too familiar former boyband member, named Danny, desperately trying to branch out on his own in the music world. 

No matter what the reason is that you end up seeing "Power Ballad," rest assured, it'll be the right one. When the Dublin suburbs-set film opens, the audience is greeted with Rick and his band rocking a wedding as if it were a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Often discouraged from using original lyrics in songs, Rick covers hits for a dancing bride and groom as they start a new life together. As an American living in Ireland with his wife and teenage daughter, Rudd's character is very happy about his place in the world, but can't shake the dream he once had of becoming a world-renowned singer/songwriter.

Another wedding later, and Rick meets Danny, the childhood best friend of the groom, at a glitzy Irish nuptial. After Danny is asked to sing for the wedding party along with Rick and his bandmates, Rick and Danny share some pints and weed while jamming together into the wee hours of the morning, and not just jamming. Connecting. Bonding. And dare we say, even writing what could be the next hit of Danny's solo career.

Actually, that's exactly what happens. 

Danny takes a song Rick wrote years before (never used, seemingly never written down, or recorded) and makes it his own. Thanks to the well-oiled machinery behind him, including manager Mac (Jack Reynor), Danny's new single becomes a pop culture sensation. But without Rick's name in the songwriting credit, Danny's standing in the music industry catapults him into the stratosphere…while Rick remains in Ireland without anyone knowing his contributions to Danny's overnight success.

Six months later, Rick's life becomes a messy distortion of what he had once hoped was a burgeoning music career as he strolls through a local mall, only to hear his lyrics blaring at full volume for shoppers to hear. Exhausted by his attempts to find evidence that he wrote what's become the song of the year, Rick's universe is turned upside down by jealousy and desperation, leading to his firing from the band, arguments with his family, and a general sense of self-doubt. If only Danny or Mac would return his calls and give him the credit (and money) he actually deserves!

"Power Ballad" doesn't read like the uplifting story it promises in its first act, but trust the process, and you will see the laughter and light through the darkness of Rick's predicament. As he did with "Once" and even the less desirable "Begin Again," writer-director John Carney knows a thing or two about tearing down his main characters only to lift them with the humanity they warrant. Just like those previous films, "Power Ballad" boasts an impressive soundtrack that shines brightest with Danny and Rick's hit song, which'll get stuck in your head for days.

The chemistry between Rudd and Jonas is electric, supported by a comedic turn by co-writer Peter McDonald as Sandy, Rick's bandmate and best friend. It's obvious the entire ensemble had a blast making this movie, as their enthusiasm for the material explodes off the screen in delightfully funny and emotional vibes that only get better as Rick's life descends into the madness of his own making. It's a rock opera that cultivates popular music, makes fun of the music industry, and competes with itself by elevating voices begging to be heard.

"Power Ballad" is a quintessential crowd pleaser, and John Carney is its orchestra leader.