Review: Begin Again

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Can a song save your life?

A record exec, Dan (Mark Ruffalo) hasn't been having the best of times. He's just lost his job, he's an alcoholic. He's estranged from his wife and young daughter (Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld) when he's out drinking at a bar, he overhears a singer/songwriter playing at an open mic night. She's Greta (Keira Knightley) who is new to NYC and doesn't fall for Dan's immediate bullshit about signing her and making her change who she is. She's also fresh out of a break up with a rising start, Dave (Adam Levine, who surprisingly doesn't suck) Instead, they collaborate on an album together. They record live in various places throughout New York City, in hopes that Dan's former label mate will like her music and sign her right away.

I loved Dan and Greta's friendship. They don't fall in love and run away together. They help each other when they both needed it the most. That felt really unique compared to so many other things out there today. It's nice to see two leads not turn into a romance. They definitely had a few "will they, won't they" moments, but it isn't important.

Director John Carney brought us a beautiful musical film, Once, back in 2006 and this film has a similar formula. Two compelling leads, beautiful music, and such a touching story. This was an absolute joy to experience. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "I wasn't trying to win you over, I was telling you to fuck off." - Greta (Keira Knightley)

Comments

  1. Zach MurphyJuly 29, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    Nice review. I really enjoyed this film, and I completely agree that it was good to see this not turn into a typical romance.

    ReplyDelete
  2. m.brownJuly 29, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    Really looking forward to this one. I feel ashamed that I've never seen Once...so, I guess I'll start here. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 29, 2014 at 4:07 PM

      Thanks! Once is lovely. One of the reasons I love the Oscars so much is because I would've never heard of Once without them winning for Best Original Song.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJuly 29, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    I can't wait to see this! Once was such a beautiful film. Looks like Carney knows what he's doing (so maybe he should make more movies!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 29, 2014 at 4:06 PM

      He should. He definitely finds a nice balance between film and music.

      Delete
  4. s.July 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM

    I really need to see this one. And Once finally. They really seem so lovely and Ruffalo and Keira seem to have adorable chemistry.

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    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 29, 2014 at 4:06 PM

      They do! Both are great films, but I think I give this one the edge for Ruffalo and Knightley's performances.

      Delete
  5. UnknownJuly 29, 2014 at 7:46 PM

    This sounds terrific! I need to check out Once too.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 30, 2014 at 9:14 AM

      I hope you get a chance to see them and enjoy them both!

      Delete
  6. UnknownJuly 30, 2014 at 4:53 AM

    Great review! I really can't wait to see this. I adore Keira Knightly and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Mark Ruffalo as I've only seen him in a couple of films so far.
    - Allie

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 30, 2014 at 9:13 AM

      Mark Ruffalo has really grown on me over the past few years. I wasn't really a fan until I saw The Kids Are All Right.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014 at 10:57 AM

    This sounds like something I'd enjoy! I love films with two leads who don't get together. Really glad you liked it, and great review! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. JoshJuly 30, 2014 at 6:30 PM

    Woo hoo! Glad you loved it too! I really hope "Lost Stars" gets an Oscar nomination at the very least.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJuly 31, 2014 at 6:41 AM

      That one was very good! All of these songs were, but that's definitely the most "put together" one we heard.

      Delete
  9. Andrew K.August 3, 2014 at 8:39 PM

    ANNA KARENINA was just a year and a half ago and yet I feel like I haven't seen Keira on screen for so long so I'm so excited at the good notices this has been getting. I can't wait to see her luminousity on screen again.

    ReplyDelete

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