Begin Again - B+

Rated R, 101 minutes

Effusive, buoyant musical rom com "Begin Again" hits the right notes

The charming new romantic comedy "Begin Again" from the director of the 2007 Oscar-winning hit "Once" brims with enough crack and pop that you'll be humming the tunes and remember the brave storyline that doesn't always take the easy way out. For these reasons and more, it's the best romantic comedy in a genre that needs more films like this. "Begin Again" pairs Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo as two urbanites who are starting over at different areas in their lives. Knightley is the British Gretta, who relocates to New York City with her rising pop-star boyfriend (Adam Levine), who dumps her as he goes on the road. Ruffalo is a washed-up and alcoholic record-executive who is dumped by his own label with personal struggles with his estranged wife and teenage daughter (Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld). A chance encounter between the two sets off an unlikely collaberation that will hopefully put the two back on the right path. Directed and written by "Once's" John Carney, "Begin Again" (previously titled "Can a Song Save Your Life?") is an enchanting, often soul-stirring portrait of starting over, with a braver look at romance than most films in this predictable genre have. It also helps the film is infused with some exuberant tunes from Carney and his "Once" star Glen Hansard, not to mention the warm chemistry from Knightley and Ruffalo, who make for a memorable pairing. Also good is real-life pop singer (of Maroon 5 and TV's "The Voice") Levine in a small supporting role as the jerk pop-star boyfriend, though his unusual facial hair in the last act is a tad (make that considerably) distracting. The music is simply the backdrop for the relationships, but the mixture of music and romance is a nice one, and "Begin Again" is worth a look. Some of it meanders in the second act and some character motivations aren't fully explained, but the tunes (not to mention the backup musicians) make for an interesting time. Even better is the buoyant soundtrack, of which I plan on purchasing. "Begin Again" is compelling especially if you've ever been dumped, but is worth a look for wherever you're at in life.

Wes's Grade: B+