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Power Ballad

Play trailer 1:48 Poster for Power Ballad R In Theaters May 29 1h 38m Comedy Drama Music Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 34 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick's songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves -- even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.
Coming Soon In Theaters May 29 Reserve Tickets

Cast & Crew

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John Carney

Director

Paul Rudd

Rick

Nick Jonas

Danny

Jack Reynor

Mac

Havana Rose Liu

Marcia

Rory Keenan

Binzer

Critics Reviews

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Tim Grierson Screen International May 5
Power Ballad invents implausible scenarios to bring the men together, resulting in a showdown that is not nearly as illuminating or cathartic as Carney assumes. Go to Full Review Chris Barsanti Slant Magazine Apr 21
2/4
Like the fraught relationship between its two musician characters, the film never finds the right groove. Go to Full Review Zachary Lee RogerEbert.com Mar 19
3.5/4
It reminds us that there’s a difference between knowing lyrics in your head and treasuring a song in your heart. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 2h
3/4
Power Ballad recognizes that great art wasn’t created by artists desperate to save time, maximize profits, and cater to commercial demands. Great art, in this case music, is created by people who play the music they want to play. Go to Full Review Edward Douglas The Weekend Warrior (Substack) 4d
8/10
John Carney has hit another high note with his funny and touching new music film. (Video Review) Go to Full Review Nate Adams The Only Critic May 16
B
It may not sit alongside “Once” or “Sing Street,” but even a lesser John Carney effort still knows how to find the right note. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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Power Ballad

Power Ballad: Exclusive Featurette - Meet Rick Power Ballad: Exclusive Featurette - Meet Rick 0:44 Power Ballad: Trailer 2 Power Ballad: Trailer 2 1:48 Power Ballad: Trailer 1 Power Ballad: Trailer 1 1:15 View more videos
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Power Ballad

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick's songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves -- even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.
Director
John Carney
Producer
Anthony Bregman, John Carney, Peter Cron, Rebecca O'Flanagan, Robert Walpole
Screenwriter
Peter McDonald, John Carney
Distributor
Lionsgate
Production Co
30West, Likely Story, Treasure Entertainment, Distressed Films, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
Rating
R (Language Throughout|Some Drug Use)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Music, Musical
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 29, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 38m