POWER BALLAD with Paul Rudd/Nick Jonas Is a One Note Drama

THE POWER BALLAD now screening on Fandango stars Paul Rudd as Rick, a wedding singer in a middle-aged Irish rock band. Nick Jonas plays Danny, a convincing former boy band wonder searching for his next big break on his own. Rick and Danny cross paths while Rick's band is performing at a wedding for the newly weds who are friends with Danny. The couple ask that Danny join the band for a number. Rick and Danny hit it off singing in harmony. After the wedding, Danny invites Rick up to his palatial suite. Over beer and booze, they play each other some of what they've been working on. Danny likes what Rick was tinkering with on the piano. Rick returns to his wife and daughter in Dublin. Meanwhile, Danny goes back to LA where he plays a little of Rick's song to his girlfriend who encouragers him to record it. The song ironically named "How to Write a Song (Without You) becomes a major hit and puts Danny back in the superstar stratosphere. When Rick hears his song played on the air (and everywhere) he tells his wife/daughter and band mates he wrote the song and Danny stole it. No one seems to believe him except his best friend who would say or do anything for him. Getting legal representation didn't help as Rick had nothing recorded (so he thinks) to prove his claim. The themes for the film of plagiarism, ethics of creative ownership and justification and cost of achieving one's ambitions are enticing. Nick Jonas' performance is both ingratiating and sinister giving the film its affecting tone. Jonas as Danny gave a potent portrayal of an artist whose life centers on success/fame with no room for meaningful, personal relationships. Rudd as Rick, a past his prime, small time singer is likable at first until he becomes distressed and obsessed with getting through to Danny to get credit and his share of the earnings. Rick starts out as fun and lighthearted but becomes more of a droning Greek chorus of woe, poor me. The numerous wedding scenes with Rick's band playing wore out their welcome and struck a morose, refrain. In desperation, Rick convinces his best friend to come with him to LA to confront Rick since he's blocked and threatened by Danny's management. The movie picks up with their enterprising scheme to make direct contact with Rick. The confrontation in the hot tub between Rick and Danny does provide a heated, climatic scene (played especially cunningly by Jonas). However, the final payoff doesn't provide a satisfying crescendo to its prelude. POWER BALLAD is mildly entertaining with a strong performance by Jonas. But, the monotonous playing of the pop song lyrics becomes grating and the discordant whining by Rudd wear out its celebration of its good times.