'Power Ballad' Review
- Michael Petrey
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Release Date: 06/05/26 [Cinemas]
Genre: Comedy. Drama. Musical.
MPAA: Rated R.
Distributor: Lionsgate.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Power Ballad tells a simple story centered on Rick (Paul Rudd), a wedding singer whose dreams of rock stardom have long since begun to fade. His path crosses with Danny (Nick Jonas), a former boy band sensation clinging to the remnants of a once-dominant career he assumed would last indefinitely. The two casually collaborate on a song, building off an unfinished piece Rick had written, with Danny adding a polished, mainstream touch. The result is a chart-topping hit that propels Danny back into the spotlight, reaching heights he hasn’t seen since his boy band days. There’s a familiarity to this setup that feels intentional, even if the film never fully pushes beyond it.
When Rick discovers the song climbing the charts under Danny’s name alone, with no credit given to him, he sets out to claim what he believes is rightfully his. What begins as a pursuit of recognition gradually shifts into something more obsessive, particularly as those around him—including Danny’s team and even Rick’s own family—begin to doubt his claims. The film finds its footing in that tension, showing how quickly conviction can blur into desperation when validation remains just out of reach.
Paul Rudd once again proves why he remains such a dependable presence, bringing an easy charm to Rick while grounding the character in something more vulnerable beneath the surface. He balances humor with a sense of quiet frustration and regret, making Rick’s need for acknowledgment feel personal rather than purely self-serving. You understand his drive, even as his behavior begins to tilt toward something more unstable.
Nick Jonas, on the other hand, delivers a performance that fits the role but rarely pushes beyond it. Playing a former pop star navigating a solo resurgence sits comfortably within his wheelhouse, and while he handles it competently, there’s a sense that the performance never fully evolves beyond what’s expected. He serves the story effectively, but doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
Rick’s dynamic with his longtime friend and bandmate Sandy (Peter McDonald) adds a strong comedic backbone to the film. Their back-and-forth brings a scrappy, comedic energy, providing some of the film’s most enjoyable moments even as their friendship is strained by Rick’s unraveling state of mind. As the two set out from Ireland to America in search of answers, their interactions help carry the film forward, blending humor with an undercurrent of tension tied to Rick’s growing fixation.
Ultimately, Power Ballad lands as a light, entertaining comedy that mixes humor with just enough emotional weight to keep it grounded. It doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre, but it understands how to operate within its framework, leaning on a strong lead performance and a premise that remains engaging even when it doesn’t dig as deep as it could. While not among John Carney’s strongest work, it still carries his sensibilities and heart, making it an enjoyable, easy watch elevated by Rudd’s presence and the film’s balance of absurdity and sincerity.
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