Power Ballad movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Power Ballad

This musical comedy opened in theaters on May 29, 2026.

RATING: R (for language throughout and some drug use)

LENGTH: 1 hour 38 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

From director John Carney (Once, Sing Street) comes a lighthearted musical dramedy about Rick Power (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime American wedding singer living in Dublin. After a wedding gig, he connects with Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a fading ex-boyband superstar trying to jumpstart a solo career. The two share a late-night jam session fueled by drinks and conversation, during which Rick plays an original song he wrote for his daughter. However, Danny ends up taking the song, recording it, and turning it into a massive hit without giving Rick credit. This sends Rick on a journey to Los Angeles to reclaim his recognition, standing up for his artistic self-respect while trying not to lose his family along the way.

The film was directed by John Carney, who also co-wrote it with Peter McDonald. Peter McDonald plays a salty Irishman in Paul Rudd’s wedding band. Already, the film has won three international film festivals for “Best Feature Film”!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Language: There is heavy profanity and frequent use of the F-word throughout the film, which is the primary reason for its R rating.

• Drugs/Alcohol: Characters partake in drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and general late-night partying.

• Conflict: Some minor arguments, an instance where a character loses their temper (including a scuffle where Rick attacks a drummer), some fist fights, and a minor van accident.

• Overall: It is best suited for older teens and adults due to the heavy language and adult themes.

THEMES:

• The cost of ambition vs. the value of family

• The power of music

• Artistic integrity, ownership, and self-respect

• The harsh binary between mainstream success and “making it” vs. being a content local musician

• Fatherhood and creating something meaningful for the people you love

THINGS I LIKED:

• Paul Rudd’s charm: Paul Rudd is always incredibly likable, bringing his signature everyman energy and comedic timing to the role of Rick. He sings many times during the movie, and sounds pretty good. I’m guessing that’s why he wanted to do this film!

• Nick Jonas’s vocals: Nick Jonas does a fantastic job handling the musical aspects of his role, singing the pop tracks beautifully. The two leading men have good chemistry together.

• Other cast members include Jack Reynor, Havana Rose, Rory Keenan, Sophie Vavasseur, Beth Fallon, Marcella Plunkett, and many more. They all did a great job.

• The Irish Setting: The Dublin backdrops and the fun dynamic of Rick’s wedding band, “The Bride and Groove,” provide a cozy, grounded aesthetic.

• A Heartwarming Core: At its center, the song in question isn’t just about fame or money. It’s ultimately a song written out of love for a daughter, giving the climax a sweet emotional payoff. You’ll end up with a smile on your face.

• Recognition: I think the theme of not getting credit for what you’ve done is a universal frustration that most people will be able to relate to. It’s an infuriating feeling that can make you not think logically, as portrayed in the movie.
• Music: We get to hear a lot of lovely music.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The R-rating language: The movie could have easily been a wholesome PG-13 family-friendly watch if they hadn’t injected so much constant profanity.

• Underutilized supporting cast: The women in the film, including Rick’s wife and daughter, feel a bit pushed to the sidelines without enough character development.

• Uneven comedy: While Paul Rudd gives it his all, some of the Hollywood-centered jokes and sitcom elements feel a little formulaic compared to John Carney’s previous masterpiece films like Once.

FUNNY LINES:

• “You’d think with all that money, they’d be able to hire better security.” – Sandy  (Peter McDonald)

• “I’m losing my grip on reality.” –  Rick  (Paul Rudd)

INTERESTING LINES:

• “How do you write a song without you?” (The ironic title of the stolen chart-topping track)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• Sing Street (Another fantastic, music-centric film by John Carney)

• Once (The iconic indie musical that put Carney on the map)

• Yesterday (A fun comedy exploring what happens when someone else gets credit for world-famous music)

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