BEGIN AGAIN. Pleasant film filled with enjoyable sounds

The movie screening of Begin Again is coming to an end. The last song fades out, the theater lights brighten. After leaving the cinema, there’s coffee and a brief discussion about impressions. The opinions are positive: good music, a decent concept. However, this album has only one real hit – Mark Ruffalo. The rest serves its purpose well as accompaniment. Each character gets their moment to shine, but for the most part, they remain in the background.

To be clear, the film is a success. Carney has created a light, pleasant film filled with enjoyable sounds and sprinkled with “coolness.” It avoids being overly saccharine, giving it an effortless charm. It’s the story of a songwriter (Knightley) who, at a crossroads in her life, catches the attention of a struggling music producer (Ruffalo).

The story progresses in a clear and predictable way. This isn’t a problem because such films aren’t watched for their plot. The girl, named Greta, accompanies her boyfriend as he embarks on a burgeoning music career. It’s worth noting that Dave is played by Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5. When his career takes off and he leaves for a tour, Greta patiently waits for him. But when he returns, it turns out that fame, glamour, and easy girls have taken precedence over love. After their breakup, a devastated Greta stays with a friend (James Corden), who takes her to his concert at a local venue. It’s here that the paths of the main characters cross. Dan (Ruffalo), listening to Greta as she’s reluctantly pulled onstage, finds this the only bright spot in an otherwise miserable day—he’s been fired, has financial and drinking problems, and struggles with his ex-wife (Catherine Keener) and daughter (Hailee Steinfeld). Drunk, he listens to Greta’s performance. The song itself isn’t extraordinary, but Dan sees tremendous potential in it (this scene is the most creatively staged in the entire film). After the concert, he approaches Greta, offers to promote her, and inundates her with ideas. Though initially skeptical, Greta eventually agrees to Dan’s proposal.

From this point on, the plot takes a backseat, giving way to a musical journey through New York City. Penniless, at crossroads, burdened with life’s experiences—but full of ideas and boundless energy—the two decide to record an album on the city’s streets. Narrow alleys, rooftop spaces, parks—they become their stage, with all the accompanying city ambiance. Between songs, subplots about Greta’s ex-boyfriend and Dan’s family play out in the background. All elements are gracefully presented, flowing smoothly across the screen. At times, the actors seem genuinely amused, and the script doesn’t lack humor (especially in Dan’s interactions with the world around him).

Gregg Alexander, the film’s composer, excels. Both the songs performed on the streets and those accompanying the characters off-screen effectively build the atmosphere. When needed, it’s intimate and nostalgic, and overall, it’s quite good. The soundtrack feels ready-made for listening, perhaps during a trip. Hiring a professional musician like Levine was also a smart move—his vocal performance far surpasses his acting. On the other hand, Keira Knightley presents an opposite case. While audiences are accustomed to her acting (with both highs and lows in her career), her vocal performance is mediocre. The vocal shortcomings are less noticeable in the songs themselves, and overall, they sound good. Greta is a likable character, though her gaunt features may cause some concern.

Mark Ruffalo steals the show. Without him, the film would simply be average—lacking magnetism and chemistry—a full-length music video at best. Dan’s character ties all the others together, interacting with each of them, and is immensely compelling and convincingly crafted. Ruffalo is highly authentic as the washed-up producer who, despite numerous life failures and complications, retains his sharp eye for talent. He skillfully balances his relationships with Greta, his wife, and his daughter. During the recording scenes, his passion, creativity, and enthusiasm for his work shine through. Unfortunately, the supporting cast is somewhat sidelined—Catherine Keener has very little screen time, which is a shame. Hailee Steinfeld as Dan’s daughter appears more often and performs fairly well. It’s hard to say whether her understated acting is due to the script or the need for more refinement, but the final result is decent.

Begin Again is an excellent choice for a movie night in good company. The screening doesn’t drag, it’s enjoyable to watch and listen to, and leaves you in a good mood. It’s unlikely to become a film you revisit years later. A one-time experience, but in that category, it ranks very highly.