Begin Again

Begin Again is director John Carney's blatant attempt to recapture the magic of his 2006 surprise hit Once, and if it seems churlish to hold this shiny new product's feet to that previous film's lo-fi flame, blame Carney for continuously rubbing our noses in it. He practically begs for the comparison, but everything fresh and original about Once has been recycled and sanitized, and Begin Again is broad and excessive where Once was charming and concise. The film has an irresistible concept and all the necessary elements to make it work, but instead of trusting that, Carney overloads the film with artifice and plot. Begin Again feels like it should work, but never does, and in that sense, it is a lot like one of those God-awful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame jam bands, where talented entertainers team up to create a tuneless cacophony.