Begin Again ~ Film Review

by: Uel Ceballos

The moment I heard Gretta (Keira Knightley) sang in the beginning of the movie, all melancholy and on the verge of her tears, I'd sensed that I would love this movie from start to finish. I wasn’t wrong. Begin Again was as positive as its title implied. What could be any better than standing up again after a fall? Picking the pieces of you and putting them together was something to inspire you from this movie.

The musicality of the film served as its main lifeblood. With the superb soundtracks and soulful voices of the casts, one could never resist the promising musical experiences that it had to offer. Not to mention the successful chemistry of the leads, Begin Again would make for everybody’s favorite musical drama.

The screenplay was fairly written with no blasting twist or heart-stopping climax, but it delivered a clear plot that was both smile-engaging and dream-inspiring. Mark Ruffalo played his role effectively as a drunkard record label executive, with his dreamy eyes always on the lookout for a potential artist. However, this was the main problem because Dan Mulligan (Ruffalo) hasn’t signed any new artists from the past seven years – and he was now sacked from the music label that he co-founded. Portraying the loser guy and the struggling drunkard, Mark Ruffalo hit it with his combo words and sluggish eyes. So wasted was his appearance that Gretta wasn’t convinced at once that this guy could make her into a star. Keira Knightley did a great job, wearing the character of simplicity as she played Dave Kohl (Adam Levine) girlfriend and songwriter. Adam on his part, I could say that he still got more than what he'd shown nonetheless his performance wasn't bad at all; his charisma was so compelling that his presence counted for those awe-inspiring moments in the film. <3

Aside from its deeply moving music, Begin Again had with it the kind of story that pulled the heartstrings of its audiences. Despite the anticipated fate of a drunkard musician (Dan) and a plain and simple songwriter (Gretta) with a celebrated singer boyfriend, the way they dealt with their mishaps made all the differences. These two lost souls crossed their path and started making a beautiful music together. One would wonder if in the midst of this music creation, a much deeper relationship has developed. Now that would be something to look into. :) 

Begin Again wasn’t just centered on the musical exhibition of its singing casts. It touched as well the theme on family and parenting, which made the film all the more successful for its romantic-comedy, musical drama approach. It wasn’t just about realizing and holding on to your dreams but it also spoke of family responsibility. This film had everything on it to line among the feel-good, soul stirring movies of the year – plus Adam Levine casting certainly added lavish charms on it!

For this film as gorgeous as its casts and soundtracks, 8 Espresso Shots!