Sing Street

Two years ago, I talked about John Carney’s “Begin Again,” which was about an ex-music producer teaming up with a musician’s ex-girlfriend to make an independent album made on the streets. You might also remember that it was among my favorite films of 2014, and for very good reason. It was a sweet little film with a neat story, likable characters, and fantastic songs. It made me really become aware of John Carney’s work again, and got me excited for what this guy was going to do next. Which brings us to “Sing Street.”

            “Sing Street” focuses on Connor “Cosmo” Lalor, a young Irish lad who transfers to a new school, and isn’t exactly doing well socially. When he finds attraction with a girl named Raphina, he decides use his passion for futurism to put together a band and make music videos, featuring her in them. While it may seem like the typical, ‘play music to win the girl’s heart’ story, “Sing Street” handles its execution with such ease and passion put behind it. It’s the kind of coming-of-age story that fits in with those who pursue the music that calls their names.

             Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Cosmo really does a great job, portraying the outcast turned rebel. When we first see him, we get a good glimpse at what his life is like before going to the new school, seeing that his family isn’t in the best spot right now. The passion for music and that eager futurist look on life is what truly pushes him to decide to take a couple risks in life, even if it may be at a cost. Lucy Boynton plays Raphina, a dropout turned model, who dreams of London. The chemistry that she shares with Cosmo is deeply touching, helping him get the confidence he needs to keep taking risks no matter what the cost, and her to realize that the people who work their best to make music or videos is something to truly be fascinated by. All I can say is that I want to see these two in more performances.

            Jack Reynor, who you may remember as the Irish boyfriend from “Transformers 4,” plays Brendan, Cosmo’s brother. When you see him and Cosmo share the screen together, you really feel that sibling connection between them, especially through their love for music and the future. Even if Brendan didn’t play his cards right, he knows that Cosmo still has a chance and wants to see him succeed with music in a way that Brendan himself couldn’t do. It’s nice to see Jack Reynor deliver work that proves he’s a solid actor, and I’m hoping that continues on throughout here. I also have to talk about the other members of the band. I really enjoyed watching these guys perform, whether it was just to meet up or when they were performing, they were all very fun to watch. The manager, the multi-instrument player with his mom, the two casual classmates that are recruited from the flyer, they’re all very likable. Hell, even the school bully who becomes a good friend is very well developed, when asked to be a body guard for the band.

            This brings us to the songs. While a good majority of the soundtrack consists of songs by Duran Duran, The Jam, Hall & Oates, and Motorhead, the original songs by John Carney and Gary Clark are really damn catchy. “Drive It Like You Stole It,” “Up,” “Brown Shoes,” they all really stick in your head and you’ll be humming them by the time you finish watching the movie.

            Overall, “Sing Street” is another great film that John Carney has given us, and I’m glad I was able to catch when I could. Great characters, great coming-of-age story, and, best of all, great songs. If you liked Carney’s other films, then I’m sure you’ll love this one. And like I’ve said with “Begin Again”: if “Once” can make it to Broadway, I’m hoping “Sing Street” will do so as well.

Rating: 10/10