Likable actors try to save this drama, but the story gets a little lame, quickly predictable and lacks real empathy for the characters. However, for the musical soundtrack and those utterly idealistic fans of both Keira Knightly and Mark Ruffalo, it’s perfect. Targeted at mostly women, Begin Again is now on DVD/Blu-ray with a couple of good bonus features.
Gretta (Keira Knightley), a budding songwriter, has been in a romantic relationship with Dave (Adam Levine) a college friend and singer for some time. However with her relationship on the rocks with Dave we find Gretta playing her guitar and singing in a local bar at the request of her friend Steve (James Corden). Dan (Mark Ruffalo) a former owner of a recording company has become a lost soul, who has split with his partner Saul (Mos Def), separated from his wife Miriam (Catherine Keener) and makes drinking his hobby. Their two worlds are about to collide at the bar and opening an avenue for the two to recover from their tailspins.
Director and writer of Begin Again, John Carney spools out his film with initial flashbacks. Through this device he develops his actor’s roles to reveal where each of the main characters stands at the time of their first meeting. He then turns the camera on Knightley and Ruffalo as they make strides in getting themselves back in the swing of things toward a better future. Along the way he infuses some twists, musical numbers and relationship adjustments that fit nicely into the story.
The acting by the whole cast is good with a shining unpretentious performance by Hailee Steinfeld as Violet, Dan’s 16-year-old daughter. Playing the middle person between Dan and Marium’s separated debacle, she’s developed an edgy lifestyle; wearing inappropriate clothing and attracting the wrong crowd. Steinfeld’s acting triumph in this film lies in a performance that doesn’t get overshadowed by superstars Ruffalo and Knightley and making her character as important to the plot.
As for the downside Begin Again gets easily predictable, very little chemistry between actors and unfortunately Knightley’s vocal range is nil. The lyrics to the songs and the melodies are terrific, but even with back-up beyond just her guitar playing, Knightley doesn’t fit the mold. Adam Levine has to save the main song “Lost Stars” by performing a pop rendition and making it a hit.
BONUS FEATURES:
“The Making of Begin Again” takes you through the process of the production and other facets of the film. I really like their presentation of the filmmaking process and it’s a nice change from other mostly hollow video extras some of the Blu-rays of late.
“Lyric Music Videos” four songs are featured here, three by Keira Knightley and one by Adam Levine.
The presentation of the film in full screen on my 16×9 HD television is extremely good. I’m a big fan of the either 1.78:1 or 1.85:1 Aspect ratios that fill the whole screen. Staging, lighting and special effects are all good and I didn’t notice any distortion whatsoever.
As for the sound quality of the Blu-ray, I found it unproblematic using the DTS-HD Master Audio. Turing up my assisted speakers gave the musical soundtrack a wider range. In most cases however, just TV speakers alone gives the film good dialogue levels.
Begin Again has been rated R by the MPAA for language. There are scenes of inappropriate alcohol use and one of drugs. It has a good theme showing that you should not give up on your dreams and changes in your lifestyle can be corrected. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Keira Knightly, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, James Corden, Hailee Steinfield, Catherine Keener, Mos Def,
Director: John Carney
MPAA Rating: R for language. Also has a scene of drug use
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Running Time: 1 hr 44 min
Video Release Date: 10-28-2014
Original Film Release Date: July 11, 2014
Language: English
Format: Blu-ray (also available in DVD)
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16×9, Aspect Ratio full screen 1.78:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc + digital HD Ultraviolet
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
