Who knew Paul Rudd could sing, and with Nick Jonas? Rudd as a wedding singer/songwriter, with Jonas as a boy band singer wanting a more mature image, actually have some chemistry. Writer/Director John Carney (Once, Flora and Son, Sing Street), with co-writer Peter McDonald has them play well off each other blending comedy, engaging characters and infectious, hook-filled music written by the director himself with Gary Clark. There’s good chemistry between Rudd and Jonas as scene partners.
Rick (Rudd), is a washed-up wedding band singer of a band called “The Bride and Groove.” His big dream was to someday play Madison Square Garden as a famous singer/songwriter. But when he married a girl in Dublin, family, including their cool daughter Asia (Beth Fallon), became all important. But he makes a living doing wedding gigs all over.
When Rick’s band plays a wedding in a fancy castle in Dublin, fading boy band star, Danny, (Jonas) is called to the stage to perform and welcomes Rick to join in a rousing rendition of the Stevie Wonder song “I Wish” which brings down the house. Bumping into each other later, they engage in a late-night jam session in Danny’s opulent suite where they drink and drug working on songs together. Rick plays one that he wrote. Impressed, Danny joins in, recognizing talent, and gives him a special gift.
Rick goes back to Dublin and Danny flies back to go head-to-head with his hard-ass L.A. manager Mac (Jack Reynor – Flora and Son, Midsommar) wanting to resurrect his career with something fresh. When Danny plays Rick’s song for his ladylove Marcia (Havana Rose Liu – Tuner, Lurker), she is mesmerized thinking it’s a song for her. Danny wants to record it. Mac says no. But Danny goes ahead and plays it during his concert, and the crowd goes crazy. Of course, he records it.
When Rick hears his song played walking around a shopping mall, he gets excited until realizing Danny gets credit for it. Crushed, he flips out, and decides decides to take band mate Bernie (Paul Reid) with him to LA to confront Danny and Mac.
There are some obvious contrivances the audience has to accept from the director to advance this story. For instance, no way could a regular working stiff just walk into the Dublin airport and in L.A. immediately get 2 tickets for a concert and walk right up to the stage. Then, find out where Danny lives for the exclusive Hollywood after party, girls and all., resulting in contentious conflict.
Rick goes home with his tail between his legs to his adoring family who become all important again. At critical moments, Carney makes Rick and Danny be somewhat shallow with obvious goals. Can Rick recover? Will Danny do the right thing?
Carney’s surprise twist doesn’t really surprise, but provides a heart tugging moment and a money shot. Despite contrivances, seeing likable Rudd and Jonas sing and spar together with the audience humming the pop song leaving the theatre, this duet works.
Lionsgate 1 hour 38 minutes R
