Formerly titled CAN A SONG SAVE YOUR LIFE? the new music drama BEGIN AGAIN, starring Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley has got a pleasant, uplifting vibe to it based on its new trailer. That seems to match the feeling we had when we reviewed it for TIFF last year (review here) and although it's been retitled, the film looks to have retained its charm. Directed by ONCE helmer John Carney, BEGIN AGAIN brings back a similar vibe to his prior hit, which is a somewhat whimsical and inspiring vibe. It co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Adam Levine, Catherine Keener, Mos Def, and James Corden.
Take a look:
Here's the synopsis:
The latest film from writer-director John Carney (ONCE), BEGIN AGAIN is a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together. Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Gretta is left on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City.
Ruffalo has done well in smaller films like this, including THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT and THANKS FOR SHARING, and this feels like another notch in that belt. He's become a well-respected actor, even when not hulking out for Marvel, and is a fine addition to any film. Knightley, it seems, follows a similar path, keeping a low profile for the most part, when not taking a gamble on a big-budget flick (or dud, in the case of JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT). In essence, these two are perfect for the underdog roles in BEGIN AGAIN and it looks like a much needed feel-good flick.
BEGIN AGAIN is set to open on July 4, 2014.