Begin Again (2014)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
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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Cast
as Gretta
as Dan
as Violet
as Dave
as Miriam
as Steve
as Troublegum
as Saul
as Jenny
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Critic Reviews for Begin Again
All Critics (151) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (123) | 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.
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.
You can't really blame writer-director John Carney for trying, but despite a few very nice moments, this bigger, slicker follow-up mostly argues that Once should have been enough.
Audience Reviews for Begin Again
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.
Super Reviewer
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.
Super Reviewer
Begin Again Quotes
| Steve: | I defy you not to dance to this song! |
| Dan: | How do people drink this stuff? |
| Dan: | Musicians for the most part are monosyllabic teenagers who really don't have a whole lot to say. |
| Gretta: | Are you really an A & R man? You look more like a homeless man. |
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