What we flagged
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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. It is rated M mainly for language throughout and some drug use. Midlife ambition, marriage strain and a 14-year-old daughter sit in the mix. Music-loving teens who can handle strong language will enjoy it; younger kids will find it too adult.
Uplifting themes
Self-respect, collaboration and owning your creative voice come through as Rick fights for fair credit on his song Rick fights for fairness when his song is stolen, while his daughter and marriage help keep his values grounded A light look at songwriting credit and how the music business can blur who owns a hit
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.
Details
Violence No violence found in this title
No violence found in this title
Language R-rated language runs throughout the adult music-industry dialogue, whi…
R-rated language runs throughout the adult music-industry dialogue, which is the main reason this sits above a kids' musical
Sex / nudity Romance themes run through the story without graphic nudity, so intimac…
Romance themes run through the story without graphic nudity, so intimacy stays mild beside the language and drug content
Drugs / alcohol Some drug use is noted in the R rating, and wedding-party drinking sits…
Some drug use is noted in the R rating, and wedding-party drinking sits in the adult music-world scenes around Rick and Danny
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 shape Rick's choices, giving th…
Midlife regret and creative frustration shape Rick's choices, giving the drama adult emotional weight without a clinical focus
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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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?
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Power Ballad
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