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Critics Consensus: Writer-director John Carney's return to musical drama isn't quite as potent as it was with Once, but thanks to charming work from its well-matched leads, Begin Again is difficult to resist.
Critic Consensus: Writer-director John Carney's return to musical drama isn't quite as potent as it was with Once, but thanks to charming work from its well-matched leads, Begin Again is difficult to resist.
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All Critics (156) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (128) | Rotten (28) | DVD (1)
The trouble with this movie -- aside from its lack of visual wonder and musical shape -- is that you don't trust its priorities.
Another sappy but engaging musical fable from the Irish writer and director John Carney, who made "Once."
The wholesome, hopeful, let's-put-on-a-show enthusiasm may sound hokey but it's actually infectiously joyful. At the same time, Carney roughs up the edges just enough to make this fairy tale seem somewhat accessible and realistic.
This soulful outing is sure to please music lovers. And isn't that everyone?
Begin Again is a not-entirely-successful movie about not selling out; it's a theme that must concern Carney deeply.
Can a meaningful glance mean as much as a kiss? In this film, it can, and that's enough.
The film isn't perfect and it certainly isn't wrapped up in a tight little bow, but all in all, it's a captivating film.
Everyone in this movie seems to be a little bit in love, and never more so than when they're recording on a rooftop in the city, going gorgeously against the grain of how things are supposedly supposed to be done.
The story captures you from the opening scene.
... the scene in the bar, which is heard from two different perspectives, is remarkable. [Full review in Spanish]
Decidedly different from super-budget, superhero fare, this one is sometimes sappy but mostly engaging and definitely driven by music.
Somehow, none of it quite gels. There's no need for a romance - actually, I applaud Carney for avoiding that cliché - but nothing seems to evolve between Gretta and Dan.
A refreshing and superbly-edited dramatic comedy from the director of Once, who depicts once again a warm, platonic relationship born from the mutual love shared by two people for music, and oh boy, aren't the songs in this film just so lovely and beautiful!
Super Reviewer
In some ways, Carney just remakes his wonderful "Once" under US conditions here. It's not entirely the same story but neither particularly original. It works thanks to some of the actors, but Knightley still feels like an odd choice and Levine is not much of an actor. What saves the films are little, original scenes, like the performances (of mostly mediocre songs) at unusual places or the "try not to dance" party game. A charming movie, with a few slow parts and odd priorities, but overall still enjoyable.
Got to admit, I wasn't looking forward to this one. I got it as a buy two, get one free, this being the one free because there was literally nothing else I might watch that I didn't already have. I then stuck it in a drawer for about 6 months. Found it again tonight and didn't have much else to watch so decided it was time. What a pleasant surprise! I actually quite enjoyed it. Keira plays a young woman who's left her cheating boyfriend (played by the maroon 5 t%^t. Honestly, part of the reason I put off watching for so long). Writing songs makes her feel better and one night she is "discovered" by a troubled music executive. It's a nice movie with lots of singing from Keira (surprisingly her voice and the songs are really good). As well as her story, it follows the executive and his ex and teenage daughter and the difficult relationship they have. I liked the ending. I'm glad it didn't go the way it seemed to be going. Would recommend this one.
Blah.
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