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MOVIE
REVIEW: AUGUST RUSH

11/20/07

“Listen . . . can you hear
it? The music . . .” The music is the blood, the life force
that flows through the arteries and veins of this movie.
It’s all about the music and how it connects these three
human beings, a son and his parents. August Rush: “The
music. I thought if I could play it, they would know I was
alive. And find me.” This movie was truly a pleasure to
watch. The key to enjoying it is to get passed the
far-fetched or slightly exaggerated premise, the touch of
corniness, and the conveniently coincidental occurrences and
you’ll be just fine. If you let these things bother you, you
might not like it. Trust me, it’s worth the view if you take
it at face value, especially if you are a fan of music.
Speaking of the music, what a soundtrack! I haven’t heard
anything this good since the movie Once. Mark Mancina, Hans
Zimmer and crew have created a musical masterpiece for this
film. It has got to be an Oscar nominee in the music
category. The fairy tale story will draw you in and give you
hope. You will find yourself routing on Evan, a.k.a. August
Rush (Freddie Highmore), to reach his destination of finding
his parents. The performance by Freddie is truly special
border lining incomprehensible.
August Rush is an orphan. He has been at the orphanage for
“eleven years and sixteen days. I've been counting.” His
only purpose in life at this young age is to find his
parents. Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) and Louis Connelly
(Jonathan Rhys Meyers) are both very strong in musical
talent. Lyla is a successful cellist for an orchestra and
Louis sings and plays guitar very well for his brother’s
rock band. After a chance encounter and ensuing night
together, Lyla ends up pregnant. Due to certain
circumstances, the baby is given to the orphanage. The
parents’ musical talent has been passed on to this child
exponentially. He is a modern day Mozart, a naturally
talented musical genius. He uses his gift to help him find
his parents. August Rush: “It's like someone's calling out
to me, only some of us can hear it.” He does hear it and he
does something about it. No matter how much anyone tries to
bring him down, he never buckles. He maintains a constant
optimism, determination, and conviction that he will succeed
in his quest. He can sense that they are all drawn together
even though they are apart. He is one of the most bright
spirited and mature orphans I have ever seen. It almost like
he is music personified.
Unfortunately Priscilla missed this one and she would have
loved it. She likes movies that deal with children and she
is a big fan of music so this would have been double the
pleasure for her. Other than the stunning performance by
Freddie, Keri and Jonathan also give some stirring scenes.
Terrence Howard is a busy man. It seems like he is in every
other movie I see or hear about. He plays Richard Jeffries,
a social worker that gets entangled with the boy and his
mother. What can you say about Robin Williams. Not
necessarily his best work but a strong performance
nonetheless. His character is a lot more than what you see
in the previews but I’ll let you find out for yourselves. An
easily overlooked but very well done and cute performance
was turned in by Jamia Simone Nash as Hope, one of the many
people August runs into during his quest. She’s just
adorable as August’s “piano teacher” (she’s about his age).
The August Rush character is so upbeat and smiley that it’s
a little disturbing, but it fits. As far as the locations
and look of the movie, as I have mentioned before, you can’t
go wrong with a New York backdrop. Director Kirsten Sheridan
had been quiet for a while and she has busted out with this
gem. She gives us a magical climax that even though it’s a
little corny, it could very easily draw a tear or two. Lyla
Novacek: “I know it sounds crazy, but I can hear him! I
swear I can hear him!” Go see this movie so you can hear him
too.
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
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People Movie Review
August Rush
Beautiful |
100 |
This movie is perfect.
Flawless in all ways. Robin Williams
actually did a great job playing the
villian unlike his most comedian roles.
I would suggest this to anyone who
appreciates music in any way. I think
August Rush is the cutest movie you will
ever see. The mother and father in this
movie are FANTASTIC. The music is
perfect just like the movie. GO SEE IT
^_^ |
Mark |
100 |
For those who have become
accustomed to "The humdrum ", excuse
called entertainment, they were in for a
shock with this movie. Shame on the
critics who "killed this movie" before
it even hit the screen. But, the public
got their vengeance, and got the last
laugh. Something worked in "August
Rush", and yes, it had it's share of
mistakes. I think we as movie goers have
become somewhat numb over the endless
line of one bad movie after another, we
forget how to react ..perhaps ....forget
how to relax, and simply sit, and enjoy
a film on it's face value. With said, I
waited several weeks befoire actually
seeing the
film., in hopes of getting some feedback
from the guests (I work in the movie
industry), and after receiving very
positive reviews .... I decided it was
my turn. I had the attitude of critic,
and was in "defense mode", ready to walk
out at the first sign of trouble. Never
happened.. Instead, I found myself
connecting to the characters, storyline,
and the incredible music.. on a deeply
emotional level. I
was floored. Needless to say, it quickly
became my favorite movie... and a "Must
see" I recommended it at every
opportunity, and I personally viewed it
3 times while it was in theater. At this
point; I am waiting (impatiently) for
it's release on DVD. I am also hoping
that Warner Bros. consider a sequel. And
for those us who seen this film, know
their is tremendous potential. |
Charlie Tipton |
100 |
I haven't been to the
movies in awhile and this one was
suggested by a friend. I am a big Keri
Russel fan, and feel she is not only one
of the most beautiful women on the
screen, but a wonderfully gifted
"natural" actress as well. I just
enjoyed it from beginning to end. The
"Oliver Twist" thing was going on for
sure with Robin Williams in the Fagan
role...but he was wonderful at at. IThe
score (I'm a huge musiic nut) was
wonderful and I left the theatre feeling
uplifted. ...which is rare for movies
these days. I would definatlely
reccomment this moive to everyone. For
me there were deep spiritual
implications for my life and I
know to many it sounds a bit
"incredulous" but I felt as if the voice
of God was speaking to me through this
film to never give up on the gift inside
you and to persevere no matter how
adverse the circumstances. In the end
you will find your song. I loved
it......loved it!!!! |
Sarah |
100 |
This was honestly one of
the best i have seen in my life. It
shows how much I love music and this was
just inspiring. It is great to listen to
real music other than the crap they are
playing today like rap. All the acting
was terrific. Althoug, I must say it is
hard seeing robin williams play a mean
part like that. When I saw the trailer i
thought he would be a nice guy and he is
but . . . eh h well. Robi Williams did a
terrific job still and it great to
finally see him play somebody
serious sas well other than his comedian
roles. And Freddie Highmore was
incredible. I can never see him put down
a performance, from the first time
I saw him in Finding nevrland he blew my
mind away. This is an excellent movie
and is good for the whole family. |
Anastasia |
100 |
I love this movie. I'm a
musician myself and I loved it. The
second time i watched it, I cried
because of the ending. After the movie
was over I went to my grand piano and
started composing a song. This movie was
really inspiring to me. I would say I
would watch this movie every single day
if i could. |
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Director: Kirsten Sheridan
Writer: Nick Castle (Screenplay)
James V. Hart
(Screenplay)
Paul Castro
(Story)
Nick Castle
(Story)
Genre:
Music-driven Drama
Duration:
1hr 53mins
Staring: Freddie Highmore
Keri Russell
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Terrence Howard
Robin Williams
Producer: Richard Barton Lewis
Distributor: WARNER BROS
Rating:
PG for some thematic elements,
mild violence and language
Release Date: November 21, 2007
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