Tuesday 15 July 2014

Film: 'BEGIN AGAIN'

This turned out to be a most satisfying watch. I probably wouldn't have bothered with it (the trailer wasn't particularly interesting) were it not that I recall how captivated I'd been by the same director's (John Carney) 'Once' of 2006. In fact there are a number of storyline features in common with the earlier picture, and if this one doesn't quite rise to the heights of the other it was a formidable hurdle to jump. But definitely pleasing, nevertheless.


Keira Knightly once again shows what a major acting talent she is, getting better at every appearance.
Here she's a singer/songwriter in New York, now performing her songs alone in noisy bars (courtesy of friend, James Corden) after her composing partner and boyfriend has found another female muse. She's heard on chance by slobby, drinking, dishevelled, separated Mark Ruffalo (his ex, Catherine Keener), recently self-ejected from the recording company where he works as executive. He recognises Knightly's talents and wants to publicise her by means of his contacts with his former firm. (Here Mr Rrrrrrrrruffalo is as an attractive piece of 'rough/ruff' as one is ever likely to see - though, speaking personally, I could well have done without that seemingly endless supply of stinky, black cigs he's always puffing on. Yuk!) He also has a 14-year old daughter with a knowing, rebellious attitude whom I also found oddly attractive. (No not in that way!)
There's a greater number of songs one might have expected, and which I did find surprisingly appealing for the most part. Miss Knightly has a very capable voice; though firmly in today's style it's one of those where I feel that a little more projection would have improved it. With a hastily convened supporting group consisting of keyboards, guitar, drums, violin and cello, some of the songs are performed and recorded alfresco at various city locations. (The setting for one of the climactic numbers reminded me of the Beatles' rooftop performance in 'Let It Be').

I was half-expecting that a romance would develop between the two leads, but all I'll say is that the main romantic focus remains between her and her former live-together, songwriter-partner, (Adam Levine, also fine) and it's not a dull one. Maybe the film's very end was ever-so slightly cheesy, but it wasn't detrimental to the whole. (Note: There's a gathering together over the final credits of some loose ends, which I very nearly missed.)
The script is a further 'plus' - consistently alert, sharp and, to me, un-guessable.

The rating I feel inclined to give makes me feel a little guilty that it would make it higher than some recent films I've seen which, on reflection, deserve a mark higher than I allowed at the time. But all my scores are very much 'snapshot' feelings of the moment which can change with time in either direction, which most of them do - and anyway life is just too short to keep on adjusting for evermore. So, as at now, 'Begin Again' gets a....................7. 

(For a very alternative review do visit Blobby's Blog @ 
http://www.blobbysblog.com/2014/07/do-it-again.html )



10 comments:

  1. I am a huge Mark Ruffalo fan so i cannot wait to see this one!

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    1. I'm with you on hunky Mark. No matter what film he's always a magnetic presence on screen. I actually find something 'challenging' about him, though it's difficult to pinpoint in what particular respect..

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  2. I thought this movie would be sweet and entertaining...
    Thanks for that rayman
    Will make an effort see it

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    1. It's certainly a feel-good Summer film. Just right for a hot afternoon or warm evening. You won't regret making the effort to see.

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  3. Welcome back. I hope that you enjoyed your mini-vacation.

    I definitely want to see this one. How can you go wrong with Ruffalo, Knightley and Corden. The presence of Keener is a bonus.

    As I was reading your review, it dawned on me that yesterday I watched Ruffalo in "The Normal Heart" (5th time) and Knightley in "Anna Karenina" (3rd time). How strange is that?

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    1. Thanks for your greeting, Paul. I'm afraid my annual few days away this year was the heftiest 'trial' I've had in a long time with all sorts of things going wrong, including a possible falling out with my sister for the first time ever. Of course I hope it doesn't mean that but at the very least our relationship has cooled, and after the silliest of arguments.
      But you don't want to hear about that - and, anyway, it's good to be back in familiar surroundings with less to be concerned about here, (touch wood).

      I've always been a fan of Catherine Keener, another one whose visibility on the screen is always conspicuous - and she does have a fair bit to do in this one too.

      Not yet seen this 'Normal Heart' but must in time, even if it means having to get up in the very early dark hours, which it probably will.
      'Anna Karenina' holds up well after several viewings, being such an imaginative and risk-taking interpretation, but it works well. The novel is on my 'bucket list' of re-readings of the classics which could be my last time, though I'm certainly not planning it to be.

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  4. I wouldn't say mine is very alternative. We both picked up on the same story lines and relationship/non-relationships that 'Once' held. The only difference is you didn't mind seeing the same movie twice.

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    1. Well, let's say that our respective appreciations were at different levels. I don't mind one bit when opinions are at variance with mine as there's no absolute 'truth' on viewpoints either way. But it was educational reading yours. Thanks very much for your visit, B.

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  5. Ray,

    All good actors and you give it a good rating. This movie goes into my Netflix queu.
    Thanks!
    Ron

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    1. Do give it a shot, Ron. It's unusual enough to hold the interest - but do also please read Blobby's review who felt that it wasn't different enough from a previous film of the director. So whether you're on my side or his doesn't matter - except that I would recommend it and Blobby wouldn't.

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