Begin Again
(M) 104 minutes
4/5 stars
Who knew Keira Knightley's talents extended to singing?
The British actress has already made her mark on the movie scene (in Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, to name two) but Begin Again allows her to show off a sweet, melodic voice as singer/songwriter Gretta.
Gretta and pop star partner Dave (Adam Levine of US band Maroon 5) are living the dream.
While he is up on stage grabbing the glory, Gretta is happy to stay in the shadows and write beautiful music for him.
When fame gobbles up Dave, Gretta is left behind and forced to start over.
With only old friend Steve (James Corden) to call upon, Gretta sinks to an emotional low.
That is until washed-up music producer Dan (Mark Ruffalo) hears her playing in a bar.
And so a beautiful partnership begins.
Dan vows to make her a star in her own right and the pair take to the streets of New York to record an album.
As Gretta finds her recording feet, Dan begins to rebuild the life that fell apart when his wife left him.
With a teenage daughter he barely knows, Dan would like to get his working life and family back to a functional level.
The parallel journeys of redemption for Gretta and Dan through their music are a lot of fun.
They both have a lot to offer — if they can put their past behind them.
As success starts to come their way, Dave returns and wants his girl back, throwing Gretta in a spin.
She must decide if she wants an old future or a new future.
There is plenty to like about Begin Again.
Set in on the streets of New York, there is a realism about the story but it is the music that adds the wow factor.
We are treated to a number of songs that bring real meaning to what we are watching.
All we have to do is sit back and enjoy.