Sing Street (2016)

John Carney is really just magical. He knows how to make charming musicals about making music. They're always really touching. His depiction of love is beautiful and real. It's about hope and joy and taking chances and being young.  And the original music is genuinely good. "Drive It Like You Stole It" is in my playlist now. The cast is lovable, their 80s Dublin costumes are hilarious, and you really root for them. At the end, I found myself inexplicably attached to these characters. I must admit that I wasn't even really paying much attention while watching this movie, but somehow they still hooked me. 

Begin Again (2013)

Begin Again is filled with good music.  Keira Knightley's singing voice is surprisingly pleasant.   Her singing is notably better than Adam Levine's acting.  Mark Ruffalo, as always is phenomenal.  The two leads have excellent chemistry.

However, the star of the film is definitely the music.  Gregg Alexander, John Carney and Glen Hansard have composed a solid soundtrack.  The song Lost Stars is sure to be a front runner for Best Song at the Oscars.  Carney is known for making movies about music, and he succeeds at integrating the songs into the plot.  The film must be compared to Once, and the fact of the matter is that Once is a better movie.  Begin Again seems to lack the emotional depth and the authenticity that Once has.