Rotten Tomatoes
Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Power Ballad

Play trailer 1:15 Poster for Power Ballad Comedy Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 21 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) 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. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.

Critics Reviews

View More
Zachary Lee RogerEbert.com 3d
3.5/4
It reminds us that there’s a difference between knowing lyrics in your head and treasuring a song in your heart. Go to Full Review
Angie Han The Hollywood Reporter 6d
Like the catchiest pop hits, it’s a little bit familiar, a little bit unexpected and utterly, thrillingly satisfying. Go to Full Review
Owen Gleiberman Variety 6d
What makes “Power Ballad” a terrific film is how much we believe this story. Rudd makes Rick a fully felt presence, a gifted musician with a dad-rock swagger. Go to Full Review
John Fink The Film Stage 2d
It leans into the natural chemistry of its leads while exploring the cost of stardom, ownership, and identity within the music industry. Go to Full Review
Sean Boelman FandomWire 2d
7/10
Its sincere heart shines through in the script, performances, and music in a way that you can’t help but love. Go to Full Review
Nathan McVay HeyUGuys 3d
4/5
Power Ballad has all the makings of a crowd-pleasing hit. From the opening frame to the end credits, the smile never left my face. Power Ballad might just be the feel-good hit of the year. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Movie Info

Synopsis When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) 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. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.
Director
John Carney
Producer
Anthony Bregman, John Carney, Peter Cron, Rebecca O'Flanagan, Robert Walpole
Screenwriter
John Carney, Peter McDonald
Distributor
Lionsgate
Genre
Comedy, Musical
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 5, 2026, Wide