August Rush (2007)

Now Available on DVD

Plot of August Rush

Convinced that music is the key to finding his parents (Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers), 11 year old Evan (Freddie Highmore) leaves the orphanage and ventures out into the world. He discovers an awe inspiring talent for music within himself that he uses to help his parents find him. Along the way he meets people who wish to help him find his way, those who wish to exploit his musical talent for their own gains, and some who just want to help him realize his full musical potential.

Review of August Rush

August Rush could almost be considered a fairy tale. You have the little boy searching for his lost parents using an almost magical talent, the mother, all in white searching for her lost son, the father looking for his long lost love, the helpful fairy (Terrence Howard's character), and the bad guy trying to keep August and his talent all to himself.
 

Being a musician myself, I seem to have an affinity for movies about musicians. Especially films that portray music in a new and interesting way. August Rush is one of those films. Taking environmental noise and creating music from city sounds like traffic, footsteps and cars to show how a prodigy can find music in everyday sounds is expressed very well. Relatively new Director Kirsten Sheridan knows how to pull the heartstrings, only falling into the sappy section once or twice.
 

Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terence Howard and Robin Williams are all on the ball here. Highmore exudes such joy at making music that every time he played, I couldn't help but smile. Russell and Rhys Meyers seem to be a big part of the story without really being a big part of the story. It's all about Highmore, not even Robin Williams, who by the way looks like he raided Bono's garbage for his wardrobe, can't even outshine him. Williams himself continues his streak of playing roles that are a little different for him. His turn as Wizard is a blend of all of his talent, humor and drama with a little craziness thrown in for good measure. Terrence Howard's part, although small,gives him another opportunity to prove that he will be a big name in the future. The first time he meets Evan/August, you can see in his eyes how much he cares.
 

The look and feel of the film are appropriate for each part of the story. You have a slightly gritty feel for rock and roller, a lighter feel when telling Lyla's side of the story and the best example is Wizards condemned theater, home to a group of children that he trains musically to panhandle. That set looks remarkably like the Lost Boys village in Hook, coincidently starring Robin Williams as well. Speaking of coincidences, there are way too many in the film, everybody crosses paths in there journeys or just misses them, which gets overused and seems a little hokey at times.
 

August Rush may be predictable, but the music, cast and emotion make up for the predictability and the sometimes ridiculous coincidences that pepper the film. This movie will appeal to a wide audience, from music aficionados to kids,romantics to couples and anybody who just wants to feel good. I highly recommend August Rush to the masses.
 

Until Robin wins a Bono look alike contest,
keep reading

Mitch E
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

The Cast

Director

Producers

Freddie Highmore

Kirsten Sheridan

Ralph Kamp, Louise Goodsill, Robert Greenhut

Robin Williams

Keri Russell

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Terrence Howard

Rating

Length

Distributors

Release Date

PG for some thematic elements, mild violence and language.

Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

November 21st, 2007(wide)

Related Links

OfficialSite

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This review was written by Mitch E. Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved.