What happens when a down-and-out music producer meets a talented young British singer in New York? We have the answers with our review of Begin Again.
Following on from his romantic hit Once, Director John Carney returns with a bigger budget, bigger stars and a bigger movie. Begin Again sees Mark Ruffalo play a music producer who is down on his luck. He lives in a rundown apartment, he drives an old Jag, he is alcohol dependant and he hardly gets to spend time with his teenage daughter. To make matters worse, he is kicked out of the music label he helped create by his partner Saul (Mos Def).
A chance happening sees Ruffalo enter a bar where a young British singer is performing – Greta (Keira Knightley). Of course, he is impressed by her and sets his sights on signing her to a record deal and changing both of their lives forever.
Music obviously plays a huge role in Begin Again. It has scenes of performing, scenes of dancing and just a fantastic soundtrack altogether. Yet it is not just about the music. Relationships play a major part too. Ruffalo has split with his wife and Knightley has split from her big star boyfriend (played by Adam Levine from Maroon 5). There is chemistry in the air and gives us a “will they, won’t they” scenario.
The performances in Begin Again are all top notch. Knightley and Ruffalo shine in the main roles, but they are backed up perfectly by the likes of Levine, Mos Def, CeeLo Green, Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfield. One surprise is how well James Corden did. He may be known from his television appearances and the film Lesbian Vampire Killers, but Corden puts in a fantastic performance as Greta’s friend and wannabe music star.
Begin Again may well be the feel-good film of the year and we at Screen Critix highly recommend its veiwing. It will make you sing, sway and nod with a bug smile on your face.
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