Power Ballad

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1:48

Power Ballad

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1h 38m

Comedy

Drama

Music

Musical

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

86 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 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.

Critics Consensus

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas prove to be harmonious screen partners in Power Ballad, a mellow dramedy that acknowledges the allure and pitfalls of stardom with equal measures of grace.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

2d

3/5

This is not going to reinvent the wheel, and it definitely won’t reinvent Carney’s oeuvre, but it’s solid, sweet and smartly crafted entertainment.

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Stephanie Zacharek

TIME Magazine

2d

It should all add up to the expected Carney magic—and yet somehow, it doesn’t. The performers aren’t to blame here; it’s the story that lets them down.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

2d

4/5

What keeps Power Ballad flowing is the juice of the dialogue, the comic humanity of the plotting and, above anything else, that charmingly ingenuous belief in pop music as something that truly matters.

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Emma Simmonds

The List

45m

4/5

As it roots for the little guy and ramps up the love-conquers-all spirit, this film strikes many of the right notes.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

4h

4/5

‘…John Carney's Power Ballad is a fun, upbeat comedy-drama that’s easy on the eye and qualifies as jovial, cheerful fare…it helps that stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas have an abundance of rizz and can carry a tune…

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

1d

Power Ballad has an abrupt ending that could've been handled better, but this comedy/drama is a mostly entertaining story about a rock singer who tries to get justice when a pop star steals his original song.

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See A Lot

21h

A very good and enjoyable movie

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ingrid Fernandez

1d

I really, really Loved it. I hope to see it again on the big screen with my bff. It’s exceptionally good. I was quite surprised by Nick Jonas’ performance.

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Kimberly L

1d

Loved this sweet movie with music a part of the main cast. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas were perfect in their parts...

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Bill

1d

Such a great movie! Well written... well acted... and really grabs you emotionally. I highly recommend seeing it!

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Kristina B

@RT79909902 5h

Really enjoyed it! Some really funny moments and incredible acting all around!! A must watch!

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Kerby C

@RT01477579 14h

My Dad was in a wedding band and my husband is a musician. I was yearning for something emotionally recognizable, but was left bereft. Where was Paul Rudd’s effortless humor? His charming soft side? He was so cheesy and obvious. Why did it have to be in Ireland? All the songs they played were American hits. Why were his wife and daughter lacking personality and back story? His bandmates were supposed to be funny but again, so basic and obvious. Musicians are hilarious. Not in this film. Watching people write songs is like watching paint dry. That scene could have been cut in half. Why didn’t Nick Jonas man up and do the right thing? Why did he have a girlfriend if that subplot wasn’t leading to anything? The last 5 minutes got us because we have videos of our grown daughter (who is also a musician) dancing to her dad playing music in the living room but that was too little too late.

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John Carney

Director

Paul Rudd

Rick

Nick Jonas

Danny

Jack Reynor

Mac

Havana Rose Liu

Marcia

Rory Keenan

Binzer

Power Ballad: Movie Clip - That's My Song

0:46

Power Ballad: Movie Clip - We Could Finish This

0:49

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Power Ballad: Exclusive Featurette - Meet Rick

0:44

Power Ballad: Trailer 2

1:48

Power Ballad: Trailer 1

1:15

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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