Sing Street

THE GIST: Conor is fifteen, just transferred to a new school, where bullies roam freely and teachers resemble despots, and has a rocky relationship with his older brother. Overall, he feels pretty alienated. One day, he sees a mysterious new girl and is immediately smitten. In order to spend time with her, he tells her his band needs a girl for a music video. She accepts, so now he needs to put together a band and come up with songs for it to play.

Sing Street was nominated for a Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Golden Globe and while it might not be as sophisticated as other titles in that category, it's certainly a lively comedy infused with vibrant, original music.

Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and Kelly Thornton are perfectly cast as the young lovebirds. Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor, and Aidan Gillen also star.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A fun coming-of-age tale with a cool vibe and a sweet budding romance. Sign me up!

Grade: 8