How can you possibly go wrong with a movie about the New York recording industry, featuring a cast that includes Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Adam Levine and Ceelo Green? Especially when it’s written and directed by John Carney, best known for his poignant hit about modern day Irish street performers, Once? Although Begin Again is a bit contrived and overwrought in places, the film hits all the right notes.

A kinder, gentler, Inside Llewyn Davis, Begin Again tells the story of a writing and performing couple new to New York. While Dave’s (Adam Levine) career skyrockets, Gretta’s, (Keira Knightley) falls flat, mostly due to her unwavering ideals. She finds herself looking up at the gutter, until washed up music producer Dan (Mark Ruffalo) takes a unique  interest in her. It’s a poignant journey of emotional and professional failure, fortune and fame, woven adroitly together with fine, original music.

For the most part, the film avoids stereotypes, surprising us with delightful twists in plot and character. Carney leaves plenty of room for speculation and personal interpretation, rather than shouting the obvious and tying it up with a nice, pretty bow and a race to the airport or a wedding. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and your movie-going companions by who cheers “Kiss her!” and who cheers “Don’t kiss her!” Regardless of your sentiments, the one thing you’ll have in common is that you’ll probably race to download the very pleasing soundtrack once you leave the theater.

Rated R

104 Minutes

Watch my review of Begin Again on the PBS Film review show Just Seen It

http://youtu.be/47ckZ-g6OCM