Begin Again *** (2013, Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo) – Movie Review

Keira Knightley stars as English singer-songwriter Gretta who goes to New York with her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) when he lands a deal with a major label.

But the manipulative Dave is unfaithful, naturally rattling Gretta, who then meets Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label executive who stumbles upon her performing unappreciated on a small East Village barroom stage and is captivated by her raw talent. This tentative chance encounter builds to a relationship and eventually leads to a promising collaboration that proves a life-changer for both parties.

Writer-director John Carney’s melancholic, bitter-sweet, world-weary drama is set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City. It’s not as good as Carney’s similar Once (2006), but it is still good away.

Ruffalo romps away with the acting honours, with the much less experienced Knightley trailing, though she’s still good enough. The same’s true of her singing. In truth, she’s a bit of a round peg in the square hole of Manhattan and she doesn’t really convince as a tormented, soulful singer-songwriter. Probably originally cast Scarlett Johansson would have fitted the bill better.

Still she and the film are likeable and diverting, and Begin Again would be worthwhile just for Ruffalo’s turn alone. James Corden adds reliable laughs as Gretta’s sympathetic pal Steve, while Hailee Steinfeld as Ruffalo’s bitchy teen daughter Violet and Catherine Keener as his ex Miriam are useful cast members too.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Movie Review

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