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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.
All Critics (158) | Top Critics (46) | Fresh (130) | Rotten (28) | DVD (1)
John Carney is not afraid of a cliche. After all, Begin Again is a musical, a genre that has always thrived on them. And he does know how to shape them to his own design, which is low-key and slightly tongue-in-cheek. Aug 4, 2014 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
John Carney is not afraid of a cliche. After all, Begin Again is a musical, a genre that has always thrived on them. And he does know how to shape them to his own design, which is low-key and slightly tongue-in-cheek.
Sandra Hall
The trouble with this movie -- aside from its lack of visual wonder and musical shape -- is that you don't trust its priorities. Jul 16, 2014 | Full Review…
The trouble with this movie -- aside from its lack of visual wonder and musical shape -- is that you don't trust its priorities.
Wesley Morris
Another sappy but engaging musical fable from the Irish writer and director John Carney, who made "Once." Jul 14, 2014 | Full Review…
Another sappy but engaging musical fable from the Irish writer and director John Carney, who made "Once."
David Denby
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. Jul 12, 2014 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
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.
Christy Lemire
This soulful outing is sure to please music lovers. And isn't that everyone? Jul 11, 2014 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
This soulful outing is sure to please music lovers. And isn't that everyone?
Mara Reinstein
Begin Again is a not-entirely-successful movie about not selling out; it's a theme that must concern Carney deeply. Jul 11, 2014 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…
Begin Again is a not-entirely-successful movie about not selling out; it's a theme that must concern Carney deeply.
Kate Taylor
It ultimately passes the authenticity test with flying colors, however, due to strong, heartfelt performances and well-written tunes that dovetail perfectly into and out of Carney's script. Apr 1, 2019 | Rating: 7.5/10 | Full Review…
It ultimately passes the authenticity test with flying colors, however, due to strong, heartfelt performances and well-written tunes that dovetail perfectly into and out of Carney's script.
Bernard Boo
They have good chemistry, and you really come to like the characters. Knightley shows that she's a decent singer too. Jan 31, 2019 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
They have good chemistry, and you really come to like the characters. Knightley shows that she's a decent singer too.
Micheal Compton
It's a friendly little indie displaying some fine performances and a clever storytelling style, even if its musical tastes are far more conventional than they should be for the characters. Jan 11, 2019 | Rating: B | Full Review…
It's a friendly little indie displaying some fine performances and a clever storytelling style, even if its musical tastes are far more conventional than they should be for the characters.
Abbie Bernstein
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. Nov 2, 2018 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…
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.
Debbie Baldwin
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. Aug 28, 2018 | Full Review…
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.
Molly Templeton
The story captures you from the opening scene. Aug 21, 2018 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
The story captures you from the opening scene.
Pamela Powell
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.
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