Power Ballad -- One Note

Review by Adam Donato

Some directors can wear many different hats to make a variety of different types of movies. Others have their fastball and that’s about it. John Carney has a damn good fastball and it’s these romantic dramedy musicals. His latest movie is called Power Ballad. The film stars Paul Rudd, lead singer of a wedding band, as he seeks justice for his song that was stolen by a wannabe popstar, played by Nick Jonas. Power Ballad has a prime beginning of June release and the last “musical” to come out was Michael in April. It will be battling against retreads like Masters of the Universe and Scary Movie 6 as well as the wake of YouTuber horror movies like Obsession and Backrooms. Does this ballad have the power to become the song of the summer?

Paul Rudd is one of the most likable and funny comedians of the 21st century. Seeing him do something a little more dramatic like this is cool, but the real ambition comes via him exposing himself musically. While most of the time he’s singing a cover song, he does get several opportunities to perform his character’s original music. It’s weird hearing this comedian’s voice over produced like how modern music is. This does fit the narrative as it makes sense that he may have the core of the song down, but it took a pretty boy popstar’s platform for the song to really take off. Rudd’s character is pushed to the brink of insanity as he desperately tries to get some recognition for his song. That really is his whole arc as his venture distances himself from his family and friends. He only gets a couple scenes with Nick Jonas so their relationship is extremely simplified. It’s mostly Rudd just riffing and having a good time, which is the baseline for an enjoyable movie starring him. 

Nick Jonas has tried dabbling in a little bit of acting. The Camp Rock and Jumanji reboot star has mostly turned up in campy movies, so Power Ballad is an opportunity to develop his legitimacy. He’s always been a good singer and he does the How to Write a Song Without You well. This song does play on repeat throughout the movie, which makes sense considering its importance to the narrative, but you are listening to this song over and over again. Having a Jonas brother in his element definitely adds to the sex appeal. Rudd won People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive award just five years ago. So there’s an attractive man for older and younger audiences. Jonas certainly comes across as a weight class below Rudd during their scenes together, but the name brand recognition of one of the Jonas Brothers along with the capable musical chops keeps his head above water. 

Power Ballad comes in at just under 100 minutes and feels rushed. The ending comes before you know it and the emotional payoff doesn’t fully resonate. The movie works fine at this runtime, but an extra thirty minutes and a few more songs could’ve been added to the setlist for a more full experience. While it doesn’t pack too much of an emotional punch, the comedy keeps the vibes up as it has a distinctly Irish sense of humor with Peter McDonald as Rudd’s right hand man leading the way. It’s a feel good, one note comedy that gets the job done. 

Carney’s last feature went straight to Apple TV+ so it’s difficult to forecast his box office influence, but with only a $10 million budget, it’s reasonable to think this one will turn a profit. It doesn’t feel as personal and full of depth as his previous works, but the mainstream appeal of this one is sure to make him more accessible to the masses. It’s a good introduction into the kind of movies Carney makes and a fine comedic musical for the uninitiated, but fans of Carney will be wishing for an encore. Power Ballad has one song and a simple story that makes for a fine watch at the theater. 

Power Ballad releases in theaters June 5th!

Rating: 3/5