Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas strike all the right chords in Power Ballad, a hilarious and deeply moving film that celebrates the magic and power of music.
Every once in a while, a movie comes along and catches you completely off guard. You walk into the theater expecting a fun, lighthearted comedy – especially with a duo like Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas – but you walk out feeling like your soul has been cracked wide open in the best way possible. That is exactly what happened to me with Power Ballad.
I knew going in that both leads had the musical chops and the comedic timing to pull off a great show, but I was not prepared for the sheer emotional depth of this story. I laughed my butt off, I cried my eyes out, and I left the theater reminded of why we go to the movies in the first place.
At its core, Power Ballad is a love letter to the power of music. As someone who truly lives for that communal experience – a self-proclaimed concert girlie who finds magic in live performances regardless of who is on stage – this film spoke to me on a profound level. There is a specific feeling that takes you over when a hit song resonates with a crowd. Everyone singing along in a packed venue, at the top of their lungs, is an experience that always means something to me.
It highlights how music can affect individuals and entire communities simultaneously. One lyric can mean something completely different to every person in a room, yet that same song is the very thing uniting them. John Carney has a gift for capturing this musical magic on film, and while he has given us masterpieces before, Power Ballad might genuinely be his best work yet.
The chemistry between Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas is, in a word, phenomenal. We see them initially as opposites: Paul Rudd plays Rick, a past-his-prime wedding singer just trying to get by, and Nick Jonas portrays Danny, a fading boy-band star desperate to reignite a spark. Their early interactions are filled with the kind of sharp, laugh-out-loud wit you’d expect, but it’s the quiet moments that really anchor the film.
There is one particular scene where they are just hanging out in a room, having a late-night jam session. They’re cracking jokes, but then they start getting deep, talking about their emotions and the vulnerabilities that come with being an artist. It is easily one of the best scenes in the film. It felt so authentic. It doesn’t come off as a movie moment, but rather a real glimpse into a budding friendship of two artists who truly have a love of music.
Nick Jonas brings a truth to his role. Playing an ex-boy band member trying to find his solo footing is something he obviously has personal experience with, and that sincerity shines through in every frame.
However, the film isn’t just about the music. It is also a vital story about kindness, respect, and the importance of giving credit where it’s due. When Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into a career-saving hit, the tension that follows is handled with nuance and care. It’s about more than just a paycheck for him. It’s about the betrayal of a shared bond and the fact that this song meant to smuch to him.
I cannot talk about Power Ballad without giving a massive shoutout to Peter McDonald. He co-wrote the film with Carney and stars as Rick’s best friend and bandmate. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I usually roll my eyes when writers cast themselves in their own projects – often, they just don’t do the role justice. But that is the complete opposite here. Peter is incredible. He is the perfect counterpart to Paul’s character, and their portrayal of a long-term, grounded friendship is one of the most refreshing things I’ve seen on screen in a long time.
Watching Power Ballad in a packed theater at SXSW 2026 reminded me why the theatrical experience is irreplaceable. You simply don’t get that same energy watching a movie on your phone or sitting alone on your couch. Being in a dark room with strangers, feeling the bass of the soundtrack in your chest, and collectively sobbing at the finale – that is the communal experience this movie celebrates.
Honestly, I tried to wrack my brain to find even one small negative thing to say about this film, and I truly cannot. It moved me deeply, and by the time the credits rolled, I was a total sobbing mess. It is funny, it is heartfelt, and it is a soaring reminder that music is the universal language that keeps us all connected.
About Power Ballad
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.
Power Ballad played at SXSW 2026.
NEXT: SXSW 2026: 20 Films That We Cannot Wait To See
Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas strike all the right chords in Power Ballad, a hilarious and deeply moving film that celebrates the magic and power of music.
-
10
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.