Power Ballad

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1:48

Power Ballad

R

In Theaters Jun 5

1h 38m

Comedy

Drama

Music

Musical

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

100 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.

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In Theaters Jun 5

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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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John Carney

Director

Paul Rudd

Rick

Nick Jonas

Danny

Jack Reynor

Mac

Havana Rose Liu

Marcia

Rory Keenan

Binzer

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

6h

3/4

Power Ballad isn’t as consistent as “Once,” “Sing Street” and “Flora and Son” but as with all of Carney’s films have a big heart and a huge capacity to champion the unsung.

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Bob Strauss

San Francisco Chronicle

1d

3/4

When it all washes out, “Power Ballad” is another Carney tribute to how music can change our lives, just absurdly hilarious and meaner about it.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

1d

Self-deprecating, rumpled but immediately likable, Rudd is a great fit for Carney’s brand of disarming comedy. And while he’s not the greatest singer in the world, you suspect he could hold his own at karaoke.

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Rob Thomas

Not That Rob Thomas (Substack)

7h

2.5/4

"Power Ballad," a crowdpleaser with engaging performances from one of the most affable actors working today and from a bonafide pop star, somehow doesn’t seem destined for repeat plays.

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Christian Toto

HollywoodInToto.com

1d

3/4

'Once' director finds magic in movie/music blend, but flaws emerge elsewhere.

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Tori Brazier

metro.co.uk

1d

3/5

If you’re hoping for an out-and-out comedy, Power Ballad will be a disappointment. But as a more grown-up and subtle drama in parts, it quietly impresses – especially thanks to Rudd’s turn as a slightly awkward musical wannabe, and Nick Jonas.

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See A Lot

3d

A very good and enjoyable movie

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ingrid Fernandez

3d

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

3d

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

4d

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

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Simkn W

@Symon 14h

This movie has bucked a trend as it has a good start an excellent middle and a fine ending. A great story told in a sympathetic way with real feeling and depth. It is a very enjoyable movie with many highs and lows. With a solid likeable cast. 9/10 for me.

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Thomas R

@RT32867660 16h

Terrible movie. For a Paul Rudd movie you would expect funny and light hearted. It is NEITHER of those things. Here’s my issues with it: 1. Definitely NOT a comedy (or dramedy as has been mentioned previously). More of a total downer movie. Blue collar singer meets famous guy for a night and famous guy steals his song. Famous guy in typical fashion has no remorse and takes all the credit. Rest of movie the guy is fighting to get recognition for it. Really not funny at all. Just mostly sad and pathetic. 2. Annoying as hell. The terrible song he steals gets sung over and over and over throughout the movie. Has to be about 25 times. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad but the song is just god awful. Not funny awful. Just annoying and terrible. Its almost like the director really thought it was a good song and that it could be a hit in real life. By the end I was ready to shove a metal kebab skewer through my ears. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!

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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): Jun 5, 2026, Wide
Runtime: 1h 38m