August Rush (2007)

Mozart Under My Bed

I wish Freddie Highmore was a better actor, otherwise I could have really fallen for this picture in a big way, but perforce the screenplay had to keep returning from more interesting byways to focus on August's plight, and my heart sank each time. Funny thing too, for I used to like seeing Freddie in his other films: maybe he just isn't up to this particular part, for all he does here is widen his eyes with inexpressible delight every time he hears *music,* and then, as if that wasn't enough, those eyes widen further every time he hears mere *sound.* Nick Castle, the screenwriter, is always bad with kids: he is the madman responsible for HOOK and also he directed the horrid movie version of DENNIS THE MENACE and should have been exiled to Neptune for those crimes. And sorry, little Freddie just doesn't look like he could possibly be the son of Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.

Speaking of which, for me the picture lost dramatic plausibility the minute rich girl Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) lays eyes on emo musician Louis Connelly (Rhys Meyers) in the shadow of Washington Square Arch. He invites her to climb up and sit by him. Sorry, if he were the last man on earth you wouldn't catch me sitting on a high parapet next to Jonathan Rhys Meyers, I'd be too afraid he'd just tip me over the side of the building. ANY stranger, but especially Jonathan Rhys Meyers. There's something sinister and creepy about him, though maybe Lyla's drawn to him because of a similar streak in her own father (Bill Sadler, the sheriff from ROSWELL), who has a strange fixation on her that leads to terrible consequences.

I kept thinking there must have been scenes deleted from the movie, scenes covering the character arc of little Arthur (Leon Thomas III), whom we first see as the prize prodigy of crazy Wizard (Robin Williams), busking in Washington Square Park like a tiny rock star. As the film progresses, it's rather like ALL ABOUT EVE, with Evan Taylor/August Rush gradually supplanting poor Arthur in Wizard's affections, and becoming super famous and desired, while Arthur just stands there looking glum. Does he resent the white boy's success? Is it a parable for American race relations--August even gets to keep the very guitar Arthur once played? I think so, but it's almost as if they wanted to keep this aspect of the film muted--and in general, black children AND adults are nothing but helpful and kind to the lad of mysterious origins, August Rush, even saving his life on more than one occasion. This must be why poor Terrence Howard (whom I hope they paid a huge sum to) gets to appear in the film as the helpful, kind social worker. When you see him, your heart swells with sympathy, feeling sorry for the man who was once going to be the next big thing in the movies, and now he's playing a distant second or third fiddle to Freddie Highmore, sob. November 20, 2008

DESSERT FOR THE "INNER CHILD"

Too many Amazon reviewers give away too much detail and ruin the potential viewing experience for one and all who take the time to read their reviews. This is a movie for the inner child - drop all pretense of being adult and rational - just relax and enjoy this movie that was meant as a pleasant diversion. Every actor does a great job, the music is wonderful, the movie was beautifully filmed and the story is entirely plausible to all of us who "let our child out to play" while watching this very special movie. November 18, 2008

A magical movie

The title didn't attract me at first, but I read a few reviews of this movie and was intrigued. After watching it, I found it to be a wonderful (if predictable at times) story, with elements of Oliver Twist and a moving story of love, betrayal, the search for love, love found, and a happy ending. Those are all the elements I need to be completely satisfied with a movie! I actually rented this movie, then after seeing it, went and bought it on Blu-ray, so that was another sign that it's one of my favorites. There's a lot of weaving of past events with present, with wonderful performances (especially a contained one by Robin Williams). I highly recommend it. November 12, 2008

Loved it!!

This is a great movie. Heartwarming and touching. I see the negative reviews and also see people trying to be Siskel and Ebert. Yes maybe a little predicting but who cares. Overall it's got great actors including the colorful Robin Williams, great music and a fantastic ending. So if your not into disecting movies to death then I would give this one a try. November 8, 2008

Ridden with Cliches, but still Moving

"August Rush" is the kind of film that everyone says you HAVE to watch, as it will 'change your life'. Despite being a fairly new release, it has achieved some sort of cult status on the home video circuit, and I predict that in a few years it will be up there with 'Field of Dreams' as a constant seller on DVD.

That said, I am not one for sappy mediocrity and obvious sentimentality, and this movie has loads of it. From the opening five minutes to the absolutely useless climax (yes, I know it worked for many viewers, but I thought it ruined the film), every scene is worked in such a way that you can't help but see the end coming from a mile away.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a fine looking human being, but he looked awkwardly out of place and insensitive in his role here, played out with obviously no passion. Far better is Keri Russell who plays the female lead - this is one actress who has so far been underutilized in general, and here she is no different. Freddie Highmore takes all the credit in his breakthrough performance here - its a finely nuanced performance by a young actor we should see more of.

On the surface, "August Rush" is the sad tale of a child who believes his birth parents are out there somewhere. Both his birth parents are musicians, and the child inherits their musical genius. The final scene is a spectacle, where the young boy 'brings together' his parents under a brilliant night sky, all while conducting a symphony. Its glorious, beautiful, etc, but somehow it still did not move me. I guess the really bad performances by Meyers and Russell during the last five minutes really capsized the film, which is a pity. The last scene, which SHOULD be really powerful, just comes and goes.

In the right hands, "August Rush" could have been an epic classic that could stand the test of time, and become a movie masterpiece. The way it is right now, its a sentimental middle-of-the-road film that could have been so, so much more.

Three Stars. Five Stars for the unforgettable soundtrack. November 7, 2008

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