Movie review: Begin Again

Directed by: John Carney
Starring: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine

Rating: C-

Every thing was going fine and well until the scene where Ruffalo and Knightley spent hours roaming the city at night listening to each others play lists. The scenes were corny and I am not fond of the sexual tension between the two. I found myself cheering against them and silently chanting "no, no, go home." I don't think this is what was supposed to happen to viewers watching the movie.

A Ruffalo- Knightley romantic pairing is a creepy thought. His character in the movie could have been her character's father. Plus, there's the whole odd separation between Ruffalo and his wife. I would much rather cheer for them to get back together, even after hearing the sad story of why they weren't together.

The other part of the problem is that I don't like Knightley. I don't think she is a believable actress. She plays roles with a bitchy flair and is always huffy about one thing or another. Her character in this movie was likable, but I wasn't really rooting for her. She does her own vocal work in the movie, which is commendable. I heard that she never wants to go through the process again because she found it embarrassing. I find that revolting. It's fake and I tend to think she is a narcissist.

Adam Levine's foray into screen acting happened. That is all I can say about it. He was good enough. He wasn't bad. It was as I would hope to see. Nothing spectacular, but I guess in that right he did great in the supporting role. He didn't detract from the lead actors or the storyline. Although, his creepy facial hair came close to becoming a distraction. Just say no to furriness.

I did like the end. Knightley's character saw her song performed, realized she didn't need or want her old relationship, and trumped a record company. A win-win for the character. It is definitely a happy ending.

I guess I had a lot to say about this one. That doesn't necessarily mean I have judged it favorably. My impression of the movie was tainted by a few bad scenes and it is ultimately forgettable. I give this movie a C- and would not recommend it to anyone. I do not regret seeing it, but I wouldn't do it again if I were able to travel back in time and begin again (ha, pun intended).