Powerful is an understatement. There is a separation between the ideologies and actions of different generations, and by combining this with the passion of music, Power Ballad was created. With the intensity of the music clearly at hand, filmmaker John Carney created something for everyone. Whether you want to be entertained or connect with a character you can see yourself in on the big screen, there is no shortage of power in this film.
Writer-director John Carney is known for some entertaining films, so those that are aware of his work truly hoped for something good to come from Power Ballad. The results are just what you would expect, or even much more. Music is clearly a passionate subject for Carney, as it shines through in all his films. Knowing the craft, and creating the world of a film that surrounds it, gives it so much depth.
Rick (Paul Rudd) is a wedding singer and long past his prime in the professional world. As he lives in Dublin with his wife, Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), and daughter, Aja (Beth Fallon), he tours around weddings with a band of Irish musicians. On one wedding night, fading boy-band singer Danny (Nick Jonas) comes and joins in on one of the band’s performances. Following this, Rick and Danny spend the rest of the night bonding over music during a jam session. The two seem to have connected quite well, until Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into a hit. Giving Rick no credit and Danny a boost in his career, Rick knows he has been wronged. With no proof to the matter, he sets out to convince people he is right and get what he deserves from Danny, all without worrying about the cost.
Power Ballad: Paul Rudd Sings His Heart Out in John Carney’s Freshest Film Yet
A comedy for sure, but Power Ballad is also filled with passion, empathy and the strongest element of all, family. You can have a good comedy with any amount of jokes it in. But to bring the film to a more central and relatable place, adding the deeper connection and emotion is what brings the viewer in. Carney’s decision to make a musician give up his career for his family is all too well known. Yet with the clever ideas he throws in he takes the typicality away from Power Ballad. The film does not fall down the rabbit hole of familiarity and though it has recognizable elements, it feels somehow fresh and new.
The audience is immediately reminded that Rudd can do anything. Just when we all thought there was nothing he could do that surprised us, he starts to sing. And though you have the talented Nick Jonas as the antagonist of the film, Rudd is truly where the heart of the film lies. He brings it all to play, and for sure has a fun time doing it. Filled with energy, he helps Rick take on the world and is charismatic and silly as always. He brings this feel good quality to his girl-dad character. Rick loves life until one 20-something year-old singer takes something away from him. A song he clearly made for his daughter, ripped away and with no credit shared. As Power Ballad unravels, it becomes clear just how important family is for Rick.
Unlike some musician films and music based content, Power Ballad focuses on the importance of family more than anything. You can have musicians who are self-centred, those who focus on their career more than anyone around them, and though they might be good people, they are not in their family’s lives as much as they should be. But when you have that one musician who gives up everything to raise his family, that is where you know the love lies. It becomes a journey the audience is taken on. Maybe it is never too late to understand what is important in life. Just as Rick’s life falls apart after one man, Danny, changes it for the worse, the audience bears witness to the lengths he will go to mend it. He might make some strange, albeit hilarious to the audience, decisions almost costing him everything, but when he gets to where he needs to be, the journey becomes worth it.
Powerful is an understatement. Whether you want to be entertained or connect with a character you can see yourself in on the big screen, there is no shortage of power in this film.
You will be pleasantly surprised when you watch Power Ballad. Entertained by the comedy and one-liners they throw in. The age gap and generational differences are relatable and understandable. Then you have the brilliant and universal idea of family that holds the heart and soul of the film. With brilliant performances from Rudd and respective co-stars, there is nothing this film cannot do. Carney has created something stylish, fresh and musical. Giving the Dublin International Film Festival and SXSW audiences a laughing spree, Power Ballad can be seen in cinemas beginning June 5, 2026. Do not. I repeat, do NOT, miss your chance to see this genius on the big screen. You will not regret it.
Grade: B+
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Power Ballad
When Rick, a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny 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.
