Walking into a movie without knowing anything about the film you’re about to see is the best.
Without certain expectations, it’s a little harder to be let down, and every twist in the plot is exciting. I did this with John Carney’s new film Begin Again starring Keira Knightley (Pirates beauty), Mark Ruffalo (13 Going on 30 star), Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit’s young actress), and Adam Levine (yes, the singer, in his first movie), and I was pleasantly surprised.
Sorry to ruin part of the surprise, but it’s worth knowing about this one. It blows the disappointing summer blockbusters out of the water. Begin Again is charming, and maybe even a little “artsy.” If Adam Levine didn’t give it away, it’s a movie about music. The talented but overlooked singer and songwriter Greta (Knightley) changes her luck by performing in front of a fallen record label exec. named Dan (Ruffalo) who instantly knows she’s the key to his career comeback. After some persuasion, they decide to make an album that embraces New York City by recording every song outside in a different iconic location. Greta and Dan grow close through struggles in both their careers and love lives. Will it result in romance? You’ll have to see for yourself.
Begin Again is not some somber indie film about music. It’s at times, laugh out loud funny. Imagine leaving your ex a slightly drunken voicemail of yourself singing the song you just wrote that rips them apart. It’s much funnier than just putting out the album, not to name any names (Taylor Swift). Not only is it entertaining, but also the acting is perfect. Don't worry, what Adam Levine lacks in acting, he makes up for in singing.
My favorite film of the summer makes you feel inexplicably happy. Whether you’re ready for a new beginning or just need some entertainment during the burning hot summer, this movie will inspire you to put yourself out there. Maybe in your career, in repairing a past relationship, in getting over a previous relationship, or just in life in general. Everybody deserves the chance to Begin Again.