Begin Again ****

Once writer-director John Carney’s latest soul-searching drama set in New York initially sounds clichéd and egocentric, a sort of smug music set pandering to a trendy elite of snobbish music aficionados. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and the soundtrack grows on you as the characters’ and their search for acceptance do. This mish-mash of personalities really does compliment each other on their musical journey, making you back them on their endeavours.

Drunk and disgraced music exec Dan (Mark Ruffalo) stumbles upon a bar after one of the worst days of his life to find British songwriter Gretta (Keira Knightley) singing her song to a less than enthusiastic crowd. Her best friend Steve (James Corden) decides it’s the right thing for her to do following a break-up with rising star and now ex Dave (Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine). Dan is won over, and tries to win Gretta around to the idea that he can produce her, but Gretta’s not into being commercial – the route Dave has taken. The pair come up with the idea of recording an album on the streets of New York, a project that helps them both get back on their feet, professionally and personally.

Carney gets his casting pitch perfect, with Ruffalo giving one of his finest and most absorbing performances of his career yet as a broken Dan, a contradiction of emotions but passionate about bringing good music to the masses. Tinged with warmth, spirit and good humour, as the story progresses, Knightley’s rather guarded Gretta blossoms, with each character bringing out the best in each other through music. Knightley doesn’t give anything remarkably different from her usual prissy self in such a role but there is a noticeable change in maturity of character here that better suits her in this genre. Even Levine is highly commendable in his debut role opposite Knightley in some emotional scenes, while Corden tones down the cheeky chappie bit, again, finding thoughtfulness to his character rather than ploughing ahead in full comedic throttle.

It’s perhaps the film’s adoration of authentic ‘street music’ and the enthusiastic and enjoyable performances – Keira does sing in this – that will stick with you. This passionate drama has a cracking soundtrack worth catching. Ironic, considering the rest of the story is a well-worn one from the Big Apple about a hotchpotch of people trying to ‘find their way’. Carney does well to keep the focus on the music and not on the usual romance. In this sense there is something slightly unique to Begin Again for those wanting a little zest injected into the genre and some musical numbers that get you in the street party mood.

4/5 stars

By @FilmGazer

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