When wedding singer Rick drunkenly meets washed-up boyband singer Danny, the two bond over a late-night jam session. Rick is then horrified when he discovers Danny stole one of his songs, and it’s a number one hit!
The end of May is looking to be an exciting time at Pictureville for musicals and music films, and Power Ballad is one of the most anticipated releases. The new musical-comedy stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas in a hilarious and emotional exploration of friendship, self-respect and the price of success.
Power Ballad is co-written and directed by John Carney, who’s working in very familiar territory. Arguably a musical-comedy pioneer, Carney’s directed a number of recognisable titles, including Begin Again, Sing Street, and Once. His clear talent for this genre, and excellent casting choices, make his films a guaranteed awesome watch.
Paul Rudd also returns to familiar territory after a long running stint as Ant-Man in the Marvel universe. I think it’s safe to say no one quite captures Rudd’s unique style of rom-com character, so I’m always excited to see him make a return.
Power Ballad is screening 29–31 May and 2–6 and 9–11 June 2026 at Pictureville.
Synopsis
When a past-his-prime wedding singer (Paul Rudd), meets a fading boy band star (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.
What the critics think
“Power Ballad is a movie that constantly surprises you by plucking chords of hope from a heartbreaking narrative.” – RogerEbert.com
“John Carney’s most winning pop-music drama since Once”- Variety
“Rudd is effortlessly amusing and impossible not to root for (even when he’s behaving Badly)” – Sean Chandler
“Like the catchiest pop hits, it’s a little bit familiar, a little bit unexpected and utterly, thrillingly satisfying.” – The Hollywood Reporter
If you like Power Ballad, here’s three more films to discover:
Sing Street (available on BFI Player)
The third in John Carney’s trilogy of musical films is the utterly charming story of a boy who escapes his troubles through fronting a pop band.
After Once and Begin Again, John Carney returns to Ireland for the third of his musical stories. In 1980s Dublin, young Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is struggling to adapt to a new school until he meets the beautiful and super-cool Raphina (Lucy Boynton). In an effort to impress her he joins a band, finding he has an unexpected flair for songwriting.
Besties on-screen and off, Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott kick, punch and somersault their way to first kisses in Emma Seligman’s riotous followup to Shiva Baby. A refreshingly modern take on the classic teen comedy, Bottoms reimagines high-school hijinks with a whimsical dose of absurdism.
Is This Thing On? (available on Disney Plus)
A husband and father of two facing a mid-life crossroads finds unexpected purpose joining the New York comedy scene.
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