Begin Again

Is there anything Keira Knightley can't do? I'm guessing, no. In the romantic comedy "Begin Again" she even sings like an indie-label pro.

John Carney's much-anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Oscar-winning film "Once" is a ridiculously hopeful and incessantly infectious treat. I dare even the most cynical viewer not to smile while watching this gem. Carney has fashioned another musical chock-full of awesome songs, performed live, that actually advance plot and enhance characterization.

The film follows singer/songwriter Greta (Knightley), a believer in an artist's "authenticity," who is taking a break from her now-famous rock star boyfriend (a solid Adam Levine). One night, Greta is discovered in a club by a once-hip record label exec, Dan (sexy and spot-on Mark Ruffalo), who is now a total fuck-up. As Dan watches her acoustic rendition of "A Step You Can't Take Back," he imagines a full accompaniment arrangement.

Dan suggests she record her tracks all over New York City. "Whatever happens, we record it," he enthuses. And they do.

"Begin Again" is an inspirational valentine to NYC with Woody Allen influences apparent, especially as the camera follows Greta and Dan on their journey of rediscovery, including a stroll through Times Square as Sinatra's "Luck Be a Lady" jazzes the soundtrack.

The Blu-ray shows off the Big Apple visuals lovingly, and the musical moments sound fantastic with ambient noise blending neatly with the live jams.

Paltry Special Features include a pretty standard 20-minute "Making Of" EPK and four music videos (really clips from the film) with jarring pop-up lyrics.

"Begin Again" argues that we can choose the own soundtrack to our lives. And we can add our own visuals as well. Mine currently include the crazy-appealing Keira Knightley.

"Begin Again"
Blu-ray
$34.99
www.anchorbayentertainment.com