Full Breakdown
Power Ballad: A Musical Drama of Creative Ownership
6/4/2026, 8:52:02 PM
Plot Overview
John Carney’s latest film follows Rick Power (Paul Rudd), an American who fronts the Dublin wedding band The Bride & Groove. At a castle wedding, he shares a late-night jam with former boy-band star Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas). Weeks later, Danny releases the song as a global hit; Rick says he wrote it. Lacking a demo, his family and band doubt him, prompting a cross-Atlantic quest to confront Danny and reclaim credit.
Background & Context
Carney, known for films like *Once*, *Sing Street* and *Flora and Son*, returns to his theme of songs as emotional bridges.
Key Cast and Creative Team
The film is directed and co-written by John Carney, who also co-wrote the script with Peter McDonald (who appears as Sandy). Paul Rudd stars as Rick Power, with Nick Jonas as Danny Wilson; supporting roles include Marcella Plunkett, Beth Fallon, Jack Reynor, Havana Rose Liu, and songwriter Gary Clark, while Jonas contributed the track “Spectacular.”
Data & Statistics
The film runs 98 minutes (Seattle Times) or 108 minutes (AP), is rated R, opened June 4/5 2026, and earned ??½/4, 3/4 and 70/100.
Why It Matters
The plot echoes real-world song-ownership disputes like those involving Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and Post Malone, highlighting the emotional cost of uncredited creative work.
Official Statements & Responses
Carney said the story reflects his exposure to music-rights disputes and that he avoided a courtroom drama to focus on feeling. He called the film a question of whether a song can ruin a life. Rudd said he related to Rick’s hidden depression and the clash between public optimism and private doubt.
Criticism & Opposition
Reviewers called the film thin and underbaked, citing a formulaic plot, lack of a clear antagonist and improbable coincidences. The Seattle Times called the characters unrealistic; The Pitch noted an abrupt ending and underdeveloped side characters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list two runtimes (98 vs 108 minutes) and two opening dates (June 4 vs June 5). The wife appears as Marcella Plunkett’s role in some reports and as Rachel in others. The daughter is named Aja in plot summaries but credited only as Beth Fallon. No box-office data are given.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ.” — John Carney
- “We didn’t want to do a courtroom drama,” — John Carney
- “I mean, I don't think I'm completely like what people might think I'm like. I'm not just a happy-go-lucky dude,” — Paul Rudd
- “Anything to get lawyers laughing at the cinema,” — John Carney
What’s Next
Lionsgate plans a standard theatrical-to-streaming window; the film is expected to appear on a major streaming platform roughly four months after its U.S. theatrical debut, projected for early October 2026.
