MOVIE REVIEW: “SING STREET” (PG-13)
If I were a betting man, I’d say there will be few films released in 2016 that are as smile-inducing and as downright charming as “Sing Street.” Having said that, it should be noted that your love and appreciation of the ’80s will factor heavily into just how deeply you fall in love with this wonderful movie.
“Sing Street” takes place in Dublin in 1985, a time when fashion was king and music videos were a much-buzzed-about up-and-coming fad. The film follows likable teen Cosmo (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) as he tries to make sense of his parents’ pending divorce and life at a new school. Things begin to look up when Cosmo meets cute Raphina (Lucy Boynton). Sheepishly, Cosmo asks his potential soul mate to appear in his band’s music video, but there’s one small problem: He isn’t actually in a band. After Raphina accepts Cosmo’s offer, our affable protagonist quickly rounds up a couple of musicians at school and enlists the aid of his older, more musically astute brother Brendan (Jack Reynor) to show his newly assembled band the ropes. Together, Cosmo and crew attempt to use the power of music to rise up against their oppressors. Of course, lovable Cosmo also hopes to use it to win over the girl of his dreams.
Director John Carney clearly knows how to construct a musical. His “Once” was an absolute gem of a movie in which the music was an organic part of the plot. This is to say that “Once” was all about the songs and the characters performing them, but the songs themselves also happened to be telling the story. With the coming-of-age charmer, “Sing Street,” Carney scores again by fashioning a film in which music isn’t only used to complement a colorful soundtrack; it’s also used as a means to positively affect the lives of its central characters. And in the end, “Sing Street” emerges as a movie that’s as infectiously likable as it is sincere.
Carney has assembled a winning cast comprised mostly of newcomers. Sixteen-year-old Ferdia Walsh-Peelo is terrific here, bringing oodles of charm to the role of Cosmo. While this lively teen is a bit of an outcast and accustomed to being picked on by the school bully, he isn’t without his fair share of confidence. Peelo is a natural and serves as a perfect fit here — and what’s more, he performs all his own tunes. Boynton is terrific as Raphina, Cosmo’s pretty and confident but slightly confused muse. Ultimately, Raphina finds herself drawn to Cosmo’s sincerity and earnestness.
“Sing Street” is populated by a solid supporting cast, including Mark McKenna and Aiden Gillan, but it’s Jack Reynor who steals the majority of the scenes he’s in as Cosmo’s loving, all-wise slacker of a brother, Brendan. Reynor is just a joy and has charisma and charm to spare, and upon bearing witness to his wonderful work in this picture, it’s very easy to see why this talented up-and-comer was on the short list to play a young Han Solo (a role that ultimately went to Alden Ehrenreich of “Hail, Caesar!” fame.)
As was the case with “Once,” Carney shows a true understanding of the modern musical. He’s undeniably creative and gifted, particularly when it comes to putting viewers in the mindset of his characters. Look no further than a memorable fantasy sequence in which a “Back to the Future” loving Cosmo rehearses a ’50s-inspired prom-set musical number and imagines that all his many real life problems are solved through the power of music. It’s a magical sequence in a film full of magical sequences.
The music in this picture is as joyful and affectionate as the movie itself. “Sing Street” features a plethora of popular ’80s tunes from the likes of The Jam, The Cure, and Duran Duran, but it’s Carney’s original numbers — ones inspired by the aforementioned bands — that are enough to make the ’80s music lover inside grin from ear to ear. And further props to “Once” star Glen Hansard for his heartfelt “Sing Street” closer.
“Sing Street” is a joyful motion picture experience. It’s the kind of movie that John Hughes probably would have championed. If you’re a fan of the ’80s, you’re sure to warm up to this undeniably winning musical. But even if this era isn’t your bag, you’re still likely to relate to this movie’s central character. We’ve all had dreams at some point in our lives, and in “Sing Street,” a determined Cosmo will do everything he can to obtain those dreams through the magical — and healing — power of music.
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