Begin Again (2014)

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Dan: That's some song you got there. I promise you it could be a big hit. Plus you're beautiful.Gretta: I'm sorry, what's beauty got to do with anything?This is the first exchange between Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley's characters in this story about flawed lives intertwining with a backdrop of music. This film centers around Gretta (Knightley) a young singer-songwriter who is new to Manhattan and Dan (Ruffalo) a music-business executive who both meet each other at pivotal moments in their life. Gretta who recently broke up with her rising star boyfriend Dave Kohl (Adam Levine) and Dan who had recently split from his partner lean on each other. With a little bit of help from her friend Steve (James Corden), who steals certain scenes with his witty humour. (Side note: James Corden will be making his mark on Late Night by replacing Craig Ferguson on The Late Late Show soon).Begin Again questions the music industry as a whole, while showing you someone who is a sellout and one who is in it for the love of music. There came a point when it was no longer about the art form, but about the money that could be made. The industry will check you up and spit you back out again given the chance at an extra buck. Dan and Gretta butt heads on this topic many times throughout the film. Dan wants to make Gretta into a hit maker while she just does it for her own pleasure. This film will make you fall in love with music all over again. The film may be about life and relationships, but this feels like a love letter to music from writer/director John Carney. Songs written specifically for the film show the depth of music and is used as a way to communicate and express one self. Knightley's soothing voice backed by a great melody will make you want to hear it over and over again.If this film doesn't get a nomination for original song it should receive acting nods for Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo's performance as a alcoholic finding his way to become a good Father is mesmerizing, while Knightley's performance is one of her best. Two actors who you would never think would go together, have an onscreen chemistry casting agents only dream of.

I was changing channels, there was nothing playing on the other station. So I literally had no idea what I was getting into, or what I had missed.Oh look, it's Mark Ruffalo ordering some bourbon in a bar. He doesn't even care what label. He looks like he doesn't care when he last changed his underwear. His ears perk up as a pretty singer begins her song. He's immediately rapt while he drunkenly stands before her, waving arms about. We hear what he hears: a violin plays, drums come in, a guitar plays while she sings. Now he has a reason in his being, he is inspired.After her song is finished, they converse a while. It turns out he's a disgraced A&R producer who has hit bottom and he wants to bring her music to life. She's naturally skeptical, but he manages to convince her. And in a moment of clarity, he tells her of his idea of how to bring this about.There is a kind of sadness in this movie, where everyone has had their rock-bottom moment, but participation in the project lifts everyone to a new level. The music is heart-felt. The performances by the cast are right on and enjoyable. Here's hoping you enjoy this as much as I did.

One of those rare films where the two lead characters actually don't hook up and live happily ever after. The Hollywood glitz and generic script have been brushed aside to create a refreshing romance full of musicality. A songwriter and music producer have the worst day ever, and by chance meet at a bar to which they set out to create an album. Pointing swords towards the bland pop music of today, the film's theme of authenticity and originality is prominent in every scene. Not just in the music, but also in love. Greta discovers her rock star boyfriend is cheating on her and rejects her for fame and fortune. Dan struggles adjusting to modern music (which he pretty much detests...I can see why!) and is fired from his job. So yes, a bad day indeed. Then comes the third act which overcomes the boring romantic comedy formula by not falling in love! No long kiss in the rain, just one genuine heartwarming stare of kindness and admiration. An absolutely charming film, I must say. What does help is the music. It's pleasant to listen to and will probably be downloading the soundtrack. Boasted by vocals from Adam Levine, James Corden and Keira Knightley. Emotionally charged and full of reflection. A very unusual cast though. Knightley and Ruffalo are electric, charismatic and pretty much perfect. Then we have Adam "Your Sugarrrr...Yes Pleaseeee" Levine who can actually act, but most importantly can sing. Followed by Cee Lo "Forget Youuuuu" Green who should've had way more screen time. James Corden, Hailee Steinfeld and Catherine Keener are just underused which is a shame because they all felt so natural. The script on the whole was decent, a good combination of wit and humour to keep the atmosphere light hearted. The more emotionally involved scenes may not be executed brilliantly, but I'm sure if you have some emotion you will feel connected to the moment (not me...I'm heartless). Also admired the non-linear narrative structure in the first act. An infectiously feel good flick.

A lovely, warming tribute to all those (hundreds of thousands?... millions ?...) of artists, musicians & composers, blessed with that wonderful God-given true gift of deep understanding and sensing of music... and who, however, don't quite 'make it' in this business... Firstly, the music score is awesome, you just have to listen and you're hooked forever... The growing chemistry between Ruffalo & Knightley characters is sweet and helps the plot to overcome some inevitable, typical clichés. I'm not at all a fan of movies about musicians and bands, but this one is absolutely nonesuch thing. It simply is a movie about friendship, trust and what human inter-relationship should be about. Setting is also excellent. Dear Scarlet J, sorry but... opportunity missed...