"Power Ballad" REVIEW

Published on 6/11/2026 

Written by: Braylon Mitchell 

Directed by: John Carney 

Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Beth Fallon, Marcella Plunkett, etc. 

Plot: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. 

REVIEW 

Most of the films of John Carney, in essence, have a simple recipe—be centered around music/a musician (or musicians), populate the film with original songs, have heartfelt character relationships, and in some way or another involve Ireland/the Irish—and it's a recipe that Carney's pretty much perfected. With a film directed by John Carney, I know what to expect—a fullfling, well-done meal. This newest film of his isn't any different. At its core, this film follows the classic tale of two people who in one way or another want each other lives. Although Rudd and Jonas' characters only share two stretches of the film on screen together as a duo, their chemistry and connection is the highlight of the film—two musicians at wildly different stages of their life and career that bounce off each other one night where the lines of fame are blurred, and how the consequences of that change the rest of their lives. As the plot escalates further and further, some of it certainly feels a bit far-fetched but it successfully makes the decision to keep the emotional journeys of its characters centerstage. However by the end of the film, these two character arcs resolve in ways that feel realistic in their uncertainties—well, all until something happens within the last minute or two of the film that somewhat blocks that initial sense of realistic resolution, but darn-it if it isn't emotionally satisfying. This film isn't flashy in its craft, nor its performances or themes—so I believe its plot could afford to indulge in some dramatic heightening and blatant sentimentality. I'm a sucker for blatant sentimentality, when done right of course. This film is a sweet, easy treat to put it simply. 

THREE BEST ELEMENTS

• The original soundtrack. This film's soundtrack is very central to its identity, particularly the song in which the entire plot pretty much revolves around: "How To Write a Song (About You)". An emotional romance ballad (hey, that word is in the title!) that was originally written for the film and is played in what feels like every other scene in the film after the first act. It's a very catchy, well-written pop song that plays a vital role in the story and serves differing meanings for each character. I'm not sure this film would've worked as well as it does without that key song being great. The rest of the originally written soundtrack is very good too, both in the context of the film and outside of the film. 

• Paul Rudd's performance. Rudd is a very beloved, succesful actor and I'm happy that he still wants to take roles such as this one—a role that has some emotional layers to it, and asks for him to anchor a film as a realistic protagonist with lost dreams. He gives one of the best performances of his career, in my opinion. 

• Nick Jonas' performance. I've seen Jonas act in a few projects before, but this is the first time I've actively noticed how good of an actor he can be. Yes, the character he's playing in this film basically feels like a heightened version of himself, but I'm an avid defender of whenever good actors are derogatorily accused of " just playing themselves". No matter who you are, if a camera is in front of your face and you know it—you'll likely play a version of yourself or put up a front, even if its unknowingly. Imagine having to "play yourself" in a full feature film. Doesn't sound so easy, does it? That's not even entirely what Jonas is doing, this just happens to be a character very similar to the real life Nick Jonas and I'm sure through playing into those comparisons only helped him connect more deeply and deliver a meaningful performance. 

WORST ELEMENT 

• The film has its moments of feeling a little too far-fetched with some plot points. 

RATING

7/10

You should watch it, buddy!