"Begin Again": Music, Drama, and The Tug of Heart Strings

  

 A few weeks back there was this movie that opened to a limited amount of theaters prior to making a wide release. I happened across the trailer online one day, watched it and thought "Eh, looks okay." My wife saw the trailer and said "Oooh, Adam Levine is in it!" So we finally had to time to check it out and it wasn't that bad. In fact, it was better than I thought and overall quite enjoyable. I'm talking about the John Carney film "Begin Again", starring Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley and Maroon 5's front man Adam Levine. "Begin Again" is heart-warming, funny, and true to itself. It's a story about love, loss, and inspirational rebirth; uplifting you as it tugs at your heart strings.


   The story follows Dan (Ruffalo), a music producer struggling to find new, fresh talent to sign. His partner Saul (Mos Def), aware of these struggles, introduces Dan to the life of an unemployed producer after firing him for disrupting an important business meeting. Dan's drunken response to his ousting leads him to a chance meeting with Gretta (Knightley), who while performing an original song in a bar, inspires Dan out of his slump and into an interesting friendship and partnership as they work together to make an album. Both characters have baggage; Dan with his employment issues and his constant struggles with maintaining a relationship with his daughter Violet (Hailee Steinfeld), and Gretta fresh off a break up with her long-time boyfriend/music partner turned global rock star Dave (Levine). It's this baggage that ultimately leads Dan and Gretta to each other in the first place and is key in their development.

   The chemistry between Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley is jubilant. Dan and Gretta's relationship is a blossoming one and it's really fun to watch as they venture all throughout New York, recording their songs among the comings and goings of the bustling Big Apple. In contrast to Gretta's relationship with  Dave, which is sappy then awkward, it makes for interesting drama. Overall the entire movie is a sappy story that is also equally infectious and joyful. Where the strength of the film lies is in the musical numbers that are included. You can tell there's a level of concise production value to them. They are as crucial to moving the story forward as the dialogue or any other plot device.

   The movie is a joyous, funny, charming, provocative, moving little film. The cast is great, even Adam Levine portrayed a level of acting that I was unaware of, which just shows that the guy is talented in more ways than one. Of course, his singing performances in the film were great. If you haven't seen it yet, "Begin Again" is a great date movie. My wife mainly wanted to see it because Mr. Levine was in it, yet afterwards she said she really enjoyed it overall. From a guy who likes everything he sees, I guess you can take her word for it...this time.