JOHN CARNEY CAN’T resist writing a love letter to the music of his youth, so it’s a good thing he’s brilliant at it.

The director of the critically-acclaimed films Once (2007) and Sing Street (2016) knows how to bring an Irish story to life.

For his latest project, Carney brought two singing and acting Americans on board.

Back in 2024, Hollywood stars Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd were spotted around Dublin, but they weren’t just on holiday. They were filming for Power Ballad, which comes out 29 May.

In the new film, a soft rock score carries Carney’s signature motifs: friendship, falling in love and following your dreams – once again, with some conflict between the three.

The story follows Rick Power (Rudd) a washed-up wedding singer who has a chance encounter with former boy band member Danny Wilson (Jonas).

After a drunken jam session, Danny steals Rick’s song, which catapults the pop star into new relevance, and Rick sets off on a mission to get the credit he deserves, learning about himself along the way.

Nick Jonas (left) and Paul Rudd (right)

The film is mostly set in Ireland. Rudd looks strangely at home in Crumlin, where his character settled with his Irish wife (Marcella Plunkett) after the wild touring days of his youth. 

The leads may be American, but the Dublin backdrop feels authentic (despite some very obvious product placement from Tayto). Dundrum Shopping Centre even sets the scene of a pivotal moment in the plot.

From key roles to cameos, the sheer volume of Irish actors cast should be applauded. Peter McDonald, Sophie Vavasseur and Rory Keenan act alongside fresh faces Beth Fallon, Naoimh Whelton and Marty Breen. 

Although Carney knows music, the soundtrack is not on par with his previous works. I can’t see people enjoying it outside the context of the film, but songs such as Dublin to LA make sense within the Power Ballad world.

Casting Rudd and Jonas was unexpected, but the pair must have been tempted by the touching script and a chance to show off their musical abilities.

Rudd embodies the music-loving dad who never quite made it, but still dreams big.

If you think playing a one-time A lister clinging to past success would come naturally to Jonas, you’d be right. His acting was effortless, and hearing his distinct voice on a Carney soundtrack was surprisingly enjoyable.

Jonas cut his teeth in a real life boy band, the Jonas Brothers. The family even had their own show on Disney Channel in the 2000s. Since then, he’s continued acting, starring in the Jumanji action movies.

In Power Ballad, the stand-out relationship is not between Rick and Danny, but rather between Rick and his friend Sandy, an eccentric guitarist and Dub. 

The lads are unashamed, gushy and refreshingly sincere. Toxic masculinity fears them.

It’s a joy to watch them navigate LA, where Rick seeks to confront Danny about the song, with the help of his loyal friend.

It’s one of those ridiculous movie expeditions, but their mishaps and victories seem realistic for such brave and charming characters.

As with all Carney movies, the ending is neat but profound.

Parents watching will no doubt connect with Rick, who owes much of his success to his daughter (Beth Fallon).

This film may not have you laughing out loud, but its sentimentality more than makes up for it.

Power Ballad is a must-watch for dads and anyone who needs a reminder to wear their heart on their sleeve.