Begin Again Review - 3½ Stars

“Begin Again” tells a messy story about music and musicians and love and loss and creativity and tells it in a highly entertaining manner.  The story begins with Keira Knightley called onto the stage of a small club where she sings a song she’s recently written.  We feel she fails to put it over, but Mark Ruffalo, a just fired record label owner/promoter hears it differently.  The two form a creative partnership with the intent of producing an edge of the envelop album.  During their time together we learn both character’s back story, including Keira’s relationship with a narcissistic musician and Ruffalo’s failed marriage to Catherine Keener and its effect on their teenage daughter Hailee Steinfeld.  “Begin Again” touches some of the same feeling that made “Once” so powerful a few years ago.  Both directors share the same director—John Carney.  “Begin Again” deals with feelings and emotions and creativity and does it in a very winning manner.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Unexpected love story.  Is it entertaining?  A delight.  Is it worth the price of admission?  Yes.