‘Power Ballad’ is Unexpectedly Real
I can imagine that, as a comedy actor, it’s quite easy to get typecast in a certain type of role. Think of Jim Carrey, who consistently played over-the-top characters in the 90’s that were over-the-top in every possible way. After a while, it became hard to see him as anything other than gregarious, which makes it that much more magical when you see him in a project that deviates so far from the niche he’s used to. The Truman Show, The Majestic, and The Number 23 are all vastly different from those of Liar Liar or Ace Ventura, but stand as a testament to the true brilliance of Carrey’s acting. All that to say, Power Ballad falls into a similar bracket as the aforementioned films, but for Hollywood’s sweetheart, Paul Rudd.
Having built a career in the cinema as a funny man, Paul Rudd has been in some of the biggest comedy films of the last few decades, such as Clueless, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and my personal favorite, I Love You, Man. Even in franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Ghostbusters, he plays a loveable doofus, which is part of his endearing charm. However, of all the films and television series I’ve seen him in, I can’t name one that felt that it leaned heavily on the drama. In every project that I’ve watched that starred him, he shines with his comedic timing, but now in Power Ballad, Paul Rudd finally gets to show a different side to his acting.
Directed by John Carney (Once, Begin Again, Sing Street), who also wrote the screenplay with Peter McDonald (A Discovery of Witches, The Penguin), Power Ballad tells a story that is deeply human in ways you don’t always see on screen. This film asks audiences what is truly important at the end of the day and delivers an impactful message that makes you appreciate those you love even more.
[Warning: Spoilers from Power Ballad are below!]
A world of music and a harsh reality
Rick Power (Paul Rudd) once dreamed of being a rock star, singing to millions of fans in some of the world’s biggest stadiums. However, instead of having a music career that dominates the world, he’s found himself as the lead singer of a wedding band, The Bride and Groove. Living with his wife and teenage daughter in Dublin, Rick has become content in his life, even if there’s a piece of him that still dreams of what could have been. He doesn’t necessarily seem regretful of his decision to settle down and have a family, but there’s that childlike wonder that still lives inside of him.
It’s that wonder that comes back to the surface when he runs into Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a boy band turned pop sensation, at one of the weddings that The Bride and Groove are performing at. Danny also seems slightly lost in his own world, unable to make the music he wants that also has global appeal. However, after a night of drinking and jamming, the two walk away with some new perspectives.
Rick feels revitalized by creating his own music rather than just singing others’ hits, a dream that comes crashing down once again when he hears his song on the radio. Having shared that song with Danny on that one faithful evening, Rick becomes a man on a mission. At first, he just wants the young pop star to admit he took the song and give him writing credit, which would subsequently change Rick’s life. However, as one barrier to the truth after another crops up, Rick begins to lose himself on this journey.
As Power Ballad continues, Rick faces a major decision. While truth and justice are important, is doing so worth losing the beautiful life you’ve worked so hard to build? And at the center of it all, what is truly important in life?
Power Ballad is a slow burn with a powerful message
I’m sure there are others like me who have walked into Power Ballad expecting a comedy that will make you laugh with tears and have a stitch in your side. Granted, I hadn’t seen a trailer for the film prior to walking into the theater, but with a name like Paul Rudd attached to it, one could expect a barrel of laughs from start to finish. However, what we received instead is a movie that is deeper than it appears on the outside and unbelievably real in the best way possible.
I think we’ve all been in situations where we’re stuck on uncovering or exposing a truth that others maybe don’t believe. Rick is fighting to be heard in a world where his pleas fall on deaf ears, which pushes him to incredible lengths. It’s at these lengths that the comedy plays out in Power Ballad; however, it’s less laugh-out-loud hilarity and more complex humor amid a dramatic story. You’re watching a man spiral profusely, with the severe promise of loss if he doesn’t figure out his life, which, as an audience member, you’re desperately hoping for.
You’re rooting for Rick to reach a satisfying conclusion, although I would argue the ending I thought was coming never did. Instead, what Rick realizes more about himself is that what should be important in this life is not getting the credit he thinks he deserves. His journey is about internal growth, which is satisfying in its own way, and also where the heart of the film truly comes from.
However, not all aspects of Power Ballad are equally gratifying. As a psychologist, I appreciate the story of intrinsic growth; however, for Danny, the journey isn’t nearly as enjoyable. There are plenty of times throughout the film where he has the chance to do what’s right and fails to do so. In fact, he often doubles down on his actions, refusing to acknowledge the truth of the situation. Down to the last few minutes of Power Ballad, you’re hoping that Danny will make the right decision, redeeming himself. And yet, that never comes to be.
In a film about discovering the important aspects of life, I had hoped that everyone in it would follow a similar path. Not that Danny’s irredeemable, but we don’t get to witness such a journey with our eyes, which dampens Power Ballad just a smidge.
Final thoughts on Power Ballad
Even if I didn’t walk away completely satisfied with the story, Power Ballad was still a powerful film to watch. This is such a departure from Paul Rudd’s previous works, which is as shocking as it is fantastic. Power Ballad is reminiscent of one of those films I would have watched rented with my mother, which feels like such a comfort. The acting within the movie is strong, and the story even more so. You’ll run through the gamut of emotions as you’re watching Power Ballad, as this film will make you laugh and cry. But most importantly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what’s important in your life, which is perhaps the greatest gift this film can provide.
Power Ballad is currently playing in theaters! Have you seen this film yet? What did you think? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
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