August Rush (2007)

Synopsis

Title: August Rush
Genre: Inspirational, Romantic Drama
Rating: PG
Running Time: 133 Minutes
Director: Kirsten Sheridan
Main Actors: Freddie Highmore, Robin Williams, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Composer: Mark Mancina
Plot: A boy who was abandoned at birth uses his musical talent as he searches for his parents.


My Take

One of the main arguments against this movie that I've read about are geared towards the unlikelihood of many of the events. I have seen movies where coincidences abound and agree that this is not good for a movie, but I never had that feeling when watching this movie. It was a feel good story, and like any feel good story your natural reaction is going to be a happy one. Some people don't like this, but I found August Rush not only uplifting but very well made.

The idea of a boy using music to find his separated parent may seem a little far fetched, but it actually works really well. The way the story comes together is a thing of beauty and great story telling if you ask me. In addition to a solid script, August Rush had some excellent directing and acting. I thought that all of the actors did a solid job. I think the kid (Freddie Highmore) is going to be a big time movie star. I'll take him in a movie before Dakota Fanning. I don't know how old he is, but he acts like he's been in the business for longer than he's been alive. He's a whole lot better than most actors I've seen. Robin Williams does a great job playing the creepy guy who uses kids for his own profit. Those two performances stick out for me, but they all did a wonderful job. As for the directing, I loved how she used the music to tell the story. When the actors do such a great job, you know there is a director who deserves some of the credit.

The music was the movie. I am a strong believer in the power of music and the effect it can have on people. You may have noticed that I included the composer in the synopsis. This was not by mistake. Mark Mancina deserves a lot of credit in this movie and I felt it would not be right to not include him. Taking a quote from the movie, "I love music more than food". I believe that good sound effects and especially music in a movie are two of the most important elements. Music sets the mood of a movie and can change the dynamic of the movie. In August Rush, music was the movie and both were great.

Should You Watch???

Watch it if you have a brain. This movie is a slam dunk, a home run, a touchdown. I had never heard of the movie before I went to see it in theaters so I had no expectations going in to the movie. I left the movie feeling lucky that I had the opportunity and the privilege to watch such a great movie. This movie is a very clean movie that I can recommend to anyone and everyone. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this movie. Go out and watch it!

Popcorn Rating

Movie Theater Popcorn