Reeling on "Begin Again" from "Once" writer/director John Carney (opens Wednesday)

When Dave Kohl (Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine) gets a recording contract, he and his songwriting and life partner Greta (Keira Knightley, "Anna Karenina") move to New York City, but the temptations of fame wreck havoc with their relationship.  Meanwhile Distressed Records founder Dan's (Mark Ruffalo, "The Avengers") inability to land commercial talent since his own life fell apart costs him his job.  On the night before she intends to leave for home, Greta's buddy Steve (James Corden, "The History Boys," the upcoming "One Chance") coaxes her onto an East Village stage where she catches Dan's ear and together Greta and Dan find the will to "Begin Again."

If music was the form of communicative consummation for the impossible lovers of the heartbreaking "Once," writer/director John Carney uses song this time around as a method for finding one's own voice.  Beginning with the scene that unites his protagonists before rewinding twice to show us how each found themselves in a sad place, Carney turns to hope and new beginnings for his second modern musical.

To read the rest of Laura's review, click here:
http://www.reelingreviews.com/beginagain.htm