There’s always been something about John Carney movies that has resonated with me. With music at the forefront of his comedy-dramas, his filmography has consistently delivered standout moments that have helped his work go down as crowd-pleasing classics. True to form, Carney’s latest, Power Ballad, sticks to that tried and tested formula, creating another future favourite for his growing list of fans.

Power Ballad follows Rick (Paul Rudd), a married father of one living on the Emerald Isle, where his dreams of becoming a famous musician are long gone. Instead, he plays in the playfully named wedding band The Bride and Groove. While performing at a wedding in a beautiful castle just outside Dublin, one of the guests turns out to be Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a boyband superstar desperate for a hit song to launch his solo career back to the heights he once had.

After performing together, Rick and Danny end up in a booze and weed filled studio session, jamming and creating songs before going back to their separate lives. What should have been a cherished memory quickly turns into a nightmare for Rick as he watches Danny skyrocket back to worldwide stardom using one of his songs from that session, sending his world into freefall.

As with any Carney movie, Power Ballad is first and foremost a celebration of music, both new and old. Classics from years gone by shine in a stellar soundtrack, but it’s the originals, especially the title track “How to Write a Song”, that will get audiences moving. Carney also gives a glimpse into the songwriting process through some entertaining drama, which feels well thought out and adds a nice extra layer.

The script from Carney and co-writer Peter McDonald, who also appears in the film, provides a pertinent look at the flawed and fickle nature of the modern music industry. Today’s big thing is tomorrow’s rubbish, and that message is clear from the start. The film also doesn’t shy away from showing how even good people can be corrupted by money and short term fame, capturing the cynicism and cut throat nature of those who make it to the very top.

While previous Carney films have been a slam dunk on the dramatic side, Power Ballad does lose its way slightly in the middle act, where Rick’s spiral takes centre stage. It turns a once likeable character into someone much harder to root for, but Carney regains momentum in the final act, delivering a strong emotional conclusion with the music front and centre again.

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are a bit of a revelation here. Rudd, as the lead, is given the space to deliver some of his best work both comedically and dramatically, and he’s got a genuinely great voice too. Jonas, as the superstar artist, feels like an inspired bit of casting, bringing a level of authenticity that really adds to the film.

Ultimately, Power Ballad plays out like many Carney films before it, but that works in its favour. With a great mix of comedy and heartfelt drama, along with some excellent music, Carney and McDonald have tapped into everything that makes his films work while also offering a pointed look at the music industry. It’s no surprise that Power Ballad has ended up as one of my favourite films of SXSW.