Enter a Rotten Tomatoes movie slug to inspect the stored movie, batches, snapshots, and reviews.
Movie ID: 329
RT slug: power_ballad
RT URL: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/power_ballad
Release year: 2026
Runtime: 98 mins
Wide release date: —
Limited release date: 2026-05-29
Festival premiere date: —
Streaming release date: —
Tomatometer final: 88%
Audience score final: —
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Music, Musical
Directors: John Carney
Writers: John Carney, Peter McDonald
Producers: Anthony Bregman, John Carney, Peter Cron, Rebecca O'Flanagan, Robert Walpole
MPAA rating: R
Executive Producers: —
Created: 2026-05-18 16:25:56
Updated: 2026-06-03 22:30:33
When Rick, a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny 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.
—
Canonical reviews: 191
Canonical fresh: 168
Canonical rotten: 23
Canonical calculated Tomatometer: 88%
Latest snapshot UTC: 2026-08-21 16:25:09
Snapshot Tomatometer: 88%
Snapshot review count: 191
Snapshot fresh count: —
Snapshot rotten count: —
Source note: Imported from manual review paste batch #2974 (delta_update)
| Company | Role |
|---|---|
| Lionsgate | distributor |
| 30West | production |
| Distressed Films | production |
| Fis Eireann / Screen Ireland | production |
| Likely Story | production |
| Treasure Entertainment | production |
| Billing | Name | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Rudd | Rick |
| 2 | Nick Jonas | Danny |
| 3 | Jack Reynor | Mac |
| 4 | Havana Rose Liu | Marcia |
| 5 | Rory Keenan | Binzer |
| Batch ID | Status | Mode | Created | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 344 | processed | — | 2026-05-18 16:25:56 | Processed successfully into movie_id=329 using update_mode=merge_non_empty. |
| Batch ID | Local Snapshot | UTC Snapshot | Entered % | Entered Count | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2974 | 2026-08-21 11:25:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-08-21 16:25:09 | 88% | 191 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=191 reviews, 168 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.958%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (191 reviews, 88%). |
| 2752 | 2026-08-14 05:56:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-08-14 10:56:42 | 88% | 190 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=190 reviews, 167 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.895%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (190 reviews, 88%). |
| 2625 | 2026-08-06 12:17:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-08-06 17:17:56 | 88% | 189 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=2, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=2, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=189 reviews, 166 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.831%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (189 reviews, 88%). |
| 2403 | 2026-07-30 06:43:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-07-30 11:43:58 | 88% | 187 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=187 reviews, 164 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.701%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (187 reviews, 88%). |
| 2259 | 2026-07-22 16:25:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-07-22 21:25:14 | 88% | 186 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 5 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=5, fresh=5, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=5, fresh=5, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=186 reviews, 163 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.634%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (186 reviews, 88%). |
| 2146 | 2026-07-13 07:13:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-07-13 12:13:36 | 87% | 181 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=181 reviews, 158 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=87% (87.293%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (181 reviews, 87%). |
| 1937 | 2026-07-05 18:01:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-07-05 23:01:22 | 87% | 180 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 4 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=4, fresh=4, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=4, fresh=4, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=180 reviews, 157 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=87% (87.222%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (180 reviews, 87%). |
| 1768 | 2026-06-28 12:32:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-28 17:32:30 | 87% | 176 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 11 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=11, fresh=10, rotten=1, tomatometer=91%. Net new reviews added=11, fresh=10, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=176 reviews, 153 fresh, 23 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.932%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (176 reviews, 87%). |
| 1552 | 2026-06-21 07:02:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-21 12:02:17 | 87% | 165 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 7 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=7, fresh=6, rotten=1, tomatometer=86%. Net new reviews added=7, fresh=6, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=165 reviews, 143 fresh, 22 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.667%). Entered headline matched current canonical totals (165 reviews, 87%). |
| 1270 | 2026-06-13 17:50:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-13 22:50:43 | — | 158 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 8 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=8, fresh=8, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=8, fresh=8, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=158 reviews, 137 fresh, 21 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.709%). WARNING: delta batch had no complete entered headline values, so no rt_score_snapshot row was created. |
| 1134 | 2026-06-11 12:21:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-11 17:21:14 | — | 150 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 4 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=4, fresh=4, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=4, fresh=4, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=150 reviews, 129 fresh, 21 rotten, tomatometer=86% (86.000%). WARNING: delta batch had no complete entered headline values, so no rt_score_snapshot row was created. |
| 1089 | 2026-06-10 11:43:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-10 16:43:21 | — | 146 | processed | Mode=delta_update. Processed 6 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=6, fresh=4, rotten=2, tomatometer=67%. Net new reviews added=6, fresh=4, rotten=2. Current canonical totals=146 reviews, 125 fresh, 21 rotten, tomatometer=86% (85.616%). WARNING: delta batch had no complete entered headline values, so no rt_score_snapshot row was created. |
| 1024 | 2026-06-08 15:52:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-08 20:52:58 | 100% | 3 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 3 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=3, fresh=3, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=3, fresh=3, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=140 reviews, 121 fresh, 19 rotten, tomatometer=86% (86.429%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (3). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 1002 | 2026-06-08 09:12:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-08 14:12:18 | 100% | 1 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=137 reviews, 118 fresh, 19 rotten, tomatometer=86% (86.131%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (1). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 972 | 2026-06-07 09:03:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-07 14:03:29 | 100% | 3 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 3 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=3, fresh=3, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=3, fresh=3, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=136 reviews, 117 fresh, 19 rotten, tomatometer=86% (86.029%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (3). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 954 | 2026-06-06 10:28:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-06 15:28:47 | 89% | 9 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 9 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=9, fresh=8, rotten=1, tomatometer=89%. Net new reviews added=9, fresh=8, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=133 reviews, 114 fresh, 19 rotten, tomatometer=86% (85.714%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (9). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (89%). |
| 944 | 2026-06-05 15:19:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-05 20:19:40 | 67% | 3 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 3 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=3, fresh=2, rotten=1, tomatometer=67%. Net new reviews added=3, fresh=2, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=124 reviews, 106 fresh, 18 rotten, tomatometer=85% (85.484%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (3). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (67%). |
| 926 | 2026-06-05 10:57:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-05 15:57:09 | 71% | 14 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 14 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=14, fresh=10, rotten=4, tomatometer=71%. Net new reviews added=13, fresh=10, rotten=3. Current canonical totals=121 reviews, 104 fresh, 17 rotten, tomatometer=86% (85.950%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (14). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (71%). |
| 911 | 2026-06-04 14:50:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-04 19:50:21 | 67% | 3 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 3 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=3, fresh=2, rotten=1, tomatometer=67%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=2, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=108 reviews, 94 fresh, 14 rotten, tomatometer=87% (87.037%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (3). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (67%). |
| 896 | 2026-06-04 09:21:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-04 14:21:26 | 83% | 6 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 6 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=6, fresh=5, rotten=1, tomatometer=83%. Net new reviews added=6, fresh=5, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=106 reviews, 92 fresh, 14 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.792%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (6). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (83%). |
| 875 | 2026-06-03 09:48:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-03 14:48:35 | 100% | 2 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=2, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=2, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=100 reviews, 87 fresh, 13 rotten, tomatometer=87% (87.000%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (2). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 869 | 2026-06-02 15:26:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-02 20:26:38 | 88% | 8 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 8 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=8, fresh=7, rotten=1, tomatometer=88%. Net new reviews added=8, fresh=7, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=98 reviews, 85 fresh, 13 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.735%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (8). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (88%). |
| 849 | 2026-06-02 09:12:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-02 14:12:15 | 100% | 2 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=2, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=2, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=90 reviews, 78 fresh, 12 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.667%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (2). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 845 | 2026-06-01 16:53:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-01 21:53:24 | 50% | 2 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=1, rotten=1, tomatometer=50%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=1, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=88 reviews, 76 fresh, 12 rotten, tomatometer=86% (86.364%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (2). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (50%). |
| 819 | 2026-06-01 10:13:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-06-01 15:13:00 | 100% | 2 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=2, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=2, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=86 reviews, 75 fresh, 11 rotten, tomatometer=87% (87.209%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (2). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 791 | 2026-05-31 12:24:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-31 17:24:01 | 100% | 1 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=84 reviews, 73 fresh, 11 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.905%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (1). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 776 | 2026-05-30 09:43:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-30 14:43:21 | 75% | 4 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 4 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=4, fresh=3, rotten=1, tomatometer=75%. Net new reviews added=4, fresh=3, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=83 reviews, 72 fresh, 11 rotten, tomatometer=87% (86.747%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (4). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (75%). |
| 768 | 2026-05-29 17:12:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-29 22:12:31 | 80% | 10 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 10 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=10, fresh=8, rotten=2, tomatometer=80%. Net new reviews added=10, fresh=8, rotten=2. Current canonical totals=79 reviews, 69 fresh, 10 rotten, tomatometer=87% (87.342%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (10). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (80%). |
| 760 | 2026-05-29 13:25:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-29 18:25:10 | 100% | 5 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 5 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=5, fresh=5, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=5, fresh=5, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=69 reviews, 61 fresh, 8 rotten, tomatometer=88% (88.406%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (5). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 743 | 2026-05-29 08:59:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-29 13:59:31 | 75% | 8 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 8 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=8, fresh=6, rotten=2, tomatometer=75%. Net new reviews added=8, fresh=6, rotten=2. Current canonical totals=64 reviews, 56 fresh, 8 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.500%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (8). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (75%). |
| 738 | 2026-05-28 14:50:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-28 19:50:07 | 100% | 3 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 3 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=3, fresh=3, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=3, fresh=3, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=56 reviews, 50 fresh, 6 rotten, tomatometer=89% (89.286%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (3). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 732 | 2026-05-28 11:56:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-28 16:56:59 | 75% | 4 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 4 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=4, fresh=3, rotten=1, tomatometer=75%. Net new reviews added=4, fresh=3, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=54 reviews, 48 fresh, 6 rotten, tomatometer=89% (88.889%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (4). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (75%). |
| 719 | 2026-05-28 10:11:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-28 15:11:55 | 100% | 7 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 7 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=7, fresh=7, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=7, fresh=7, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=50 reviews, 45 fresh, 5 rotten, tomatometer=90% (90.000%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (7). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 697 | 2026-05-27 13:54:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-27 18:54:07 | 100% | 4 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 4 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=4, fresh=4, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=3, fresh=3, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=43 reviews, 38 fresh, 5 rotten, tomatometer=88% (88.372%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (4). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 692 | 2026-05-26 15:42:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-26 20:42:16 | 50% | 2 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=1, rotten=1, tomatometer=50%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=1, rotten=1. Current canonical totals=40 reviews, 35 fresh, 5 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.500%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (2). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (50%). |
| 679 | 2026-05-26 10:54:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-26 15:54:42 | 100% | 2 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 2 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=2, fresh=2, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=2, fresh=2, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=38 reviews, 34 fresh, 4 rotten, tomatometer=89% (89.474%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (2). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 660 | 2026-05-25 16:13:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-25 21:13:08 | 100% | 3 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 3 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=3, fresh=3, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=3, fresh=3, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=36 reviews, 32 fresh, 4 rotten, tomatometer=89% (88.889%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (3). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (100%). |
| 502 | 2026-05-19 08:31:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-19 13:31:39 | 88% | 1 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 1 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=1, fresh=1, rotten=0, tomatometer=100%. Net new reviews added=1, fresh=1, rotten=0. Current canonical totals=33 reviews, 29 fresh, 4 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.879%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (1). WARNING: entered tomatometer 88% did not match parsed batch 100%. |
| 476 | 2026-05-18 11:25:00 (America/Panama) | 2026-05-18 16:25:08 | 88% | 32 | processed | Mode=full_snapshot. Processed 32 row(s); 0 row error(s). Parsed unique reviews in this batch=32, fresh=28, rotten=4, tomatometer=88%. Net new reviews added=32, fresh=28, rotten=4. Current canonical totals=32 reviews, 28 fresh, 4 rotten, tomatometer=88% (87.500%). Entered review count matched parsed batch count (32). Entered tomatometer matched parsed batch value (88%). |
| ID | Critic | Outlet | Fresh? | Score | RT Time Raw | Approx Published UTC | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 248293 | André Didyme-Dôme | Rolling Stone en Español | Fresh | — | 2026-08-18T19:28:33.000Z | 2026-08-18 19:28:33 | John Carney remains one of the few filmmakers capable of capturing the unique emotion that arises when someone picks up a guitar, finds the right combination of chords, and discovers a truth about themselves. [Full review in Spanish] |
| 243274 | Kip Mooney | College Movie Review | Fresh | B+ | 2026-08-06T18:46:11.000Z | 2026-08-06 18:46:11 | A real crowd-pleaser with some excellent original tunes. |
| 232313 | Nicola Austin | Movie Marker | Fresh | 3/5 | 2026-08-05T08:55:59.000Z | 2026-08-05 08:55:59 | Despite Paul Rudd’s endearing performance and moments of genuine charm keeping Power Ballad afloat, an uneven script and scattershot tone prevent John Carney’s latest from reaching the uplifting emotional heights of his previous musical outings. |
| 232314 | Abhishek Srivastava | The Times of India | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-08-03T16:29:20.000Z | 2026-08-03 16:29:20 | ‘Power Ballad’ may not rank among John Carney's finest films, but it has plenty to admire. It brings together soulful music with thoughtful writing and performances that never ask for attention but earn it anyway. |
| 207185 | Sammie Purcell | Rough Draft Atlanta | Fresh | — | 2026-07-29T14:11:40.000Z | 2026-07-29 14:11:40 | ...Carney, whose previous work includes "Once" and "Sing Street," continues to prove that no one has quite as much of a grasp on musical dramedy as he does. |
| 196671 | Robert W. Butler | Butler's Cinema Scene | Fresh | B | 2026-07-21T19:04:35.000Z | 2026-07-21 19:04:35 | The tone Carney achieves here reminds a lot of Bill Forsythe, especially 1984’s “Comfort and Joy.” It’s a tightrope act that bends back and forth between mild comedy and real emotional pain. |
| 196672 | Sara Michelle Fetters | MovieFreak.com | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-07-20T06:52:59.000Z | 2026-07-20 06:52:59 | Power Ballad hits the cinematic charts with a bang. |
| 196673 | Sam Davies | Sight & Sound | Fresh | — | 2026-07-16T23:52:16.000Z | 2026-07-16 23:52:16 | Rudd lends a level of charisma and a paradoxically grizzled youthfulness that make Rick’s ambitions and idealism seem plausible. |
| 196674 | Jeffrey M. Anderson | Combustible Celluloid | Fresh | 3.5/4 | 2026-07-15T03:05:56.000Z | 2026-07-15 03:05:56 | The big surprise is that Power Ballad is not just a dude's movie. Without giving too much away, it turns into a delightful father-daughter story as well. It's a gem, a fine addition to any playlist. |
| 196675 | Dionar Hidalgo | Algo Más Que Cine | Fresh | 8/10 | 2026-07-15T01:08:57.000Z | 2026-07-15 01:08:57 | John Carney delivers another heartfelt crowd-pleaser. Powered by a wonderfully warm Paul Rudd performance, Power Ballad turns a story about a stolen song into a touching reflection on friendship, failure and what success really means. |
| 184009 | John Stark | Mac the Movie Guy | Fresh | 84/100 | 2026-07-06T20:50:12.000Z | 2026-07-06 20:50:12 | It may not be John carney’s greatest hit, but not every song on the album needs to be the single. Sometimes you just want something catchy enough that you’re still humming it on the way home. power Ballad does that. |
| 183511 | Valerie Kalfrin | AWFJ.org | Fresh | — | 2026-07-02T16:29:10.000Z | 2026-07-02 16:29:10 | a charming film that strikes a chord, much like a song that hits just right. |
| 183512 | Erik Childress | Movie Madness Podcast | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-30T21:46:38.000Z | 2026-06-30 21:46:38 | Carney’s film gets a little lost in a too manic and slapsticky middle act but Carney knows precisely how to utilize Rudd’s unending charm and the stellar song to bring the film to a worthwhile crescendo. |
| 183513 | Sean P. Means | The Movie Cricket | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-29T04:24:08.000Z | 2026-06-29 04:24:08 | What keeps "Power Ballad" energized is Rudd, who deploys his good-natured persona and brings just a bit of edge to it. He also, it turns out, has a passable singing voice. |
| 183514 | Graeme Tuckett | The Post NZ | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-28T18:38:53.000Z | 2026-06-28 18:38:53 | Power Ballad is a well put-together yarn. It is funny as hell at times, but there's a bit of grit and substance to it too. |
| 183166 | Marta Medina Pérez | mundoCine | Rotten | 2.5/5 | 2026-06-27T12:37:12.000Z | 2026-06-27 12:37:12 | It leaves a pleasant feeling while it lasts, but like those ephemeral summer hits, it ends up forgotten. It is no smash hit, and it is certainly far from being John Carney's best record. [Full Review in Spanish] |
| 183167 | Javier Ocaña | El Pais (Spain) | Fresh | — | 2026-06-26T18:15:32.000Z | 2026-06-26 18:15:32 | We need more movies like this: infectious, easygoing, genuinely charming. [Full review in Spanish] |
| 183168 | Belen Prieto | Espinof | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-26T17:02:45.000Z | 2026-06-26 17:02:45 | Although the tone is more sarcastic than in [John Carney's] previous films, it never loses the tenderness that so characterizes his work... [Full review in Spanish] |
| 183169 | Alise Chaffins | MacGuffin or Meaning (Substack) | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-25T13:54:49.000Z | 2026-06-25 13:54:49 | John Carney's latest film Power Ballad explores the tension between contentment and regret better than anything I've seen in a long time. |
| 183170 | Richard James Havis | South China Morning Post | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-25T13:38:24.000Z | 2026-06-25 13:38:24 | The filmmaker makes the complex mechanics of music rights palatable, entertaining viewers rather than lecturing them on copyright law. |
| 183171 | Megan Kearns | InSession Film | Fresh | B- | 2026-06-24T14:54:51.000Z | 2026-06-24 14:54:51 | It's a fine movie with a charming Paul Rudd who compels you with his absurd quest and he has a really great comradery with Peter McDonald. |
| 183172 | Gerardo Frías | Cine Premiere | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-23T18:52:00.000Z | 2026-06-23 18:52:00 | A journey of genuine emotions and the undeniable charm of connecting with ourselves. [Full review in Spanish] |
| 183173 | Gisela Savdie | El Heraldo | Fresh | — | 2026-06-23T13:58:03.000Z | 2026-06-23 13:58:03 | A modest, warm, and bittersweet film which reminds us that behind every success there are stories of sacrifice, renunciations and dreams that never completely disappear. [Full review in Spanish] |
| 183174 | Mark Jackson | Epoch Times | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-22T02:58:41.000Z | 2026-06-22 02:58:41 | "Power Ballad" feels like the comedic cousin of "A Star Is Born" mashed together with the gullible-bonehead brand of Rudd-centric comedies like "Knocked Up." It's fun. |
| 183175 | Tim Miller | Cape Cod Wave Magazine | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-21T23:37:44.000Z | 2026-06-21 23:37:44 | Often silly and contrived, but its heart is in the right place, as it considers, among other things, how a song can be extremely personal yet universal. |
| 183176 | Adam Kempenaar | Filmspotting | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-21T16:21:47.000Z | 2026-06-21 16:21:47 | You never doubt the sincerity of Carney’s movies and the earnestness of their emotions. But all of that crumbles if the music doesn’t deliver. |
| 182499 | Jefferson Everest Crawford | In Review Online | Fresh | — | 2026-06-19T00:34:27.000Z | 2026-06-19 00:34:27 | Power Ballad quenches a certain thirst we all might forget we have amidst a present cinematic landscape rife with heavy, self-serious cynicism. |
| 182500 | Terry Staunton | Radio Times | Fresh | 3/5 | 2026-06-18T20:36:01.000Z | 2026-06-18 20:36:01 | The subject matter could have been bitingly satirical, but instead settles into a fuzzy-round-the-edges bromance which, while undeniably engaging, might struggle to stay in the memory once the closing credits have rolled. |
| 182501 | Billie Anderson | Exclaim! | Fresh | 6/10 | 2026-06-18T03:52:48.000Z | 2026-06-18 03:52:48 | Even when Power Ballad feels lighter than its themes, Carney remains invested in making music emotional. |
| 182502 | Edwin Arnaudin | Asheville Movies | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-16T20:48:09.000Z | 2026-06-16 20:48:09 | A breath of fresh cinematic air in a fairly dark movie year. |
| 182503 | Marlon Wallace | The M Report (WBOC.com) | Rotten | — | 2026-06-16T20:34:51.000Z | 2026-06-16 20:34:51 | This is a film about songwriting and songwriters. Yet, there is no mention of professional songwriters... There is a whole aspect of music production and music recording that is simply ignored here. |
| 182504 | Tatat Bunnag | Bangkok Post | Fresh | — | 2026-06-16T18:08:38.000Z | 2026-06-16 18:08:38 | The story contains just the right amount of complication, heartache, and emotional conflict to motivate its characters without feeling forced. |
| 182505 | Ty Burr | Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack) | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-15T17:51:55.000Z | 2026-06-15 17:51:55 | Somehow, Carney has it both ways with the ending, giving Rick the resolution he doubtless would have in real life – and the graciousness to accept it – while giving the audience what they want as well. I was perversely impressed by that. |
| 167186 | Lynn Venhaus | PopLifeSTL | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-12T21:55:27.000Z | 2026-06-12 21:55:27 | And nobody is as perceptive about music’s redemptive impact. In his raw and real explorations, Carney has created authentic characters and original songs that meet the moments. |
| 167187 | Louisa Moore | Screen Zealots | Fresh | — | 2026-06-12T20:34:59.000Z | 2026-06-12 20:34:59 | This one feels like a filmmaker revisiting familiar territory rather than breaking new ground, but it’s still a warmly sincere and enjoyable dramedy about creativity, friendship, and ambition. |
| 167188 | Frank Wilkins | Reel Reviews | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-12T18:19:29.000Z | 2026-06-12 18:19:29 | Feels like a much funnier cousin to A Star Is Born, mixed with the friendship dynamics and comic energy of I Love You, Man" |
| 167189 | Prabhjot Bains | RANGE Magazine | Fresh | — | 2026-06-12T15:25:34.000Z | 2026-06-12 15:25:34 | Despite treading recognizable and easily predictable terrain, it unfolds as a joyous hang with endearing, conflicted characters who, much like Carney’s shtick, are seemingly past their prime. |
| 167190 | Christopher Cross | Asynchronous Media | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-11T20:46:22.000Z | 2026-06-11 20:46:22 | For as loudly sentimental as the film can be, it has a subtly profound impact that lingers well after the credits have rolled. |
| 167191 | Ruben Peralta Rigaud | Cocalecas | Fresh | — | 2026-06-11T20:18:06.000Z | 2026-06-11 20:18:06 | Driven by magnificent performances from Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, Power Ballad transforms a story about a stolen song into a poignant reflection on ambition, success, friendship, and dreams that never truly fade. [Full review in Spanish] |
| 167192 | Alison Gillmor | Winnipeg Free Press | Fresh | 3/5 | 2026-06-11T20:16:58.000Z | 2026-06-11 20:16:58 | Power Ballad is a lot like the musical showdown it chronicles, caught between raggedy indie grit and catchy, crowd-pleasing riffs. |
| 167193 | María Fernanda Mugica | La Nación (Argentina) | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-11T17:21:24.000Z | 2026-06-11 17:21:24 | Rudd's charming presence, Jonas's surprising competence, and the likability of a cast of Irish actors...make Power Ballad one of those films that provide a moment of happiness. [Full review in Spanish] |
| 156497 | Pablo O. Scholz | Clarín | Fresh | 4/4 | 2026-06-11T17:01:52.000Z | 2026-06-11 17:01:52 | It's more of a comedy than a musical, but when the dramatic elements are involved, both Rudd and Jonas are far from out of place [Full review in Spanish] |
| 156498 | Robin Clifford | Reeling Reviews | Fresh | B | 2026-06-10T20:15:58.000Z | 2026-06-10 20:15:58 | Paul Rudd owns the film and the actor, while starting to age, is also blossoming out as an thespian, not just "The Wasp." |
| 156499 | Josh Larsen | LarsenOnFilm | Fresh | 2.5/4 | 2026-06-10T17:45:35.000Z | 2026-06-10 17:45:35 | If you weren’t a dad before seeing Power Ballad, you’d likely be transformed into one by the movie’s end. |
| 156500 | Margot Harrison | Seven Days (VT) | Fresh | — | 2026-06-10T17:43:24.000Z | 2026-06-10 17:43:24 | Power Ballad has an irresistible hook. It’s rare these days to see a theatrical movie about unglamorous middle-aged people, let alone a middle-aged artist grappling with frustrated ambition. |
| 154549 | Armond White | National Review | Fresh | — | 2026-06-09T21:19:56.000Z | 2026-06-09 21:19:56 | Power Ballad is more than a tale of music-industry subterfuge -- it offers a study in humility and survival. |
| 154550 | Ruth Maramis | FlixChatter Film Blog | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-09T20:52:46.000Z | 2026-06-09 20:52:46 | Carney makes you ponder about music ownership and artistic integrity with this feel-good but poignant dramedy. Rudd easily steals your heart with one of his best, most grounded performances. |
| 154551 | Tori Preston | Pajiba | Rotten | — | 2026-06-09T20:05:04.000Z | 2026-06-09 20:05:04 | It’s just so kind, so generous toward both characters as artists that it can’t let them be messy, like… artists. |
| 154552 | M.N. Miller | InSession Film | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-09T17:44:37.000Z | 2026-06-09 17:44:37 | Rudd and Jonas shine throughout, with a wondrous finale delivering an emotional payoff that earns its encore. |
| 154553 | Tim Stevens | The Spool | Fresh | — | 2026-06-09T17:23:27.000Z | 2026-06-09 17:23:27 | Like the song at its center, it is a light affair. But if you sit with it for a moment, it packs a surprisingly resounding emotional punch. |
| 154554 | Sean Burns | Spliced Personality (Substack) | Rotten | — | 2026-06-09T06:07:45.000Z | 2026-06-09 06:07:45 | The movie is a lot like the song: a drippy little MOR ditty that’s not quite catchy enough to get stuck in your head. |
| 148516 | Paul Salfen | AMFM Magazine | Fresh | 8/10 | 2026-06-08T17:33:09Z | 2026-06-08 17:33:09 | It’s more of a cautionary tale than one of music bringing us together as with Carney’s previous films but it will still get to you and make you feel something. |
| 148517 | Annie Berke | The New Republic | Fresh | — | 2026-06-08T16:40:50Z | 2026-06-08 16:40:50 | Diverting but not unforgettable, Power Ballad is lovely—but would I wanna hear it again? |
| 148518 | Jon Negroni | InBetweenDrafts | Fresh | 7.5/10 | 2026-06-08T15:54:16Z | 2026-06-08 15:54:16 | Carney sets a trap baited with his own formula and springs something richer. A film about authorship that turns out to be a film about fatherhood, ambition, and the quiet arithmetic of a good life. |
| 145115 | Laura Clifford | Reeling Reviews | Fresh | B | 2026-06-08T13:52:18Z | 2026-06-08 13:52:18 | Best of all, Carney has found a deeply satisfying ending to his tale, one which will have you smiling as you leave the theater. |
| 141589 | Rachel West | That Shelf | Fresh | — | 2026-06-07T03:57:22Z | 2026-06-07 03:57:22 | An infectious story with an earworm of a tune running throughout, the Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas tale hits all the right notes. |
| 141590 | Mae Abdulbaki | RIOTUS | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-06T22:03:42Z | 2026-06-06 22:03:42 | With a filmography that includes the beloved Once and Sing Street, Power Ballad stands out among Carney’s best work. |
| 141591 | Andrew Parker | The Gate | Fresh | 7/10 | 2026-06-06T16:52:53Z | 2026-06-06 16:52:53 | Carney certainly knows how to make films that connect with audiences and songs that can immediately capture the ear of anyone who hears them in a movie. |
| 139310 | John Urbancich | JMuvies | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-06T14:57:04Z | 2026-06-06 14:57:04 | As in all of Carney's dream-chasing films, music becomes integral to the rich narrative. The title-driven "How to Write a Song Without You," sung by both Jonas and the surprising, voice-agile Rudd, might just have a Best Song nomination in its future. |
| 139311 | Thelma Adams | AARP Movies for Grownups | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-05T23:25:32Z | 2026-06-05 23:25:32 | Together, Rick and Danny can make beautiful music; Power Ballad finds the harmony, heartbreak and ultimate rocking redemption in their collaboration. |
| 139312 | Linda Holmes | Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) | Fresh | — | 2026-06-05T23:10:21Z | 2026-06-05 23:10:21 | This is a very good film about how important it is to creative people, to artists, to make something good. And how hard it is to convince yourself that you have made something good. |
| 139313 | Ray Pride | Newcity | Fresh | 8/10 | 2026-06-05T22:34:35Z | 2026-06-05 22:34:35 | All telegraphese and smiles... it’s fairytale as shapely entertainment... Rudd, he of the unimaginably wrecked portrait stored out back, runs through his understated starriness with kindly small joys. |
| 139314 | Ben Wasserman | Film-Forward.com | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-05T22:26:01Z | 2026-06-05 22:26:01 | Don’t go into the movie expecting a Social Network–style court battle or even a petty prank war. Instead, director John Carney is far more interested in exploring the kind of fulfillment his leads hope to find through songwriting. |
| 139315 | Matthew Koss | The Wandering Screen (YouTube) | Fresh | B | 2026-06-05T22:12:47Z | 2026-06-05 22:12:47 | John Carney is so invested in Paul Rudd's Rick’s wounded artist story that Nick Jonas' Danny sometimes gets flattened into a symbol of everything manufactured about pop music. |
| 139316 | Adam Graham | Detroit News | Rotten | C | 2026-06-05T21:46:09Z | 2026-06-05 21:46:09 | It's a quick pass at a pop song, but not one of Carney's greatest hits. Consider it a B-side, only for the superfans. |
| 139317 | Lindsey Romain | MovieJawn | Fresh | — | 2026-06-05T21:41:37Z | 2026-06-05 21:41:37 | "Goes down easy" is probably the best way to describe Power Ballad. Nothing much to complain about, but nothing much to remember, either. Which isn’t the worst thing. |
| 139318 | Rachel Wagner | Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) | Fresh | — | 2026-06-05T21:15:13Z | 2026-06-05 21:15:13 | It will make you feel good. A good story with a good song |
| 138482 | Alex Bentley | CultureMap | Fresh | — | 2026-06-05T19:12:57Z | 2026-06-05 19:12:57 | While Power Ballad has all the hallmarks of another great Carney music movie, it’s missing a few pieces that could have put it over the top. |
| 138483 | Rick Bentley | KGET-TV (Bakersfield, CA) | Rotten | C+ | 2026-06-05T16:17:43Z | 2026-06-05 16:17:43 | When the final notes are played for “Power Ballad,” the result is a composition that comes across more like a TV jingle than a gold record effort. |
| 138484 | Aaron Neuwirth | We Live Entertainment | Fresh | 6/10 | 2026-06-05T15:46:32Z | 2026-06-05 15:46:32 | There’s mostly a good time to be had based on the general attitude that typically makes Carney’s films so watchable. I just wish this one struck a different chord in its conclusion. |
| 136417 | Tristian Evans | Geek Vibes Nation | Fresh | 8/10 | 2026-06-05T15:07:34Z | 2026-06-05 15:07:34 | Power Ballad will strike an emotional chord with audiences |
| 136418 | Jonathan W. Hickman | The Newnan Times-Herald | Fresh | 6/10 | 2026-06-05T14:51:45Z | 2026-06-05 14:51:45 | The music still carries genuine power. This time, however, the drama struggles to keep pace. |
| 136419 | Pat Mullen | That Shelf | Fresh | — | 2026-06-05T14:13:24Z | 2026-06-05 14:13:24 | Like the best power ballads, the film soars by unabashedly tapping a sentimental sweet spot. |
| 136420 | Dustin Chase | Galveston Daily News | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-05T14:01:39Z | 2026-06-05 14:01:39 | John Carney delivers the ‘Ballad’ of summer. |
| 136421 | Stephen Silver | Splice Today | Rotten | — | 2026-06-05T12:24:52Z | 2026-06-05 12:24:52 | The film never finds the right tone for Rudd’s performance, it can’t decide on the stakes, and the song at the movie’s center sucks |
| 136422 | Russ Simmons | KKFI-FM (Kansas City) | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-05T03:38:47Z | 2026-06-05 03:38:47 | Rudd is as good as he’s been in years, and Jonas is solid in a role tailor made for him. "Power Ballad" is a rousing crowd-pleaser that’s filled with catchy music. |
| 136423 | Linda and Al Lerner | Movies and Shakers | Fresh | — | 2026-06-05T02:10:05Z | 2026-06-05 02:10:05 | Carney’s surprise twist doesn’t really surprise, but provides a heart tugging moment and a money shot. Despite contrivances, seeing likable Rudd and Jonas sing and spar together with the audience humming the pop song leaving the theatre, this duet worked. |
| 136424 | Radheyan Simonpillai | Globe and Mail | Rotten | — | 2026-06-05T01:14:26Z | 2026-06-05 01:14:26 | Power Ballad’s just a cute pivot for Carney, who spins cynicism around what the music industry is today into yet another crowd-pleaser, a lightweight Richard Curtis-grade comedy as superficial as the generic pop tunes the movie gently criticizes. |
| 136425 | Eric Marchen | Rogers TV | Rotten | C | 2026-06-04T22:54:40Z | 2026-06-04 22:54:40 | Walking a tonal tightrope between predictable dramedy and introspective character study, the impossibly charming Rudd gives grace to the otherwise corny creative conflict in Irish director John Carney's formulaic film. |
| 136426 | Robert Denerstein | Denerstein Unleashed | Fresh | — | 2026-06-04T21:51:57Z | 2026-06-04 21:51:57 | Whatever the movie's weaknesses, one thing remains clear: Carney still fuels his work with an infectious love for music and the people who make it. |
| 136427 | Katie Walsh | Tribune News Service | Fresh | 2.5/4 | 2026-06-04T20:46:40Z | 2026-06-04 20:46:40 | "Power Ballad" is so light, it feels like it might blow away with a puff of wind. The beat goes on, but this one just doesn’t have the staying power of Carney’s other hits. |
| 136428 | Kristian M. Lin | Fort Worth Weekly | Fresh | — | 2026-06-04T20:08:04Z | 2026-06-04 20:08:04 | Carney’s heroes believe in the power of music, and no lead actor of his has ever conveyed it better than Rudd. This, and not Ant-Man, is what we have him for. |
| 136429 | Richard Whittaker | Austin Chronicle | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-04T20:03:49Z | 2026-06-04 20:03:49 | In that emotional messiness, Carney makes the film resonate with that all-important drunken jamming scene, elaborating on what brought grunge-era rock hopeful Rick Power to this place, physically and emotionally. |
| 132681 | Richard Crouse | Richard Crouse | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-04T17:18:56Z | 2026-06-04 17:18:56 | Power Ballad uses music as a vehicle to tell a story of a desire for recognition and transformation but works best when it puts down the guitar to focus on the personal tale, and not just the chase for recognition. |
| 132682 | Frank Swietek | One Guy's Opinion | Fresh | B- | 2026-06-04T16:16:56Z | 2026-06-04 16:16:56 | Despite some implausibility and an unfinished feel, 'Power Ballad' remains a pleasurable and even thought-provoking film about inspiration and ambition in the music business, marked by two strong lead performances. |
| 131206 | Jim Slotek | Original Cin | Fresh | B+ | 2026-06-04T13:10:33Z | 2026-06-04 13:10:33 | Director John Carney mixes a little vinegar in the mostly sweet tale. Just a little, mind you, but enough for you to give a skunk eye to the next pop star you see. Power Ballad is a mix of feel-good, then feel-bad, then generally feel good again. |
| 131207 | Mike McGranaghan | Aisle Seat | Fresh | 3.5/4 | 2026-06-04T00:04:29Z | 2026-06-04 00:04:29 | Hits the exact right chord to leave you feeling uplifted. |
| 131208 | Charles Koplinski | Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam | Fresh | 3.5/4.0 | 2026-06-03T23:58:32Z | 2026-06-03 23:58:32 | Unashamedly romantic and sentimental, this is a poignant reminder that the lives we live are the songs we sing and if they are heard by those we love, that’s all the audience we ever need. |
| 131209 | Jake Coyle | Associated Press | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-03T23:37:13Z | 2026-06-03 23:37:13 | Even as the movie struggles to sustain its opening refrain, Carney’s film is always riffing on ideas of authenticity and aspiration in music. |
| 131210 | Monita Roy Mohan | Stereo Geeks (Podcast) | Rotten | — | 2026-06-03T23:29:48Z | 2026-06-03 23:29:48 | 2.5 Power Ballad could have been a captivating musical journey of friendship and betrayal, of dreams lost and found. Instead it plods to a stunning finish that feels great, but belongs to a better film. |
| 131211 | Christian Zilko | IndieWire | Fresh | B | 2026-06-03T22:24:16Z | 2026-06-03 22:24:16 | The film isn’t so bold as to suggest that it’s never too late to find fortune and fame in the entertainment industry. But it replaces those fantasies of overnight success with something richer. |
| 125916 | Randy Myers | San Jose Mercury News | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-03T13:21:55Z | 2026-06-03 13:21:55 | 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. |
| 125917 | Rob Thomas | Not That Rob Thomas (Substack) | Fresh | 2.5/4 | 2026-06-03T12:15:24Z | 2026-06-03 12:15:24 | "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. |
| 124702 | Christian Toto | HollywoodInToto.com | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-02T19:41:04Z | 2026-06-02 19:41:04 | 'Once' director finds magic in movie/music blend, but flaws emerge elsewhere. |
| 124703 | Bob Strauss | San Francisco Chronicle | Fresh | 3/4 | 2026-06-02T19:19:24Z | 2026-06-02 19:19:24 | 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. |
| 124704 | Tori Brazier | metro.co.uk | Fresh | 3/5 | 2026-06-02T17:45:48Z | 2026-06-02 17:45:48 | 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. |
| 124705 | Avi Offer | NYC Movie Guru | Rotten | — | 2026-06-02T17:16:59Z | 2026-06-02 17:16:59 | A mildly engaging and harmless, but sugar-coated, clunky and contrived drama. |
| 124706 | Wendy Ide | Observer (UK) | Fresh | — | 2026-06-02T17:16:51Z | 2026-06-02 17:16:51 | 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. |
| 124707 | Chris Wasser | Irish Independent | Fresh | 3.5/5 | 2026-06-02T17:16:35Z | 2026-06-02 17:16:35 | Too many caricatures threaten to spoil the mix, but Rudd...and Jonas...earn their keep. Despite its flaws, Power Ballad always finds a line, a joke or a melody to win us back. |
| 124708 | Tara McNamara | Common Sense Media | Fresh | 4/5 | 2026-06-02T16:59:36Z | 2026-06-02 16:59:36 | Rudd and Jonas prove to be an unexpected comic duet, bringing humor, heart, and heartache to a story that exposes how our creative output is truly a part of our being. |
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