Begin Again (2014) Movie Review

Pirates of the Caribbean 12

Anyone that knows me knows I love movies about music. It's my musical theatre upbringing. If I can find a reason to be singing after a movie, it's a good thing. Hence why I watch all the Disney movies. And I loved Inside Llewyn Davis. I love music. Can I sing? Yes. Is it good? ..No, it isn't. I'm not a good singer. But whatever. I don't need your judgement. Anyways, it's rare that I watch a movie and have a big stupid grin on my face through most of it. But that's just what Begin Again, the latest effort from writer/director John Carney, does so damn well to me.

Dan (Mark Ruffalo) is an executive working at a popular record label. But the thing is, he hasn't brought in a good act in years, and is kind of a mess of a human. Gretta (Keira Knightley) is a songwriter who has lost the inspiration that made her good, and has reached the end of her rope living in New York. One night Dan hears Gretta at an open mic and loves her songs and knows he can turn it into something special. And so they agree to work together, and start the journey of trying to make a record.

Ruffalo and Knightley are both excellent in the lead roles. Dan is the type of guy who you know cares about the music, but has become tired and jaded. He loves music, but hates what the music industry has become. And it's a testament to Ruffalo's performance that we can sense everything he is feeling, as Dan keeps trying to build himself up again. Knightley, who I have admittedly never been a big fan of, is equally as good. Performing all the songs herself, she brings a natural vulnerability to Gretta that instantly makes you root for her, despite how she may sometimes act. Gretta is someone who believes in herself, but isn't sure anyone else does, and Knightley does a fantastic job bringing out her subtitles

The supporting cast is also very good. James Corden, who I'm pretty sure is my white counterpart, as Gretta's friend Steve brings the right amount of levity to scenes and is the supportive fat friend we all love to have. Adam Levine is also surprisingly quite good as Dave, Gretta's boyfriend, who is a big time musician working on his big follow up album. Then there's Hailee Steinfeld and Catherine Keener as Dan's daughter and wife, who he is currently not living with, but who both clearly need him. Both actresses are their reliable best, especially Steinfeld. And then there's Cee-Lo Green, who I'm pretty sure is my black counterpart, as a rapper named Troublegum, who owes his whole career to Dan. Classic Troublegum.

John Carney, who also wrote and directed the always wonderful Once, gives another movie that feels totally believable. He creates fully formed characters, who have their own traits and lets them live in this world. The fact that he makes you invest in these characters and root for them is something that is totally underrated nowadays. Yes, he probably could have directed a couple of scenes better. The opening scene I didn't find particularly well done, actually. But the film plays out in a way that feels natural and honest, and never tries to trick you or cop out. I think this is due to Carney's work. Also, go see Once on Broadway. I heard the show is really good.

Ultimately, Begin Again is a movie that rewards you for investing in its characters. It's a film that is partially about redemption, but also about finding your place in the world. Because sometimes, what you think of yourself, and what the truth is, are two completely different things. Also, did I mention I love movies with singing? Right. Now let me annoy my roommate with my raspy dungeon troll voice.

Grade: A