A fading pop star nicks a tune from long-time wedding singer, Paul Rudd, which is his cue to score his own form of revenge in a tuneful, feelgood tale, called Power Ballad.
Directed and co-written by Irish filmmaker, John Carney, you know it’s gonna be big on emotion and music, because his film hits include Once and Begin Again, both crowd-pleasing music-led stories.
Now, there’s little doubt what a film titled Power Ballad is about, and it sure sounds like a hit to us, but how did it land with our Cineworlders at the Unlimited screening? Were they humming all the way home or wishing they could turn the volume down on the earworm… We spotlight their reviews to see which ones give us the tingles.
If we’re in danger of preaching to the choir, head straight to the booking button and secure your spot when the film’s released on 29 May.
From their comments on X, it sounds like Power Ballad hit all the right notes, and stayed with the likes of Charlie long after the lights went down.
Funny and very sweet, Paul Rudd is always incredibly charismatic, I need the soundtrack out asap cause the songs are already stuck in my head
— charlie (@chazzer63) May 19, 2026
There’s nothing quite like seeing an unexpected gem midweek at the cinema, just ask Aaron.
Absolutely loved it, it’s brilliant. Well worth a trip to the cinema on a Tuesday evening.
— AaronMannion (@AaronMannion89) May 19, 2026
Ah… Paul Rudd. There’s a lot of love for this man. He gives us all the feels. Is there a more likeable star to come out of Hollywood?
Well worth the trip out, Paul Rudd is great fun and the musical performances are enjoyable and believable, deserves to do well.
— Peter Sisson (@velvetcactus198) May 19, 2026
Probably my surprise film of the year
— Popcorn for One🍿/Emily (@Popcorn_For_One) May 19, 2026
I will be humming that song for a long time
Rudd found his spark again as well
Absolutely great. Who knew Ant Man could sing! Looking forward to the inevitable stage show!
— John Cove 🎈 (@JCODon) May 19, 2026
You’ll be leaving a viewing of Power Ballad with more than a popcorn bucket full of good feels. Tune up your ears for a song that’s gonna live rent free in your head long afterwards.
A fun & emotional film that delves into the importance of authorship and what it means to lose it. It delved into wealth, both the monetary and priceless kind. The eponymous Power Ballad "How to Write a Song Without You" is a real ear worm, I'm going to be humming it for weeks!
— Joseph (@JCarroll1515) May 19, 2026
Loved it so much addicted to the song just pre saved it
— Life Of Matt (@livelifehappy92) May 19, 2026
Enjoyed that, found myself singing the song in the car on the drive home 😁
— thefilmcritic (@thefilmcritic1) May 19, 2026
Actor and real-life musician Nick Jonas struck a chord as a fading boy band with musical magpie tendencies.
3/5, solid head to head battle. Rudd v Jonas was compelling
— Imran Sheikh (@indieimmy) May 19, 2026
And the final word to Cineworlder Rory who gives a top tip for watching the movie.
Really emotionally moving and well-written, with great music and beautiful visuals. Would recommend people go into it knowing as little about the plot as possible!
— Rory (@rory_john14) May 19, 2026
So practice your warm-ups, flex your plectrums, and get ready for a heartfelt sing-off – book your tickets for Power Ballad, out 29 May.
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