Pleasant Surprise

Rating: 7/10 (9 March 2015)

Whether or not you're a big music fan, I think Begin Again will be an enjoyable watch. It's actually not what I thought it would be. I expected more of a sappy romantic comedy with a whole bunch of music plugs for famous artists. Sure, there are a few of those, but it never takes away from the film in general. Plus Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo have great chemistry together.
Ruffalo plays a washed up alcoholic record label manager. He has had his fair share of family issues and career obstacles but he has enough friends to keep him around a little longer. Knightley plays a woman grieving over her the recent break up with her boyfriend (Levine) and just hopes people hear her songs the way she hears them. The chance encounter between the two at the bar sparks an unlikely friendship and many cool songs. They decide to start a band that records their songs independently and outside in New York City. It's a pretty cool idea to have all the ambient sound in the background which gives you a true city life experience. Apparently it is Knightley singing in all these songs which is good to hear, though most have been edited in the studio. I think it would have been even better if they filmed and recorded these songs ACTUALLY outside during production of the movie. It would have given it such a natural feel to it.
The film goes back and forth between Gretta's rebuilding of her life since her break up, and Dan's trouble reconnecting with his daughter and ex-wife. I liked this approach, but I do think it would have benefited more if it focused on the band and the relationship between Dan and Gretta. I didn't find the Adam Levine story to be interesting at all, in fact I think it was a pretty poor effort. But when you break the film down and realize it does what it set out to do, which is telling a story about two people who need new beginnings in their lives. It's a sweet and harmless tale that most people can enjoy.
+Fascinating idea
+Chemistry between our leads
+Feel good film
+Catchy songs
-Could have actually recorded outside
-Levine's storyline
7.3/10