I have a built-in expectation with any new John Carney movie. He's the force behind Once and Sing Street. This latest movie about musicians in Ireland, Power Ballad, doesn’t quite reach those high notes of his best films, but it’s also not really trying to. Instead, Carney leans into something lighter, broader, and way more crowd-pleasing. Think summer pop hit instead of indie folk anthem.
Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, Clueless) plays Rick Power, a musician who almost made it big and now fronts “Ireland’s grooviest wedding band.” He’s settled into family life, still chasing that feeling of being on stage. Enter Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a former boy-band star stuck in career limbo, watching his old bandmates have their Harry Styles moments.
The movie really starts to hum once the two start writing music together. Carney still knows how to make collaboration feel exciting and alive. Watching Rudd and Jonas bounce ideas off each other over whiskey and late-night jam sessions is one of the best parts of the film. For a second, it almost feels like the start of some legendary songwriting duo. Then the movie swerves hard into its rom-com place and overly-written hijinks ensue.
Power Ballad plays more like a ‘90s hit comedy than classic Carney. It’s closer in spirit to The Wedding Singer than the rougher edges of Once. At times, this feels more like really solid streaming content than must-see theater material. But I’m pretty forgiving when a movie this charming drops in the middle of summer. Rudd carries the whole thing with effortless warmth, the song is catchy, and Carney still has a gift for turning music performances into movie magic.
In a nutshell: It’s not operating on the same level as Once or Sing Street, but Power Ballad absolutely works as a feel-good summer movie and Carney’s most accessible film yet.
Where to see it: In select cities and theaters starting May 29, 2026 with a wide release on June 5, 2026.
Would it be better with Olivia Colman? I'd have loved to see her in this. She would have provided some of the edge this needs.
Award potential: “How to Write a Song (Without You)” isn’t touching “Falling Slowly” territory, but it’s a legitimately great pop song in the same lane as “Golden” and could easily end up on plenty of nomination long lists.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
