POWER BALLAD (2026)

Genre: Musical/Drama
Director:  John Carney
Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Beth Fallon, Rory Keenan, Paul Reid, Keith McErlean, Havana Rose Liu, Jack Reynor 
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Rating: M18 (Some Mature Content & Coarse Language)
Released By: mm2 Entertainment
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 18 June 2026

Synopsis: When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) 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 - even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel- good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.

Movie Review:

Hugh Grant once starred as a washed-up pop star opposite Drew Barrymore in the musical rom-com Music & Lyrics. To be clear, that film has nothing to do with John Carney, the writer-director of Power Ballad. Still, it’s hard not to draw comparisons. This time, it’s everyone’s favourite ageless charmer, Paul Rudd, stepping into the spotlight as Rick Power, an American who gave up his dreams of becoming a rock star to settle down with his wife and working as a wedding singer in Dublin.

While performing at a wedding in a castle with his bandmates, Rick meets and bonds with Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a former boy band member who has spent years trying to establish himself as a solo artist. After a few drinks and a joint, the pair embark on an impromptu jam session. During it, Danny plays one of his original compositions, “How to Write a Song (Without You).” They part ways soon after, with Danny gifting Rick a vintage guitar.

Just when you think it’s a bromance at its best, Rick suddenly hears the song playing in a shopping mall six months later. Danny has taken the tune, reworked it into his own version and turned it into a worldwide hit with millions of views on YouTube. Feeling cheated and frustrated that his friends and family refuse to believe he is the true creative force behind the song, Rick decides to fly to Los Angeles with his buddy Sandy (Peter McDonald, who also co-wrote the film) to confront Danny.

Yes, it’s another music-driven tale from John Carney, the Irish filmmaker behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street. As with those films, Power Ballad explores dreams, ambition and underdogs. While lighter in tone and less comedic than its premise might suggest, it offers a heartfelt look at inspiration, promises and friendship through the eyes of two musicians.

Danny believes he is the one with the talent and platform to bring the song to the masses, while Rick is far less concerned with the financial rewards. What he craves is recognition for his musical abilities. It is this emotional conflict between the two men that drives the story, and there is a poignant reason behind the song’s existence that gives the film its emotional weight.

Rudd is at his best here. Not in the I Love You, Man buddy-comedy sense, but through a genuinely warm and likable performance from start to finish. Jonas also acquits himself well, handling several emotional scenes with confidence despite acting not being his primary profession. He gets plenty of opportunities to showcase his vocal talents too. Rudd even holds his own opposite Jonas during a lively duet of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish.”

The supporting cast includes Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) as Danny’s slick and opportunistic manager, while Havana Rose Liu (No Exit) unfortunately ends up with a rather underwritten role as Danny’s love interest.

One slight misstep, however, is the relationship between Rick and his teenage daughter, Aja (Beth Fallon). Although she plays a significant role later in the story, the film never fully develops their bond, making some of the emotional beats less impactful than they could have been.

Still, Power Ballad is another feel-good, music-infused drama from Carney. The chemistry between the two leads remains the film’s biggest strength, while McDonald provides some welcome comic relief. And yes, it delivers a warm and satisfying payoff in the end. Maybe it’s time for Carney to rope in both Grant and Rudd for a story about washed-up former boy band members.

Movie Rating:

(Brilliant performances from Rudd and Jonas, and an earworm of a song that lingers long after the credits roll)

Review by Linus Tee