Can a song save your life? Potentially. As long as no one takes it from you first.

In Power Ballad, Paul Rudd plays Rick Power, a past-his-prime wedding singer who performs radio hits at public functions to pay the bills. However, things change when he randomly encounters Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading boy-band star, at one of his performances. As the two bond over music, their late-night jam session together allows Rick to play his greatest unwritten tune for Danny before they go their separate ways. But, when Danny claims the song as his own and turns it into a mega-hit, Rick is incensed and sets out on a quest to get the recognition he believes he deserves.

It’s hard to put into words the joy that one receives from Power Ballad. While Carney’s work is often fueled by a sense of positive energy, there’s simply something special about this musical tale of a mid-life crisis. Stepping into the tale of Rick’s personal breakdown, Carney immerses the viewer within a sense of optimism, even when the characters are at their lowest points. While Carney’s body of work has been hit and miss with me, Ballad sings with such infectious enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but be swept away by its simplicity and sweetness.

Much of the film’s success is derived from the purity of its performances. Leading the charge is a delightfully manic performance by Rudd who plays Rick with an earnest obsession. Though he’s happy at home, there’s still a piece of his character that yearns for the spotlight. There’s a certain sense of validation that he seeks from performing live, especially for his own music. Playing in a wedding band helps scratch the itch but Rick still believes he’s destined for more.

As Rick, Rudd is given the opportunity to lean into both his charm and his dark side. Yes, Rick is absolutely endearing and we empathize with his situation. Even so, Rudd slowly lets him slide into his more unhinged tendencies as things begin to spiral. It’s a fascinating—and complicated—balance to maintain but Rudd keeps them in tension with one another.

But, maybe, the most important performance here lies with Jonas. Admittedly, as Danny, he doesn’t have to stretch himself that much as a performer. But maybe that’s why it feels so honest. As the former lead of an aging boy band, the story of Jonas’ Danny could very easily be his own. Fans demand his pop-y sensibilities but he wants desperately to show them something more himself.

Something more real.

And Jonas taps into his personal experiences to make Danny feel more fully fleshed out rather than resort to some form of parody. After all, this is a man who takes the music of another person and claims it as his own. Yet, even in the midst of all the chaos, Danny never entirely becomes the baddie. We despise his choice but still feel for his situation in a way that somehow still keeps his humanity.

And that tension is exemplified in both men. Within the situation, there is very clearly a sense of right and wrong. However, Carney lets each actor explore the darker corners of their character. In doing so, we see them less than heroes and villain and more for their humanity. There’s an imperfection in everyone that comes to the forefront in unexpected ways.

And that makes them relatable.

After all, at its core, Power Ballad is really a film about being ‘seen’. Whether it’s onstage in front of millions or at home with your family, these are characters who simply want to be told that they’re good enough when everything is stripped away. They want to be real but the music industry machine often prevents them from fully doing so. As a result, they fight and claw to prove themselves (and, frankly, their worth) against a world that wants to look for the next ‘big thing’. Amidst the conversations surrounding creative expression and ownership, it’s this battle that’s truly the greatest mountain for these characters to climb. And frankly, it’s the most compelling as well.

In the end, Power Ballad may not be on anyone’s Top 10 films of the year and it’s possible that it gets lost in this summer’s dogpile of superheroes and animated creature. But let it be said that this may be one of the year’s funniest and most heartwarming films. And it’s certainly more than worthwhile allowing it to sweep you away in theatres.

Power Ballad is available in theatres on Friday, June 5th, 2026.