Our take
Power Ballad is a feel-good music drama from Once director John Carney. Wedding singer Rick bonds with fading pop star Danny over a late-night jam, then watches Danny turn Rick's song into a hit. Rated R mainly for language throughout and some drug use. Expect midlife ambition, marriage strain, and a 14-year-old daughter in the mix. Music-loving teens who handle PG-13-plus language will enjoy it; it's not a kids' musical
Uplifting themes
Self-respect, collaboration, and owning your creative voice Rick fights for fairness; daughter and marriage anchor his values Light look at songwriting credit and the music business
Story (may spoil tone)
When Rick, a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny 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.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence No violence found in this title
No violence found in this title
Language R-rated language throughout in adult music-industry dialogue
R-rated language throughout in adult music-industry dialogue
Sex / nudity Romance themes; no graphic nudity in trade reviews
Romance themes; no graphic nudity in trade reviews
Drugs / alcohol Some drug use noted in R rating; wedding-party drinking context
Some drug use noted in R rating; wedding-party drinking context
Frightening No frightening found in this title
No frightening found in this title
Self-harm / suicide No self-harm found in this title
No self-harm found in this title
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons No gore found in this title
No gore found in this title
Dangerous behaviour No dangerous behavior found in this title
No dangerous behavior found in this title
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Midlife regret and creative frustration drive Rick's choices
Midlife regret and creative frustration drive Rick's choices
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Rick risks family stability chasing a dream that passed
Rick risks family stability chasing a dream that passed
Talk after watching
- Rick gave up arena dreams for family life. When is compromise healthy versus regretful?
- Danny uses Rick's song without permission. What does fair credit mean in art?