Don’t believe the lies… this is listed as a comedy, but it’s really just a sweet and charming (if predictable) little family/musical drama. If it was meant to make you laugh, it fails miserably. But if it’s just meant to make you smile, it’ll probably succeed.

The flick is about a washed-up former boy band member who, twenty years later, is now busking on the street. In one such performance, a young mildly autistic teen starts drumming to his synth and quickly a video of their impromptu performance goes viral. Is this a second chance for former teen star and a first for the teen?

The first half of the movie is better than the second half. It’s about the hustle… the hustle to find what made you happy, to find a way back into the spotlight, and to simply make art that people appreciate. The film takes its time to show us some solid and interesting performances and there’s a real joy and energy to them.

The second half gets into some pretty predictable territory. It’s never bad, but it no longer has that fun energy. Partly because it delves into some dark corners of the man’s past which is less fun, but still dramatic. But the rest is very, very familiar “dark side of the music biz” routine that you’ve seen before.

The bond between the man and the autistic teen was pretty earnest and believable. Ed Skrein from Game of Thrones and Deadpool plays against type as a warm-hearted artist. The teen is played by Lee Long who I’ve read is an actual autistic actor. He does a great job showing the courage, concern, and fun of a young man in his position.

Even if it’s not a home-run, at least that first half was a lot of fun and the second is still a decent conclusion. I’m glad it wasn’t a comedy because the comedy version of “former teen idol” would probably have been too broad and corny. I like that it was more down-to-earth, serious, and humane.

Score: 83