We all face choices. Often, we’re forced to choose between ruthlessly pursuing a dream and those that are most important in our life. But sometimes those decisions can lead to the great of art. That’s something John Carney and Peter McDonald bring to the film Power Ballad, which opened June 5.

In the film, Rick Power (Paul Rudd) is an American living in Ireland. He was once a promising young rocker touring Europe. But on that tour, he met Rachel (Marcella Plunkett). They married and soon came Aja (Beth Fallon). As a result, Rick took a year off and stayed in Ireland. When he was ready to get back in the music game, it had passed him by.

Now, to help provide for his family, he’s part of a popular wedding band, the Bride and Groove. He fronts the band, singing the greatest hits and occasionally trying to mix in his own. He still has a love of music and still writes songs, but his performing is limited to excitable wedding crowds.

At one show, held at a beautiful castle location, among the guests is Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a former boy band star who is trying to re-make himself as a serious solo artist. After a guest appearance with Rick and the band, he hits it off with the lead singer. When the wedding is over, Rick and Danny jam in his suite.

Rick helps Danny adjust and build on the songs he’s working on for a new album. In return, Rick plays some of his songs for Danny. One in particular catches Danny’s attention. When he returns to Los Angeles, desperate for a hit after a tepid reaction to his own new music, Danny returns to Rick’s song. He makes it his own, turning it into a giant hit—and claiming all the credit.

Distraught after hearing it while shopping, Rick tries to reach out to Danny and find out why. The song, written as a tribute to someone special, is important to Rick. As it becomes the most popular song in the world, Rick’s world crumbles around him because he can’t let go of what happened.

For the past few years, Carney has delivered a number of music-focused tales. His films include Sing Street, Begin Again, and Once, the latter of which gets a fun shout out in Power Ballad. The films are always built around great music and some interesting interpersonal tales. That’s the case here, too.

Rudd does a great job in the lead role. He fits in this role and looks equally as comfortable performing for crowds at the mic as he does in the smaller, more personal moments. He has some great chances to shine and show a range of emotions, serving as the heart and soul of the story.

Jonas is a pro at performing, doing it for most of his life. He imbues Danny with a certain energy that works for the film. It’s interesting to see this self-absorbed man cling to stardom at all costs, including his own conscience. A few moments where Danny struggles and is close to breaking work well, too.

In the end this is a fascinating and engaging story with a great original song at the heart. It’s often a bit sappy, but it was the right kind of sappy for me. I had a great time, and I think you will too, especially if you’re a fan of Carney’s work.

Power Ballad is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.