Movie Review: August Rush
Published November 21, 2007
After coming under the spell of an Artful Dodger-type (in the form of a cute street musician), August meets a Fagin-type known as Wizard (Robin Williams, channeling Bono’s performance and look from this summer’s Across the Universe). Wizard gets possessive and violent; seeing cash in the boy, he tricks August into thinking that no one else will treat him any better. But August wises up and escapes to a church, where he sneaks around and plays the organ. Of course his talents cannot be kept hidden and he is soon at Julliard being properly taught.
Highmore (Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) takes a soft-spoken, serious approach, which suits this type of film perfectly. The kid must be really centered, having appeared in so many fantastical films. He vacillates from dismal moments with pooled tears in his eyes to complete, bright-eyed excitement.
Russell excels at red-eyed crying, conveying anguish and disgust all at once. She also marvelously expresses the yearning she has for what is lost (both physically and emotionally). She needs to find her son and reclaim her music for her own well-being. It shows in every expression. Russell is a superb talent, as evidenced by her turn in this summer’s sweet, charming Waitress, her small role in The Upside of Anger, and her years on Felicity. Also, this film must have been cast for eyes—piercing, emotive, beautiful eyes. The gentle, lovely Terrence Howard plays a caring child services representative.
August Rush has a dreamy, ethereal feel. Director Kirsten Sheridan (daughter of acclaimed director Jim Sheridan) deftly creates a magical atmosphere as it takes viewers on an improbable journey through a series of fortunate circumstances and chance encounters. August Rush is sweet and hopeful in its overtones, and you just might fall for its charms. Even if only for the night.
- Movie Review: August Rush
- Published: November 21, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Drama, Review, Video: Music
- Writer: Amy Steele
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Oh I think the end was good enough. It was obvious they all just "knew". It was a refreshing movie, and I loved the music in this film. Excellent and different movie. Didn't need all the trashy talk and R rated crap that goes along with most out there. Great job with this one. I would see it again just to see the people and hear the music in it. Cast was excellent - all of them.
I watched it yesterday. Such a cute movie. I agree that in these times of violent movies, it was refreshing to just sit and watch a beautiful story unfold, complete with amazing music and wonderful performances by everyone: Highmore, Williams, Russell, Meyers, etc.
About the above review, the reviewer seems to have forgotten Jonathan Rhys Meyers was in the movie. He was pretty good in it.
If you love music--if it is your passion--nothing else matters in this film. You could almost close your eyes and feel just the music. I wondered if there are those among us with such a gift that it transcends mere mortality. Einstein, Mozart, Stephen Hawking--they must see the world differently. It must resonate as it does with August Rush. I was mesmerized.
this movie was such a great movie....
i greatly recommend it to anyone who simply wishes to see a perfect nice movie.....
though the ending could of been much more better....
there were too many questions untold...
but overall I really enjoyed it.
I loved August Rush! It was such a great movie! I watched it twice in one day. I now have the soundtrack! The ending left me hanging that I think the director should make a sequel!
This is my new favorite movie! Such a feel good ,hopeful, inrichful movie. The acting was so beleivable and powerful. Such a great and different story. Just what the world needed. I hope there is a sequel because, like others, things were left unfinished. I hope the reason is because there is a sequel coming? I hope so! I first rented the movie and watched it three times. Then I bought the soundtrack, and a few days later, I bought the movie. BRAVO!
I just saw the movie today
and I couldnt get enough
I left my seat so that I could be right in front of the television
Saying this movie keeps you at the edge of your seat is the understatement of the millenium!!!
The music was breath taking
and the way Freddy Highmore portrayed it made a rainbow of emotions to well up inside of me.
I could just go on forever about it.
Although I was disappointed with the ending.
How could they leave us with such a cliff hanger
It should be illegal!
Okay before I spaz,
if you havent seen this movie,
go see it immediately!
yeaah
well triple thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this movie! Besides the 'hanging' ending, which wasn't too bad, because it was obvious that they all seemed to know everything already...the only thing I didn't like was that Lyla (Keri Russell) and Lewis (Johnathan Rhys Meyer) knew each other for what, 3 minutes before they kissed and stuff? That was a little too much fantasy in the story. But it was, I suppose, essential to the rest of the plot, or else they would've already known each other, and maybe her father wouldn't have been so restricting. But anyway, I love this movie, and it's a Must see for people looking for a touching, musically inspiring film!
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The movie was WONDERFUL! Yet, the ending was SUCH a let down. Too many questions left hanging. 1. Lewis thought she was married from the phone call he made and yet still went up and grabbed her hand. 2. Did August know they were his parents? Of course, they make you think he does....but there's no definite reunion. 3. Lyla knows August is her son, but she never tells Lewis.
These were all the moments I was waiting to see but never got too. At least let us see them in a park having a picnic or something...I left feeling like I needed to know what happened next, but I doubt there will ever be a sequel. Please tell a director you know not to do this to such a great story.