UMVA has learned that a new music dramedy, "Power Ballad," has hit theaters, bringing together an unlikely duo: Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. The film, written and directed by an acclaimed Irish filmmaker, follows the story of Rick Power, an American wedding singer living in Ireland who once fronted a rock band.
Rick's life took a dramatic turn when he married his Irish bride and had a daughter, leaving behind his rock star days. His band, The Bride and Groove, now performs at weddings, with Rick feeling like a "human jukebox" rather than a rock star. That is, until they land a gig where one of the attendees is Danny Wilson, a former boy band singer struggling to make it as a solo artist.
The two musicians quickly connect, bonding over their shared struggles to come to terms with the reality that their glory days may be behind them. During an impromptu jam session, they share their music and offer each other valuable tips to improve their songs. Danny is particularly blown away by one of Rick's tracks, "How to Write a Song Without You."
As Danny returns to LA, he hands over his tracks to his manager, who is unimpressed and warns Danny that if he can't deliver a hit, he'll have to give up his luxurious lifestyle. Weeks later, Rick is shocked to hear Danny's new smash hit – and it's none other than "How to Write a Song Without You," Rick's own song.
What unfolds is a roller coaster music battle as Rick tries to seek credit for the song responsible for reviving Danny's career, even without evidence. This quest upends Rick's work and family life, testing his relationships and his own sense of identity. With both Rudd and Jonas delivering reliable performances, the film promises to be an entertaining ride.
The movie, filled with decent laughs and solid music, may not reach the heights of the director's previous films, such as "Once" or "Sing Street." However, it still manages to maximize the talents of its lead actors, ensuring audiences will walk away thoroughly entertained. With an R rating for language throughout and some drug use, "Power Ballad" runs for 1 hour and 38 minutes.
