Power Ballad

Like its namesake, Power Ballad stirs up a range of emotions, reinforced by a memorable narrative hook and performers able to harmonize its outlandishness with conviction.

Although it sings a familiar thematic tune, this breezy crowd-pleaser from Irish director John Carney (Sing Street) examines artistic inspiration and the creative process within the context of shifting generational tastes, commercial interests, intellectual property rights, and the corrupting power of public expectation. In other words, it’s considerably more fun and lightweight than it sounds.

Rick (Paul Rudd) is a wedding singer whose chances of musical stardom in the rearview mirror. He’s now a middle-aged father belting out covers in Ireland with his quirky band, resigned to his fate.

Danny (Nick Jonas) likewise is trending downward, as a former boy-band member struggling with a solo career now that he’s outgrown his heartthrob status. As a guest at a reception where Rick is playing, Nick can’t help but take the stage for a quick number.

After some initial friction, they bond over a Stevie Wonder cover duet, followed by a backstage jam session. Their mutual admiration leads to Rick playing a deeply personal love ballad he wrote, before Danny heads back to Los Angeles.

Rick forgets about it until months later, when he hears his lyrics on the radio, performed by Danny — and it’s become a hit. But who deserves the credit, and the royalties? Rick becomes consumed by regret and vengeance while Danny is burdened by a guilty conscience as he cashes in his integrity.

Throughout his career, Carney has demonstrated the ability to combine his gifts as both a versatile songwriter and a thoughtful filmmaker, and this is the latest example.

With that said, the screenplay by Carney and actor Peter McDonald — who co-stars as Rick’s bandmate and sidekick — oversimplifies some complex legal and ethical issues for mainstream consumption.

However, the film is elevated by the offbeat chemistry between Rudd and Jonas. One is an actor by trade and the other a musician, of course, but this collaboration reveals their respective dual-threat abilities.

Heartfelt if contrived, Power Ballad finds its rhythm by earning our emotional investment in these pop-star wannabes and their big dreams, one chord at a time.

Rated R, 98 minutes.