Power Ballad (2026)

Paul Rudd plays an affable musician whose dreams of being a rock star are relegated to performing in a wedding band. By chance encounter, he meets a struggling former boy band member (Nick Jonas), whose impromptu jam sesh leads them to clashing over the ownership of a song. Like the rest of John Carney's music-driven filmography, it's a charmingly Irish comedy-drama with original songs and raw, honest performances that are enjoyable to the end.

3½ hit singles out of 5

You're Cordially Invited (2025)

Two families book the same island retreat for a wedding weekend and hijinks ensue. One half of the wedding party is young and hip, while the other is older and stuffy, so the sparks fly when they get together. The story isn't very deep, but everyone is so sweet and good-natured, you don't really mind so much. I laughed out loud a lot, which is really all that counts when it comes to a comedy. I kept trying to poke holes in the flimsy plot, but it ultimately won me over with its charming performances. It's not a great movie by any means, but there are a lot of fun moments that tie it all together. It's one of those movies I'm sure I would have enjoyed even more if I wasn't watching it alone.

Also, I spent this entire movie thinking that Meredith Hagner was Kate Hudson.

3 inappropriate daddy-daughter duets out of 5