August Rush (2007 movie)

Directed by: Kirsten Sheridan
Released: 2007
Country: United States

Main Cast: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Robin Williams, Terrence Howard

Genres: Musical, Drama

Rating: 3 out of 5

Review

Music. Music to find someone. To love music. ''August Rush'' is such a film where music is a major theme.

This film is filled with sentimental elements and music. In the beginning of the film, we see Evan Taylor, growing up in a boys' orphanage. Evan is a young boy who can hear music everywhere. He believes one day, he can go back to his parents. He is mocked by boys of the orphanage who call him a ''freak''. This young boy, Evan Taylor, is played by Freddie Highmore, the brilliant actor whom we all know from ''Finding Neverland''.

There is a flashback. We see Evan's parents, Louis and Lyla. Lyla is a cellist and Louis is the lead singer of a band. (They don't know each other). One night, they meet each other, and sleep together on a rooftop.  But the next morning, Lyla has to go. Louis tells her to meet him at a certain place. But when Louis runs to meet her, she doesn't acknowledge him.Later it is known that Lyla is pregnant. After she gives birth, she is said that the baby has died. 

Both Louis and Lyla give up performing...

The baby, now growing up in an orphanage, is Evan Taylor. Eleven years have passed, and one day, Evan ''follows the music'' he hears all around him and ends up alone in the crowdy city. There, he meets a young boy, Arthur, who sings in the streets, and asks him for shelter. Arthur takes him to his home, which is in a condemned theater. He meets Wizard (played by Robin Williams), a man who teaches these homeless children singing. He then hear Evan playing a guitar, and is really very impressed and takes him to sing at the streets and renames him ''August Rush'', knowing one day he will indeed become famous.

At this stage, I was starting to think a bit, ''Is this being a bit familiar?'' Somehow, oh somehow. I was starting to think hard, and then I wondered, ''Hey, isn't Wizard so similar to Fagin of Oliver Twist?'' Oh yes, Fagin! 

When one day police raid the place, everybody run away. August arrives at a church. Very soon, his talents are recognized. He is taken at the Julliard School. He learns excellently. 

Meanwhile, Lyla and Louis are also back to music. Louis is looking for Lyla. Lyla is looking for Evan (or August). August is looking for Louis and Lyla. Will music bring the family back together?

Well, I have given enough details; I won't wanna spoil the movie anymore for you.

Freddie Highmore is a brilliant actor. Like his performance in Finding Neverland, he performs brilliantly in this movie as well. Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Keri Russell both play their roles excellently. Robin William is also okay. So are Leon J. Thomas III as Arthur, and Terrence Howard as Counselor Richard Jeffries.

Entertaining to watch, filled with very excellent music, emotional theme, and a touching story, this film may not be excellent, but is truly touching, presented nicely, and is certainly worth watching.

3 out of 5.