Power Ballad- 2026 Chicago Critics Film Festival
May 6th, 2026
MOVIE: POWER BALLAD
STARRING: PAUL RUDD, NICK JONAS, PETER MCDONALD, JACK REYNOR
DIRECTED BY: JOHN CARNEY
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 4 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 98 MINUTES
The films of John Carney are not just about the power of music. They’re about how music is life. Its identity, memory, emotion- part of Carney’s genetic makeup as an artist. Yes, the Dublin-born filmmaker makes movies, but his true purpose seems to be bringing the magic of music to audiences everywhere. His breakout film, Once, paired Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová in a bittersweet, tender romance built around songwriting. Then came Sing Street– arguably his best film- about a teenager starting a band while trying to discover who he is. His newest film, Power Ballad, ushers Carney into the “dad-rock” stage of his career, and it struck all the right chords for me. With the irresistible charm of Paul Rudd, beautiful music, and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, Power Ballad feels like another standout track in Carney’s greatest hits collection.
Rudd stars as Rick Power, a once-promising rock musician who dreamed of playing Madison Square Garden but instead finds himself living in Dublin with his wife and daughter while fronting a wedding band called “Bride and Groove”. It’s not the life he imagined, but he still gets to perform- and occasionally sneak in some original songs when his bandmates allow it. At one wedding gig, Rick meets boy-band superstar Danny Wilson, played with fitting slickness by Nick Jonas. After a few drinks and an easy chemistry built around music, the two spend the night writing songs, trading chords, and sharing a moment that feels meaningful to both of them.
As time passes, that spontaneous night of songwriting becomes a distant memory- until Danny releases one of Rick’s songs as his newest hit single without giving him any credit. Suddenly, Rick is forced to confront the painful divide between the life he has and the one he once imagined for himself. More than fame, he wants acknowledgment for the music he created, and the film follows his attempt to reclaim the credit he deserves.
For some viewers, Power Ballad may feel like familiar territory for Carney, and that’s a fair criticism. But for me, the film arrived at exactly the right moment. Watching Rick wrestle with aging, regret, and unrealized dreams hit surprisingly close to home, and there’s nobody better suited to carry those emotions than Rudd. He brings warmth and vulnerability to Rick’s search for closure. Alongside him is his best friend and lead guitarist, Sandy, played by a scene-stealing Peter McDonald, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Carney. Their chemistry adds an enjoyable buddy-comedy energy while also grounding the film in something sincere: the comfort of having loyal friends by your side when life disappoints you.
And of course, the music is fantastic. That has always been one of Carney’s greatest strengths. Even when parts of the narrative stumble, the songs linger long after the credits roll. The difference here is that the music feels like an extension of the film’s emotional core rather than simply its centerpiece. Beneath the catchy melodies is a thoughtful story about masculinity, aging, pride, and the quiet fear of wondering whether your best years are already behind you. It’s ultimately about learning to appreciate the life you have instead of mourning the one that never happened.
That mix of honesty, humor, warmth, and musical joy is what makes Power Ballad one of my favorite films of 2026. Maybe it really is as simple as watching Paul Rudd weaponize his endless charm inside a John Carney movie filled with songs you’ll hum on the drive home. Either way, Power Ballad feels like cinematic music for both the eyes and the ears.
4 STARS
POWER BALLAD WAS PART OF THE 2026 CHICAGO CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL AND IS PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS ON FRIDAY, MAY 29TH, 2026.
Written by: Leo Brady
