Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas Explore Artistic Ownership in the Heartfelt Music Dramedy ‘Power Ballad’ at SXSW
Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas have teamed up to present their latest film, Power Ballad, a heartfelt yet inconsistent exploration of friendship and music, which made its debut at SXSW on Saturday.
Directed by John Carney, who co-wrote the script with star Peter McDonald, the film tells the story of Rick, portrayed by Rudd. He is a wedding band frontman who has settled in a charming Irish locale with his wife and child, following two decades spent touring with his former band, Octagon.
The narrative takes a turn during a wedding performance when Rick invites his friend Danny, a waning pop star played by Jonas, on stage at the bride’s request. The duo shares an authentic musical connection that leads to a night of heavy drinking and impromptu jam sessions in Rick’s hotel room.
Months later, Rick is stunned to discover that a song he penned long ago has become a successful chart-topping hit, performed by Danny. This revelation sparks a globe-trotting quest for Rick to reclaim his artistic credit, resulting in a unraveling of his personal life, including his band and family.
As the film unfolds within an already creative festival landscape, it prompts a crucial discussion on artistic ownership in an era dominated by generative AI. Additionally, it serves as a tribute to artists and musicians who remain devoted to their craft, illustrating the artistic journey from celebrated pop stars to local wedding singers and street performers.
Although Rudd and Jonas manage to deliver some touching emotional moments, their comedic talents feel underutilized, particularly given the film’s sparse humor. Rudd’s character, along with his bandmate Sandy (McDonald), showcases solid buddy comedy dynamics as Rick seeks to demonstrate his worth. His role as a devoted family man to his wife, Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), and daughter, Aja (Beth Fallon), endears him to the audience, making their relationship arc compelling.
In contrast, Jonas’s character is not fully fleshed out, as his romantic involvement with long-term girlfriend Marcia (Havana Rose Liu) concludes shortly after his song’s success. The film hints at a deeper exploration of their relationship but leaves it largely unresolved, narrowing their chemistry to mere gossip.
Despite its comedic limitations, Power Ballad emerges as a feel-good option for date nights or as a comforting watch for artists seeking validation in a crowded creative field.
Title: Power Ballad
Festival: SXSW (Narrative Spotlight)
Director: John Carney
Screenwriters: John Carney, Peter McDonald
Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu, Jack Reynor
Sales Agent: WME
Running time: 1 hr 38 mins
